Planning system, control device, planning method and program

Abstract

Provided is a planning system with which it is possible to flexibly carry out rearrangement planning in accordance with the actual state of a site. The planning system (1) has an arrangement specification unit (12) and a plan specification unit (14). The arrangement specification unit (12) specifies an arrangement, in an arrangement location, of platforms which have a plurality of articles loaded thereon, in accordance with a quantity from which the articles are to be transported from the arrangement location. The plan specification unit (14) specifies a rearrangement plan that is a procedure for moving the platforms in accordance with the specified arrangement.

Description

Planning system, control device, planning method and computer-readable medium

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a planning system, a control device, a planning method, and a computer-readable medium.

[0002] There is a technology for specifying the location of items at a site where items are located and stored, such as a logistics warehouse. Related to this technology, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a location planning system. Patent Document 1 discloses a system for calculating an evaluation value indicating an evaluation of the transportation work for receiving and shipping items and the location based on incoming and outgoing schedule information, and for planning the location of items and the transportation work for the items related to the location based on the evaluation value.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-120784

[0004] The technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 determines product placement based on shipping schedule information. However, in logistics sites, products may be rearranged based on factors other than shipping schedules. Therefore, the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 may have difficulty in flexibly planning product placement in accordance with the actual situation at the site.

[0005] The purpose of the present disclosure has been made to solve such problems, and is to provide a planning system, control device, planning method, and program that are capable of flexibly planning relocation in accordance with the actual situation on site.

[0006] The planning system according to the present disclosure includes a placement identification means for identifying the placement of a platform loaded with a plurality of items at the placement location in accordance with the amount of items to be transported from the placement location, and a plan identification means for identifying a rearrangement plan, which is a procedure for moving the platform, in accordance with the identified placement.

[0007] In addition, the control device according to the present disclosure has a placement identification means for identifying the placement of a platform loaded with multiple items at the placement location in accordance with the amount of items being transported from the placement location, and a plan identification means for identifying a rearrangement plan, which is a procedure for moving the platform, in accordance with the identified placement.

[0008] In addition, the planning method disclosed herein identifies the placement of a platform loaded with multiple items at the placement location based on the amount of items to be transported from the placement location, and identifies a rearrangement plan, which is a procedure for moving the platform, based on the identified placement.

[0009] In addition, the program disclosed herein causes a computer to execute the steps of: identifying the placement of a platform loaded with multiple items at the placement location, depending on the amount of items to be transported from the placement location; and identifying a rearrangement plan, which is a procedure for moving the platform, depending on the identified placement.

[0010] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a planning system, a control device, a planning method, and a program that are capable of flexibly planning relocation in accordance with the actual situation on site.

[0011] 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a planning system according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a planning method executed by the planning system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a separation operation according to the present embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a placement location according to the present embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a control device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a planning system according to a second embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a control device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of article information according to the second embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of placement information according to the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of shipping information according to the second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of transport device operation information according to the second embodiment. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of placement location schedule information according to the second embodiment. FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing executed by the planning system according to the second embodiment. FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing executed by the planning system according to the second embodiment. FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing executed by the planning system according to the second embodiment.

[0012] (Embodiment 1) Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. For clarity of explanation, the following description and drawings have been omitted and simplified as appropriate. In addition, in each drawing, the same elements are given the same reference numerals, and duplicate explanations are omitted as necessary.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a planning system 1 according to the first embodiment. The planning system 1 according to the first embodiment includes a placement specification unit 12 and a plan specification unit 14. The placement specification unit 12 functions as placement specification means. The plan specification unit 14 functions as plan specification means. Using these components, the planning system 1 executes an item rearrangement plan for an arrangement location where the item is to be arranged.

[0014] The planning system 1 may be realized by a computer. The planning system 1 may be realized by, for example, cloud computing. The planning system 1 may also be realized by, for example, multiple computers connected to each other so that they can communicate with each other. The components of the planning system 1 may also be distributed and realized on multiple computers. That is, the computer that realizes the location specification unit 12 and the computer that realizes the plan specification unit 14 may be physically separate. The functions of each of the multiple components may also be realized by multiple computers.

[0015] In this disclosure, the term "item" refers to any tangible object that can be transported. The size and shape of the item may be any. The item may be, for example, a commercial product, but is not limited to commercial products. Examples of items include, but are not limited to, medicines, food, clothing, daily necessities, and materials. The item may be placed and stored in some location, as described below.

[0016] Furthermore, in the present disclosure, a "placement location" refers to a location where an item is placed. The placement location may be a storage location for the item. Examples of placement locations include a warehouse, a shelf, a material storage area, etc., but the placement location is not limited to these. Furthermore, at the placement location, the item may be placed flat, or may be placed three-dimensionally using shelves, etc. Note that the item may be placed at the placement location loaded on a platform and transported. Here, a "platform" refers to an object for transporting items that can carry multiple items. The platform is, for example, a plate-shaped object such as a pallet, but the platform is not limited to this. The platform may also be, for example, a box-shaped object such as a large box or basket that can carry multiple items.

[0017] In addition, in this disclosure, "relocation" refers to moving a platform on which items are loaded within a placement location. In other words, relocation refers to moving an item that has been placed at a certain location within a placement location to another location within the placement location. An example of relocation is reordering, but the relocation is not limited to this. The relocation can be performed by a conveying device as described below.

[0018] In addition, in the present disclosure, a "conveying device" refers to a device for transporting a platform on which an item is loaded. In other words, a conveying device is a device for transporting items. The conveying device may be, for example, a mobile object such as an AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle) or an AGF (Automated Guided Forklift). The conveying device may be a vehicle such as a forklift or a mobile crane, or an aircraft such as a drone. The conveying device may also be a crane fixed at or near the installation location.

[0019] 2 is a flowchart showing a planning method executed by the planning system 1 according to the first embodiment. The placement specification unit 12 specifies the placement of the platform at the placement location (step S10). Specifically, the placement specification unit 12 specifies the placement at the placement location of a platform on which multiple items are loaded, depending on the amount of items to be carried out from the placement location. Details of the processing by the placement specification unit 12 will be described later.

[0020] Here, the "amount of items removed from the placement location" is, for example, the amount of items shipped from the placement location, i.e., the shipping amount, but is not limited to this. The shipping amount corresponds to the amount of items shipped at a certain shipping timing. If the shipping timing is later than the current time, the shipping amount corresponds to the planned shipping amount. The "amount of items removed from the placement location" may include at least one of the shipping frequency and shipping volume, which will be described later. The "amount of items removed from the placement location" is, for example, the number of items to be removed, but is not limited to this. The placement specification unit 12 may specify which platform should be moved and to which position the platform should be moved, for example, depending on the amount of items removed from the placement location.

[0021] The plan specifying unit 14 specifies a rearrangement plan (step S12). Specifically, the plan specifying unit 14 specifies a rearrangement plan, which is a procedure for moving the machines, according to the arrangement specified in the processing of S10. Here, the "rearrangement plan" is a plan that indicates the procedure for moving the machines so that the arrangement of the machines becomes the arrangement specified in the processing of S10. In other words, the "rearrangement plan" is a plan that indicates the procedure for moving one or more machines whose arrangement positions are to be moved in the processing of S10 from their current arrangement positions to their destination arrangement positions. For example, the rearrangement plan may indicate a procedure such as moving machine B first when it becomes difficult to move machine A due to the presence of another machine B. The rearrangement plan may be specified using, for example, a trained model learned by machine learning, but is not limited to this.

[0022] The planning system 1 according to the first embodiment is configured as described above, and thus can flexibly perform a relocation plan in accordance with the actual situation at the site. That is, at a site where items are stored, such as a logistics warehouse, the location is sometimes determined not for each individual item but for each platform on which multiple items are loaded. Then, depending on the amount of items being transported from the location, it may be necessary to determine where the platform on which the items are loaded should be moved. In such a case, even if the shipping schedule information for the items is used, it may not be possible to appropriately determine the location of the platform on which the items are loaded.

[0023] In contrast, the planning system 1 according to the first embodiment can determine the placement of a platform on which multiple items are loaded according to the amount of items being transported from the placement location, thereby appropriately determining the placement of each platform on which multiple items are loaded. For example, when a predetermined amount of items are being transported from the placement location, the placement position of the platform on which the items are loaded can be determined. Furthermore, for example, when the amount of items being transported from the placement location is not the predetermined amount, the placement position of the platform on which the items are loaded can be determined to be moved to a predetermined placement position. This enables flexible reallocation planning in accordance with the actual situation on site.

[0024] Furthermore, the location specification unit 12 may determine whether separation work is necessary based on the amount of items being transported from the location. Then, if separation work is necessary, the location specification unit 12 may specify a destination of the platform. Details will be described later. Here, "separation work" refers to work for separating multiple items loaded on a platform from one another. Separation work is, for example, work for separating multiple items loaded in a lump on a platform into individual items. Separation work is, for example, picking work, but is not limited to this. Separation work is, for example, piece picking work, case picking work, or ball picking work, but is not limited to these. Separation work may also include work for shipping the separated items.

[0025] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the separation operation according to this embodiment. As indicated by arrow A, a plurality of items 60 are loaded on a platform 50. The plurality of items 60 are grouped together on the platform 50. For example, the plurality of items 60 may be packed in packaging material 50a on the platform 50. That is, the plurality of items 60 may be packed together and loaded on the platform 50. Note that a predetermined load amount N of items 60 may be loaded on the platform 50. In the following description, it is assumed that 100 items 60 are loaded on the platform 50, but the number of items 60 loaded on the platform 50 is not limited to 100. Furthermore, the number of items 60 loaded on one platform 50 may be different from the number of items 60 loaded on another platform 50. The number of items 60 loaded on the platform 50 may vary depending on the type of item. The quantity of the goods does not have to be indicated by the number of items, but may be indicated by, for example, weight, volume, or capacity.

[0026] If separation work is required, the multiple items 60 loaded on the platform 50 are separated as shown by arrow B. Specifically, the packaging material 50a is removed, and the required number of items 60 is taken out from the platform 50. Here, if the amount of items being transported from the placement location is a multiple of the predetermined load amount N, the platform 50 on which the predetermined load amount N of items 60 is loaded as a single unit can be transported without performing separation work. On the other hand, if the amount of items being transported from the placement location is not a multiple of the predetermined load amount N, separation work may be required.

[0027] The separation work is often performed primarily by workers. Therefore, it is desirable that the platform 50 requiring the separation work be located in a position where the worker can perform the separation work. Therefore, the platform 50 requiring the separation work is required to be moved to a location where the worker can perform the separation work. Hereinafter, the location where the worker can perform the separation work is referred to as the "separation work position." The separation work position (first location) is a location in the storage location that is easily accessible to the worker, where the worker can perform the separation work on the platform 50 and remove the item 60 from the platform 50. For example, if the storage location has a multi-tiered storage shelf, the separation work position may be the first (lowest) shelf of the storage shelf. The separation work position does not have to be the lowest shelf of the storage shelf, as long as the worker can perform the separation work.

[0028] 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a storage location according to this embodiment. Platforms 50 loaded with items 60 are stored in a storage location 70. A plurality of storage positions 72 are arranged in the storage location 70. Platforms 50 are placed and stored at the storage positions 72. As described above, the storage positions 72 are, for example, each shelf of a storage shelf 74, but are not limited to this.

[0029] Furthermore, the placement location 70 may include a shipping work location 76. The items 60 to be shipped are collected at the shipping work location 76. At the shipping work location 76, workers perform work to prepare the items 60 for shipping. The "work for shipping" may include, for example, pre-shipment inspection or repackaging of picked items. The "work for shipping" may also include, for example, the work of loading items onto transportation machinery such as trucks. The shipping work location 76 may be, for example, a truck berth, but is not limited to this.

[0030] In the example shown in FIG. 4 , a plurality of storage shelves 74-1 to 74-8, each consisting of two tiers, are arranged in the placement location 70. Note that the number of tiers of the storage shelves 74 is not limited to two. Furthermore, the number of storage shelves 74 is not limited to eight. In the example shown in FIG. 4 , the placement location 70 includes placement locations 72, namely, location #11, location #12, location #21, location #22, location #31, location #32, location #41, and location #42. Furthermore, the placement location 70 includes placement locations 72, namely, location #51, location #52, location #61, location #62, location #71, location #72, location #81, and location #82.

[0031] 4, storage shelves 74-1 and 74-5 are located at the farthest locations from the shipping work area 76. On storage shelf 74-1, position #12 is located above position #11. In other words, position #11 is the first level, or the lowest level, of the arrangement position 72, and position #12 is the arrangement position 72 above position #11.

[0032] Furthermore, storage shelf 74-2 is located closer to the shipping work area 76 than storage shelf 74-1. On storage shelf 74-2, position #22 is located above position #21. In other words, position #21 is the first level, or the lowest level, of placement position 72, and position #22 is the placement position 72 above position #21.

[0033] Furthermore, storage shelf 74-3 is located closer to the shipping work area 76 than storage shelf 74-2. On storage shelf 74-3, position #32 is located above position #31. In other words, position #31 is the first level, or the lowest level, of placement position 72, and position #32 is the placement position 72 above position #31.

[0034] Furthermore, storage shelf 74-4 is located closer to the shipping work area 76 than storage shelf 74-3. On storage shelf 74-4, position #42 is located above position #41. In other words, position #41 is the first, or lowest, placement position 72, and position #42 is the placement position 72 above position #41.

[0035] Furthermore, on storage shelf 74-5, position #52 exists above position #51. That is, position #51 is the first, or lowest, placement position 72, and position #52 is the placement position 72 above position #51.

[0036] Furthermore, storage shelf 74-6 is located closer to the shipping work area 76 than storage shelf 74-5. On storage shelf 74-6, position #62 is located above position #61. In other words, position #61 is the first level, or the lowest level, of placement position 72, and position #62 is the placement position 72 above position #61.

[0037] Furthermore, storage shelf 74-7 is located closer to shipping work area 76 than storage shelf 74-6. On storage shelf 74-7, position #72 is located above position #71. In other words, position #71 is the first level, or the lowest level, of placement position 72, and position #72 is the placement position 72 above position #71.

[0038] Furthermore, storage shelf 74-8 is located closer to the shipping work area 76 than storage shelf 74-7. On storage shelf 74-8, position #82 is located above position #81. In other words, position #81 is the first, or lowest, placement position 72, and position #82 is the placement position 72 above position #81.

[0039] Here, storage shelves 74-4 and 74-8 are located near the shipping work area 76. Therefore, positions #41, #42, #81, and #82 are placement positions 72 near the shipping work area 76.

[0040] As described above, the location specification unit 12 determines whether separation work is necessary based on the amount of items being transported from the location, and if separation work is necessary, specifies the destination of the platform, which can provide the following effects. That is, if separation work is necessary, the location of the platform can be specified so that the platform on which the separation work is to be performed can be moved to a location where the separation work can be performed. This makes it possible to improve work efficiency on site.

[0041] Furthermore, when separation work is necessary, the placement identification unit 12 may identify the destination of the platform depending on the remaining amount, which is the amount of items remaining at the separation work position (first placement position) for performing the separation work. This will be described in detail later. For example, when the shipping amount (planned shipping amount) of a certain item is greater than the remaining amount, the placement identification unit 12 may identify the destination of the platform on which the item is loaded as the separation work position. Furthermore, for example, when the shipping amount of a certain item is less than the remaining amount, the placement identification unit 12 may decide not to change the placement position of the platform on which the item is loaded. This prevents unnecessary movement of the platform. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately identify the placement of the platform depending on the remaining amount of items at the separation work position.

[0042] The placement specification unit 12 may also specify the destination of the platform according to the shipping volume. This will be described in detail later. The "shipping volume" corresponds to the amount of goods shipped per unit time. The "shipping volume" may be, for example, the amount of goods shipped per week. The "shipping volume" may also be specified based on the recent trend in the amount of goods shipped. For example, the shipping volume may be specified based on the average shipping volume for a predetermined period going back from the present time. The shipping volume may be indicated by a numerical value indicating the volume, or may be ranked. In other words, the shipping volume may be a continuous parameter or a discrete parameter. The shipping volume may be set in advance by an operator or the like, or may be calculated by a computer. The shipping volume may also be set for each type of item.

[0043] At a work site, a relocation plan may be made according to the shipping volume. For example, the location specification unit 12 may specify a destination of a platform loaded with items having a high shipping volume as a separation work position. Furthermore, for example, the location specification unit 12 may determine not to change the location of a platform loaded with items having a low shipping volume. Furthermore, for example, the location specification unit 12 may determine not to change the location of a platform loaded with items having a low shipping volume and a remaining amount equal to or greater than the shipping volume. Furthermore, for example, the location specification unit 12 may specify a destination of a platform loaded with items having a high shipping volume and a remaining amount equal to or less than a predetermined amount as a separation work position. This configuration enables flexible relocation planning in accordance with the actual situation at the work site according to the shipping volume.

[0044] Furthermore, the placement identification unit 12 may select a destination of the platform from among a plurality of separation work positions (first placement positions) according to the shipping frequency of the items loaded on the platform. This will be described in detail later. The "shipping frequency" refers to the frequency at which items are shipped, and corresponds to the number of times items are shipped per unit time. For example, the "shipping frequency" may be the number of times items are shipped per week. The shipping frequency may be identified based on the trend of recent shipments of the items. For example, the shipping frequency may be identified based on the average number of shipments over a predetermined period going back from the present time. The shipping frequency may be expressed as a numerical value indicating the frequency, or may be ranked. In other words, the shipping frequency may be a continuous parameter or a discrete parameter. The shipping frequency may be set in advance by an operator or the like, or may be calculated by a computer. The shipping frequency may also be set for each type of item.

[0045] For items that require a high number of separation operations, the number of times the items are shipped is likely to increase as a result of the separation operations. Furthermore, items that are shipped frequently are likely to require a high number of separation operations. Therefore, for items that are shipped frequently, it may be advisable to move them to a specific separation operation position among multiple separation operation positions. Note that a "specific separation operation position" is, for example, a separation operation position that is set to have high work efficiency for separation operations, shipping operations, etc., but is not limited to this. A "separation operation position set to have high work efficiency" can be appropriately set by an operator, etc. For example, in the example of FIG. 4 , separation operation positions close to the shipping operation location 76 (i.e., positions #41 and #81) may be set as "separation operation positions set to have high work efficiency." Furthermore, a "separation operation position set to have high work efficiency" may be, for example, a position where a series of operations can be performed continuously without interruption. Furthermore, a "separation operation position set to have high work efficiency" may be, for example, a position close to the previous or next operation position in the workflow. Furthermore, the "separation work position set to have high work efficiency" may be, for example, a position that is on the same work flow line as the work locations of the above-mentioned series of work or the previous and next work locations in the business flow. Furthermore, the "separation work position set to have high work efficiency" may be, for example, a position where separation work is not performed in a concentrated manner. Furthermore, the "separation work position set to have high work efficiency" may be, for example, a position where separation work can be performed smoothly without congestion.

[0046] For example, the location specification unit 12 may determine that a platform loaded with items that are shipped frequently is to be moved to a specific separation work position among the plurality of separation work positions. Furthermore, the location specification unit 12 may determine that a platform loaded with items that are shipped infrequently is to be moved to a separation work position other than the specific separation work position among the plurality of separation work positions. This configuration makes it possible to improve work efficiency on site.

[0047] Furthermore, the planning system 1 according to the first embodiment may perform processing for making a rearrangement plan. Here, the "processing for making a rearrangement plan" may include determining the time to execute the rearrangement plan and the transportation device that will execute the rearrangement plan. In this case, the planning system 1 may perform processing for making the rearrangement plan according to the schedule of the placement location or the operation schedule of the transportation device. Furthermore, the planning system 1 may perform processing for executing the rearrangement plan according to the status of an area in which at least one transportation device operates. Details will be described later. Note that the "status of an area in which at least one transportation device operates" may be, for example, the work status in the area in which the transportation device operates, but is not limited to this.

[0048] The primary tasks at a location such as a warehouse are receiving tasks, which involve transporting platforms loaded with items received at the location to the location, and shipping tasks, which involve transporting platforms loaded with items to be shipped. Therefore, the primary role of a conveyance device is to perform receiving tasks and shipping tasks. Therefore, at the site, it is desirable not to interfere with receiving tasks and shipping tasks when executing a relocation plan. It is also desirable not to interfere with inventory tasks when executing a relocation plan. It is also desirable not to interfere with tasks related to other relocation plans other than the currently specified relocation plan when executing a relocation plan. Note that "a relocation plan interfering with other tasks" may include, for example, when tasks related to the relocation plan are performed at locations close to those related to other tasks, causing interference between the two tasks. Furthermore, "a relocation plan interfering with other tasks" may also include, for example, when other tasks and tasks related to the relocation plan are performed using the same aisle, resulting in workers and conveyance devices having to contend with each other, slowing down the movements of the workers and conveyance devices. For example, the relocation plan may be executed to avoid time periods when other tasks, such as receiving and shipping, are being performed by the transport device. Furthermore, the relocation plan may be executed using a transport device that is not performing other tasks, such as receiving and shipping. Therefore, by executing the relocation plan according to the situation in the area where at least one transport device operates, the relocation plan can be executed without interfering with receiving and shipping. This makes it possible to improve work efficiency on-site.

[0049] 5 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the control device 10 according to the first embodiment. The control device 10 according to the first embodiment includes a placement specifying unit 12 and a plan specifying unit 14. The functions of the components of the control device 10 are substantially similar to the functions of the components of the planning system 1 described above, and therefore, description thereof will be omitted.

[0050] The control device 10 is an information processing device such as a computer. The control device 10 may be realized by a single computer. The control device 10 may also be realized by cloud computing. The control device 10 according to the first embodiment can also achieve substantially the same effects as those achieved by the planning system 1 described above. That is, it is possible to appropriately determine the placement of each platform on which multiple items are loaded. This makes it possible to flexibly perform a rearrangement plan in accordance with the actual situation at the site. Furthermore, the planning method executed by the planning system 1 or the control device 10 also makes it possible to flexibly perform a rearrangement plan in accordance with the actual situation at the site. Furthermore, the program that executes the planning method executed by the control device 10 also makes it possible to flexibly perform a rearrangement plan in accordance with the actual situation at the site.

[0051] (Embodiment 2) Next, embodiment 2 will be described with reference to the drawings. For clarity of explanation, the following description and drawings have been omitted and simplified as appropriate. In addition, the same elements in each drawing are given the same reference numerals, and duplicate explanations are omitted as necessary. The system according to embodiment 2 is a specific example of embodiment 1 described above.

[0052] 6 is a diagram showing a configuration of a planning system 20 according to the second embodiment. The planning system 20 has, as its main hardware components, a control unit 22, a storage unit 24, a communication unit 26, and an interface unit 28 (IF; Interface). The control unit 22, the storage unit 24, the communication unit 26, and the interface unit 28 are connected to each other via a data bus or the like.

[0053] The control unit 22 is a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The control unit 22 functions as a calculation device that performs control processing, calculation processing, etc. The control unit 22 may have multiple processors. The storage unit 24 is a storage device such as a memory or a hard disk. The storage unit 24 is, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory) or a RAM (Random Access Memory). The storage unit 24 has a function for storing control programs, calculation programs, etc. executed by the control unit 22. In other words, the storage unit 24 (memory) stores one or more instructions. The storage unit 24 also has a function for temporarily storing processing data, etc. The storage unit 24 may include a database. The storage unit 24 may also have multiple memories.

[0054] The communication unit 26 performs processing necessary for a device having the above hardware configuration to communicate with other devices via a network. The communication unit 26 may include a communication port, a router, a firewall, etc. The interface unit 28 (IF; Interface) is, for example, a user interface (UI). The interface unit 28 has an input device such as a keyboard, a touch panel, or a mouse, and an output device such as a display or a speaker. The interface unit 28 may be configured to integrate the input device and the output device, such as a touch screen (touch panel). The interface unit 28 accepts data input operations by a user (such as an operator or worker) and outputs information to the user. The interface unit 28 may also output information indicating a relocation plan.

[0055] The planning system 20 also includes one or more transport devices 30, one or more terminals 40, and a control device 100. The transport devices 30, the terminals 40, and the control device 100 are communicatively connected via a network. The network may be, for example, a wireless network or a wired network. That is, the control device 100 is connected to the transport devices 30 and the terminals 40 wirelessly or via a wire. The wireless network may be, for example, a network using a communication line standard such as LTE (Long Term Evolution), or may be a network used in a specific area such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark) or local 5G. The wired network may be, for example, a local area network (LAN) or optical fiber.

[0056] The control device 100 corresponds to the control device 10 according to the first embodiment described above. The terminal 40 and the control device 100 are, for example, information processing devices such as computers. Each of the terminal 40 and the control device 100 has the hardware configuration described above. Furthermore, each component of the control device 100 described below may be realized by the cloud computing described above or multiple computers. In other words, the control device 100 may be realized by multiple computers. Furthermore, the transport device 30 may have a built-in computer. In this case, the transport device 30 has the hardware configuration described above.

[0057] As described above, the conveying device 30 is a device for conveying a platform loaded with items. In the second embodiment, a case where the conveying device 30 is a forklift will be described. However, the conveying device 30 is not limited to a forklift. When the conveying device 30 is a forklift, the conveying device 30 may be operated by an operator on board or by an operator remotely. Alternatively, the conveying device 30 may be an autonomous forklift that operates automatically without operator operation. At an installation location, conveying devices 30 that are autonomous forklifts and conveying devices 30 that are forklifts operated by operators may be mixed. When the conveying device 30 is an autonomous forklift, the control device 100 transmits control information to the conveying device 30 indicating the platform to be conveyed by the conveying device 30 and the origin and destination of the platform. This allows the conveying device 30 to convey the platform to its destination.

[0058] The terminal 40 is carried by a worker who operates the transport device 30. The control device 100 transmits information necessary for moving the platform to the terminal 40. This allows the worker to know the platform that the transport device 30 that the worker operates should transport, as well as the origin and destination of the platform. Details will be described later.

[0059] 7 is a diagram showing the configuration of the control device 100 according to the second embodiment. As described above, the control device 100 has, as its hardware configuration, the control unit 22, the storage unit 24, the communication unit 26, and the interface unit 28 shown in FIG. 6. The control device 100 also has, as its components, an information acquisition unit 110, a placement specification unit 120, a plan specification unit 140, a plan execution processing unit 150, and a transmission unit 160. Using these components, the control device 100 performs control to execute a rearrangement plan for platforms on which items are loaded.

[0060] As described above, the control device 100 does not need to be configured as a single physical device. In this case, the above-described components may be realized by multiple physically separate devices.

[0061] The information acquisition unit 110 functions as information acquisition means. The placement specification unit 120 functions as placement specification means. The plan specification unit 140 functions as plan specification means. The plan execution processing unit 150 functions as plan execution processing means. The transmission unit 160 functions as transmission means.

[0062] Each of the above-described components can be realized, for example, by executing a program under the control of the control unit 22. More specifically, each component can be realized by the control unit 22 executing a program (instructions) stored in the storage unit 24. Alternatively, each component may be realized by recording the necessary program on any non-volatile recording medium and installing it as needed. Each component may not necessarily be realized by software programs, but may also be realized by any combination of hardware, firmware, and software. Each component may also be realized using a user-programmable integrated circuit, such as an FPGA (field-programmable gate array) or a microcomputer. In this case, the integrated circuit may be used to realize a program consisting of each of the above-described components.

[0063] 7 may be realized by cloud computing or a plurality of computers. In this case, as described with reference to FIG. 1, the components shown in FIG. 7 may be realized by the planning system 20 realized by cloud computing or a plurality of computers.

[0064] The information acquisition unit 110 acquires information for controlling the execution of a rearrangement plan for tables on which items are loaded. The information acquisition unit 110 acquires, for example, item information, arrangement information, shipping information, transport device operation information, and arrangement location schedule information. The information acquired by the information acquisition unit 110 will be described later. The information acquisition unit 110 may acquire information stored in advance in the storage unit 24, or may acquire information from a device external to the control device 100. The information acquired by the information acquisition unit 110 may be output by the interface unit 28.

[0065] The arrangement identification unit 120 corresponds to the arrangement identification unit 12 shown in Figures 1 and 5. As described above, the arrangement identification unit 120 identifies the arrangement of the platform at the arrangement location. The arrangement identification unit 120 identifies the arrangement at the arrangement location of a platform on which multiple items are loaded, depending on the amount of items being carried out from the arrangement location. Details of the processing by the arrangement identification unit 120 will be described later.

[0066] The plan specifying unit 140 corresponds to the plan specifying unit 14 shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 5. As described above, the plan specifying unit 140 specifies a rearrangement plan. The plan specifying unit 140 specifies a rearrangement plan, which is a procedure for moving the platform, in accordance with the arrangement specified by the processing of the arrangement specifying unit 120. Details of the processing of the plan specifying unit 140 will be described later.

[0067] The plan execution processing unit 150 performs processing for executing a rearrangement plan. The plan execution processing unit 150 determines a time period for executing the rearrangement plan. The plan execution processing unit 150 also selects a transport device that will transport the platform to be moved in the rearrangement plan. The plan execution processing unit 150 performs processing for executing the rearrangement plan according to the situation of the area in which at least one transport device is operating. Details of the processing by the plan execution processing unit 150 will be described later.

[0068] The transmitting unit 160 transmits information for executing the rearrangement plan. The transmitting unit 160 transmits control information to a transport device that operates autonomously without operator operation. The transmitting unit 160 also transmits a notification regarding the rearrangement plan to an operator who operates a transport device that operates by operator operation. Details of the processing by the transmitting unit 160 will be described later.

[0069] <Examples of Information> Figures 8 to 13 are diagrams illustrating examples of information acquired by the information acquisition unit 110. Examples of information acquired by the information acquisition unit 110 will be described below using the diagrams. Note that the information described below does not necessarily correspond to each other. Also, note that the information illustrated in Figures 8 to 13 is merely an example.

[0070] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of item information according to the second embodiment. The item information may be generated, for example, by an operator or a manager operating the interface unit 28. The item information may also be created in advance, for example, by a supplier of the item. The item information may also be automatically generated, for example, by a computer. The item information may also be generated, for example, every time an item arrives or periodically. As illustrated in FIG. 8, the item information may also be classified by the platform on which the item is loaded.

[0071] 8, the item information may include, for example, “machine identification information,” “item type,” “arrival date and time,” “storage period,” and “amount of loaded items.” The “machine identification information” is identification information of the machine on which the items are loaded.

[0072] "Item type" indicates the type of item. For example, if the location is a food warehouse, "item type" may indicate cookies, biscuits, rice crackers, chocolate, etc. In the example of FIG. 8 , for example, "item A" may indicate cookies, "item B" may indicate biscuits, "item C" may indicate rice crackers, and "item D" may indicate chocolate. In the following explanation, for the sake of simplicity, it is assumed that one platform is loaded with items of one item type.

[0073] The "arrival date and time" indicates the date and time when the item loaded on the corresponding platform arrived at the placement location. Here, when the item arrives at the placement location, the item may arrive loaded on a platform. In this case, the "arrival date and time" indicates the date and time when the platform on which the item is loaded arrived at the placement location. The "storage date" indicates the date and time until which the corresponding item can be stored. The storage date may be, for example, a best-before date, a use-by date, a quality retention date, or a use-by date, but is not limited to these. Furthermore, the storage dates of the multiple items loaded on a platform may each be different. In this case, the "storage date" included in the item information may indicate the earliest storage date among the multiple items loaded on the corresponding platform.

[0074] "Loaded item amount" indicates the amount of items loaded on a platform. In the example of FIG. 8, the loaded item amount for all platforms is 100 items. That is, in the example of FIG. 8, 100 items are packed in a single block and loaded on one platform. In the following description, for clarity, when a single block of items is packed and loaded on one platform, it is assumed that 100 items are loaded. However, when a single block of items is packed and loaded on one platform, the number of items loaded on the platform is not limited to 100.

[0075] In the example of Figure 8, for example, "Unit #1" with arrival date and time "Ta1" has a block of 100 "item A" with a shelf life of "Ts1". Also, for example, "Unit #4" with arrival date and time "Ta4" has a block of 100 "item B" with a shelf life of "Ts4".

[0076] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of placement information according to the second embodiment. The placement information may be generated, for example, by an operator or a manager operating the interface unit 28. Alternatively, the placement information may be generated automatically by a computer. Alternatively, the placement information may be generated every time the placement position of a platform is changed or periodically. As illustrated in FIG. 9, the placement information may be classified by platform on which an item is loaded. Alternatively, the placement information may be classified by placement position.

[0077] 9, the placement information may include, for example, "machine identification information," "placement position," "separation work position," "item type," and "loaded item amount." The "machine identification information," "item type," and "loaded item amount" are substantially the same as those in the item information described above, and therefore will not be described here.

[0078] "Location" indicates the location where the corresponding platform is located. "Separation work location" indicates whether the location where the corresponding platform is located is a separation work location. If "Separation work location" indicates "NO", the corresponding platform is located at a location that is not a separation work location. On the other hand, if "Separation work location" indicates "YES", the corresponding platform is located at a location that is a separation work location.

[0079] In the example of FIG. 9, for example, a platform "platform #1" loaded with 100 "items A" is placed at a placement position "position #12", which is not a separation work position. Also, for example, a platform "platform #4" loaded with 100 "items B" is placed at a placement position "position #42", which is not a separation work position. Note that the placement information may be integrated with the above-mentioned item information. In other words, the items included in the placement information may be included in the above-mentioned item information.

[0080] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating shipping information according to the second embodiment. The shipping information may be generated, for example, by an operator operating the interface unit 28. The shipping information may also be created in advance, for example, by a customer of the product. The shipping information may also be automatically generated, for example, by a computer. The shipping information may also be generated, for example, every time the shipping timing of the product is determined or periodically. As illustrated in FIG. 10, the shipping information may also be classified by shipping timing and by product.

[0081] 10, the shipping information may include, for example, "shipping timing," "item type," "shipment amount," and "necessity of separation work." The "item type" is substantially the same as that related to the above-mentioned item information, and therefore, a description thereof will be omitted.

[0082] The "shipping timing" indicates the timing when the corresponding item is scheduled to be shipped. The "shipping timing" may be, for example, a shipping date and time, but is not limited to this. The shipping information may be listed in order of earliest shipping timing.

[0083] "Shipping volume" indicates the planned volume of the corresponding item to be shipped at the corresponding shipping timing, i.e., the planned shipping volume. "Shipping volume" is, for example, the number of items to be shipped, but is not limited to this. "Separation work required" indicates whether separation work is required when the corresponding item is shipped. If separation work is required for the corresponding item, "Separation work required" indicates "required." On the other hand, if separation work is not required for the corresponding item, "Separation work required" indicates "not required."

[0084] As described above with reference to FIG. 3, it is assumed that a predetermined load amount N of items is loaded in one block on a platform. In this case, if the shipping amount of the items is a multiple of the predetermined load amount N, separation work is not required. In contrast, if the shipping amount of the items is not a multiple of the predetermined load amount N, separation work is required. Therefore, whether separation work is required at the time of shipping can be determined from the shipping amount at that time. Therefore, the shipping information does not need to include "whether separation work is required."

[0085] In the example of FIG. 10, for example, at the shipping timing of "Td1," "item A" with a shipping quantity of "30 units" and "item B" with a shipping quantity of "50 units" are scheduled to be shipped. Since the shipping quantity of item A is "30 units," which is not a multiple of 100 units, separation work is required for "item A" at this shipping timing. Furthermore, since the shipping quantity of item B is "50 units," which is not a multiple of 100 units, separation work is required for "item B" at this shipping timing.

[0086] For example, at the shipping timing of "Td2," "item A" with a shipping quantity of "100 units," "item B" with a shipping quantity of "200 units," and "item C" with a shipping quantity of "30 units" are scheduled to be shipped. Since the shipping quantity of item A is "100 units," which is a multiple of 100 units, separation work is not required for "item A" at this shipping timing. Furthermore, since the shipping quantity of item B is "200 units," which is a multiple of 100 units, separation work is not required for "item B" at this shipping timing. Furthermore, since the shipping quantity of item C is "30 units," which is not a multiple of 100 units, separation work is required for "item C" at this shipping timing.

[0087] For example, at the shipping timing of "Td3," "item D" is scheduled to be shipped in a shipping quantity of "100 units." Since the shipping quantity of item D is "100 units," which is a multiple of 100 units, no separation work is required for "item D" at this shipping timing.

[0088] For example, at the shipping timing of "Td4," "item A" with a shipping quantity of "170 units" and "item D" with a shipping quantity of "30 units" are scheduled to be shipped. Since the shipping quantity of item A is "170 units," which is not a multiple of 100 units, separation work is required for "item A" at this shipping timing. Furthermore, since the shipping quantity of item D is "30 units," which is not a multiple of 100 units, separation work is required for "item D" at this shipping timing.

[0089] 11 and 12 are diagrams illustrating examples of transport device operation information according to the second embodiment. The transport device operation information may be generated, for example, by an operator or a manager operating the interface unit 28. Alternatively, the transport device operation information may be automatically generated, for example, by a computer. Alternatively, the transport device operation information may be generated, for example, every time the displayed content is changed or periodically. As illustrated in FIG. 11 , the transport device operation information may be classified by transport device. Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 12 , the transport device operation information may be classified by operation schedule of the transport device.

[0090] 11 may include “identification information,” “status,” “operation time,” “operation route,” “current location,” “remaining energy,” “load capacity,” and “need for operator.” The transport device operation information may also include the cumulative operation time of the transport device.

[0091] "Identification information" indicates the identification information of the transport device. "Status" indicates the current status of the corresponding transport device. If the corresponding transport device is stopped, "Status" indicates "Stopped". If the corresponding transport device is in operation, "Status" indicates "In Operation".

[0092] "Operating time" indicates the time period during which the corresponding conveying device is in operation. "Operating route" indicates the route along which the corresponding conveying device is in operation. For example, the "operating route" of a conveying device with identification information "device #1" indicates that it moves from route P1 to route P2, and then from route P2 to route P3. "Current position" indicates the current position of the corresponding conveying device. For example, the "current position" of a conveying device with identification information "device #1" indicates that it is "route P3." The "route" is the space within which the conveying device can move between storage shelves, etc., on which platforms are placed.

[0093] "Remaining energy" indicates the current remaining amount of the energy source of the corresponding transportation device. If the energy source of the corresponding transportation device is electricity, "remaining energy" indicates the current remaining battery amount. If the energy source of the corresponding transportation device is fuel such as gasoline, "remaining energy" indicates the current remaining amount of fuel.

[0094] "Load capacity" indicates the load capacity of the corresponding transport device. "Operator required" indicates whether operator operation is required for the corresponding transport device to operate. If operator operation is required, "Operator required" indicates "required." If operator operation is not required, that is, if the corresponding transport device is an autonomous transport device, "Operator required" indicates "not required."

[0095] The transport device operation information illustrated in FIG. 12 may include an "operation schedule," an "operation area," and an "operating device." The "operation schedule" indicates the time period during which the corresponding transport device operates. The "operation area" indicates the area in which the corresponding transport device operates. The "operating device" indicates the identification information of the transport device operating in the corresponding "operation schedule" and "operation area." In the example of FIG. 12, for example, during the time period "6:00 to 6:30," a transport device with identification information "device #1" and a transport device with identification information "device #3" operate in the operation area "area A." Also, for example, during the time period "6:00 to 6:30," a transport device with identification information "device #4" operates in the operation area "area B." Also, for example, during the time period "6:00 to 6:30," a transport device with identification information "device #2" operates in the operation area "area C." Note that an "area" refers to, for example, a partitioned space (room) within a warehouse. An "area" may have multiple routes and multiple storage shelves.

[0096] 13 is a diagram illustrating the placement location schedule information according to the second embodiment. The placement location schedule information may be generated, for example, by an operator or a manager operating the interface unit 28. Alternatively, the placement location schedule information may be generated automatically by a computer. Alternatively, the placement location schedule information may be generated, for example, every time the displayed content is changed or periodically.

[0097] The placement location schedule information illustrated in FIG. 13 may include "break" and "schedule." "Break" indicates the type (name) of break at the placement location. In the example of FIG. 13, "break" includes "morning break," "lunch break," and "evening break." Furthermore, "schedule" indicates the time period during which the corresponding "break" is implemented. In the example of FIG. 13, for example, "morning break" is implemented in the time period "6:00 to 6:30."

[0098] <Processing Flow Example> Figures 14 to 19 are flowcharts showing examples of processing executed by the planning system 20 according to the second embodiment. Note that Figures 14 to 19 show a planning method executed by the planning system 20 according to the second embodiment. Note that the following description will be given assuming that the control device 100 executes the processing shown in Figures 14 to 19. On the other hand, if the components shown in Figure 7 are implemented by cloud computing or multiple computers, Figures 14 to 19 are executed by the planning system 20 implemented by cloud computing or multiple computers. Note that the processing described in Figures 14 to 19 is merely an example.

[0099] FIG. 14 shows an overall flow of processing executed by the control device 100 of the planning system 20 according to the second embodiment. The processing shown in FIG. 14 may be executed at any timing before an item is shipped. For example, the processing shown in FIG. 14 may be executed when the area in which the conveying device operates is not in operation, but is not limited to this. The control device 100 acquires information (step S102). Specifically, the information acquisition unit 110 acquires information such as those illustrated in FIGS. 8 to 13 above. In particular, the information acquisition unit 110 acquires placement information such as that illustrated in FIG. 9 and shipping information such as that illustrated in FIG. 10.

[0100] The control device 100 identifies the placement of the platform at the placement location (step S104). Specifically, the placement identification unit 120 identifies the placement of the platform on which multiple items are loaded at the placement location, depending on the amount of items being carried out from the placement location. Details of the processing at S104 will be described below with reference to Figures 15 to 19.

[0101] Fig. 15 is a flowchart showing details of the process (S104) for identifying the placement of tables shown in Fig. 14. The placement identification unit 120 identifies tables for items that need to be rearranged (step S110). The placement identification unit 120 also identifies the number of tables to be rearranged (step S130). The placement identification unit 120 also identifies a destination for the tables to be rearranged (step S140). Details of the processes of S110, S130, and S140 will be described below.

[0102] FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the details of the process of S110 shown in FIG. 15. The process of S110 can be performed for each type of item. The location identification unit 120 acquires location information and shipping information for the type of item to be processed (step S112). In the following description, the "type of item to be processed" may be simply referred to as the "item to be processed" or the "target item." Specifically, the location identification unit 120 acquires location information such as that shown in FIG. 9 and shipping information such as that shown in FIG. 10.

[0103] The placement identification unit 120 may also acquire the most recent shipping information of the item to be processed. For example, the placement identification unit 120 may acquire shipping information one day before shipping. In other words, the placement identification unit 120 may acquire shipping information regarding an item that is scheduled to be shipped within one day from the current time. For example, in the example of FIG. 10 , if the item to be processed is "item A" and the shipping times "Td1" and "Td2" are within one day from the current time, the placement identification unit 120 may acquire shipping information for "item A" for the shipping times "Td1" and "Td2."

[0104] The location specification unit 120 determines whether separation work is necessary (step S114). Specifically, the location specification unit 120 determines whether separation work is necessary for the platform on which the items to be processed are loaded, using the shipping information acquired in the process of S112.

[0105] The placement specification unit 120 may determine whether separation work is necessary based on the "Need for Separation Work" field in the shipping information. Alternatively, the placement specification unit 120 may determine whether separation work is necessary by determining whether the shipping quantity is a multiple of the predetermined load amount N (= 100 pieces). In the following description, if separation work is necessary, the items to be processed are shipped in a state in which they have been separated. In other words, if the shipping quantity is not a multiple of the predetermined load amount N (= 100 pieces) and separation work is necessary, the items are shipped in a state in which they have been separated one by one. However, this configuration is not limited to this. The state in which the items are shipped can be set appropriately depending on the situation at the site.

[0106] 10, the location specification unit 120 determines that separation work is necessary for "item A" at shipping time "Td1" because the shipping quantity is 30. On the other hand, the location specification unit 120 determines that separation work is not necessary for "item A" at shipping time "Td2" because the shipping quantity is 100.

[0107] If it is determined that separation work is not necessary (NO in S114), the placement specification unit 120 determines that the platform on which the target item is loaded will be shipped without separation work (step S116). At this time, the placement specification unit 120 may determine that the platform on which the item is loaded will be transported directly from its current placement position to the shipping work location and shipped. In this case, the placement specification unit 120 determines not to change the placement position of the platform on which the item is loaded.

[0108] Alternatively, the placement specification unit 120 may determine to move the platform on which the item is loaded to a placement position that is close to the shipping work location but is not a separation work position. Note that the movement of a platform that does not require separation work may be performed when there are no other platforms located in a placement position that is close to the shipping work location but is not a separation work position. Furthermore, the movement of a platform that does not require separation work may be performed with priority given to platforms with earlier shipping timing.

[0109] On the other hand, if it is determined that separation work is necessary (YES in S114), the location identification unit 120 determines whether the remaining amount of target items at the separation work position is less than the shipping amount (step S118). Specifically, the location identification unit 120 uses the location information illustrated in FIG. 9 to obtain the remaining amount (i.e., the number of items) of target items loaded on the platform currently located at the separation work position. Then, the location identification unit 120 compares the obtained remaining amount with the shipping amount at the shipping timing indicated in the shipping information to determine whether the remaining amount is less than the shipping amount.

[0110] Here, a platform that previously required separation may remain at the separation work position. Furthermore, that platform may still have items loaded on it that were not shipped, other than the items shipped during the separation work. Therefore, if it is sufficient to ship the items remaining at the separation work position, it may not be necessary to rearrange the target parts. Therefore, the process of S118 is performed.

[0111] If the remaining quantity of target items at the separation work position is less than the shipping quantity (YES in S118), the placement specification unit 120 determines that the platform for the target items needs to be rearranged (step S120). In other words, if separation work is required for the target items but the remaining quantity of target items at the separation work position is less than the shipping quantity, simply shipping the items remaining at the separation work position will not meet the shipping quantity. Therefore, in such a case, the placement specification unit 120 determines that the platform for the target items needs to be rearranged. In other words, when separation work is required, the placement specification unit 120 specifies the destination of the platform based on the remaining quantity, which is the amount of items remaining at the separation work position. This allows the platform for items requiring separation work to be arranged at the separation work position before shipping. Therefore, shipping work can be performed efficiently.

[0112] On the other hand, if the remaining amount of the target items at the separation work position is equal to or greater than the shipping amount (NO in S118), the location specification unit 120 determines whether the remaining amount is equal to or less than a predetermined amount Th1 and whether the shipping volume of the target items is set to be high (step S122). Note that the predetermined amount Th1 is a predetermined threshold. The predetermined amount Th1 may be a value less than the predetermined load amount N. Also, the predetermined amount Th1 may be set in advance for each type of item. Also, the shipping volume may be set in advance for each type of item. Also, the predetermined amount Th1 and the shipping volume may be included in the item information.

[0113] Specifically, the location identification unit 120 may determine whether the remaining amount of the target item at the separation work position is equal to or less than a predetermined amount Th1. The location identification unit 120 may also determine whether the shipping volume set for the target item is set to "high." The location identification unit 120 determines whether these determination results are both "YES." If it is determined that both of these determination results are "YES," the processing flow proceeds to S120. On the other hand, if it is determined that at least one of these determination results is "NO," the processing flow proceeds to S124, which will be described later. Note that, if the shipping volume is expressed as a numerical value indicating the volume, the location identification unit 120 may determine whether the shipping volume of the target item is set to be equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold. This allows the location identification unit 120 to determine whether the shipping volume of the target item is set to be high.

[0114] If the remaining amount is equal to or less than the predetermined amount Th1 and the shipping volume of the target item is determined to be high (YES in S122), the placement specification unit 120 determines that the platform for the target item needs to be relocated (step S120). Even if the number of target items remaining at the separation work position is greater than the shipping volume, if the remaining amount is not that large and the shipping volume of the target items is high, there is a possibility that the separation work position will soon run out of target items. Therefore, by having the placement specification unit 120 perform a process to specify the destination of the platform based on the shipping volume in this way, items with a high shipping volume and whose amount placed at the separation work position is decreasing can be placed at the separation work position in advance. This enables efficient relocation and shipping work.

[0115] On the other hand, if the remaining amount is equal to or less than the predetermined amount Th1 and the shipping volume of the target items is not determined to be high (NO in S122), the placement specification unit 120 determines that rearrangement of the platform on which the target items are loaded is unnecessary (step S124). In this case, the items removed by the separation operation from the platform currently positioned at the separation work position are shipped. That is, if at least one of the following conditions is not met: the remaining amount is equal to or less than the predetermined amount Th1 and the shipping volume of the target items is set to be high, the placement specification unit 120 determines that rearrangement of the platform on which the target items are loaded is unnecessary. Here, if the remaining amount of the target items at the separation work position is equal to or greater than the shipping volume, and the remaining amount of the target items at the separation work position is equal to or less than the predetermined amount Th1, and the shipping volume of the target items is not high, there is no need to move the platform on which the target items are loaded to the separation work position. Therefore, the processing of S118 and S122 makes it possible to prevent unnecessary rearrangement.

[0116] Fig. 17 is a flowchart showing the details of the process of S130 shown in Fig. 15. The process of S130 can be executed for an item for which it has been determined in the process of S110 that rearrangement of the platform is required.

[0117] The location specification unit 120 specifies the replenishment amount of the target item (step S132). Specifically, the location specification unit 120 specifies the amount of target item to be moved to the separation work position. More specifically, for an item for which it is determined that rearrangement of the platform is required because the determination in S118 in the processing of FIG. 16 is YES, the location specification unit 120 may specify the replenishment amount by subtracting the remaining amount of the target item from the shipped amount of the target item. Furthermore, for an item for which it is determined that rearrangement of the platform is required because the determination in S122 in the processing of FIG. 16 is YES, the location specification unit 120 may specify the replenishment amount by subtracting the remaining amount from the predetermined amount Th1.

[0118] The placement identification unit 120 identifies the number of vehicles capable of replenishing the replenishment amount (step S134). That is, the placement identification unit 120 identifies the number of vehicles loaded with the target items to be moved to the separation work position, i.e., the number of vehicles to be moved. Specifically, the placement identification unit 120 may identify the minimum number of vehicles capable of securing the replenishment amount identified in the processing of S132 as the number of vehicles to be moved. Here, the identified replenishment amount is X, and the number of vehicles to be moved is Mp. Assume that the predetermined load amount N is the same for all vehicles loaded with a block of target items. In this case, the placement identification unit 120 may identify Mp as the minimum value that satisfies X≦Mp×N. In this case, as described above, assume that N = 100. For example, if X = 30, Mp = 1. Furthermore, if X = 170, Mp = 2. Furthermore, if X = 250, Mp = 3.

[0119] Fig. 18 is a flowchart showing the details of the process of S140 shown in Fig. 15. The process of S140 may be executed for one or more types of items for which it has been determined in the process of S110 that rearrangement of the platform is required.

[0120] The placement specification unit 120 determines whether the number of vacant separation work positions is equal to or greater than the number of vehicles to be moved (step S142). Specifically, the placement specification unit 120 uses the placement information to specify the number of vacant separation work positions, i.e., the number of separation work positions at which no vehicles are located. The placement specification unit 120 then determines whether the specified number of vacant positions is equal to or greater than the number of vehicles to be moved specified in the processing of S130.

[0121] If the number of vacant separation work positions is not equal to or greater than the number of vacant separation work positions (NO in S142), the placement specification unit 120 determines to change the placement positions of platters already placed at the separation work positions (step S144). The processing flow then proceeds to S146. Specifically, the placement specification unit 120 determines to change the placement positions of platters already placed at the separation work positions so that there are vacant separation work positions equal to or greater than the number of vacant separation work positions. More specifically, the placement specification unit 120 determines to move platters already placed at the separation work positions that are loaded with items other than the items to be relocated to any placement position other than the separation work positions. For example, the placement specification unit 120 may determine to preferentially move platters already placed at the separation work positions that are loaded with items other than the items to be relocated and that have a lower shipping frequency of the loaded items to any placement position other than the separation work positions.

[0122] For example, suppose that item A is the item to be relocated, and the number of vacant separation work positions is less than the number of units to be moved. Furthermore, suppose that a platform loaded with item B and a platform loaded with item C are already located at the separation work position. Furthermore, suppose that the shipping frequency of item B is lower than the shipping frequency of item C. In this case, the placement specification unit 120 may determine to move the platform loaded with item B located at the separation work position to a placement position other than the separation work position.

[0123] It is highly likely that separation work has already been performed on a platform that is already positioned at the separation work position. In this case, the height of the entire pile of items loaded on the platform may be lower than when all of the items of the predetermined load amount N are loaded as a single mass. Therefore, when moving a platform that is already positioned at the separation work position to a placement position other than the separation work position, the placement specification unit 120 may move the platform to a placement position whose placement space is lower in height than the other placement positions.

[0124] If the number of vacant separation work positions is equal to or greater than the number of units to be moved (YES in S142), the placement specification unit 120 extracts the units of the items to be rearranged that are located at positions other than the separation work positions as candidates for units to be moved to the separation work positions (step S146). Note that the placement specification unit 120 can specify the units of the items to be rearranged that are located at positions other than the separation work positions, for example, by using the placement information.

[0125] The placement identification unit 120 prioritizes the placement of the loaded items among the candidate tables to be moved to the separation work position, starting with the table with the earliest shelf life (step S148). The placement identification unit 120 can identify the shelf life of the loaded items using, for example, item information. For example, in the example of FIG. 8, item A is the item to be rearranged. Furthermore, assume that Ts2 is earlier than Ts1, and Ts3 is earlier than Ts2. In this case, the placement identification unit 120 identifies the table with identification information "Table #1" as the table to be moved to the separation work position. This process allows items to be shipped in order of their shelf life. This makes it possible to prevent expiration of items.

[0126] The placement identification unit 120 determines whether the shipping frequency of the item to be rearranged is set to be high (step S150). Specifically, the placement identification unit 120 may determine whether the shipping frequency set for the target item is set to "high." The placement identification unit 120 may also determine whether the shipping frequency of the item to be rearranged is equal to or greater than a predetermined shipping frequency. For example, if the rank of the "predetermined shipping frequency" is "high" and the rank of the shipping frequency of the item to be rearranged is "high," the placement identification unit 120 may determine that the shipping frequency of the item to be rearranged is equal to or greater than the predetermined shipping frequency. Alternatively, assume that the shipping frequency is expressed as a numerical value, and the "predetermined shipping frequency" is set to a predetermined threshold value Th2 for the shipping frequency. In this case, the placement identification unit 120 may determine whether the numerical value of the shipping frequency of the item to be rearranged is equal to or greater than the threshold value Th2.

[0127] If it is determined that the item to be relocated is set to have a high shipping frequency (YES in S150), the location specification unit 120 specifies the destination of the platform on which the item with a high shipping frequency is loaded as a separation work position set to have high work efficiency (step S152). As described above, the "separation work position set to have high work efficiency" can be set appropriately by the worker, etc. For example, the "separation work position set to have high work efficiency" may be a separation work position close to the shipping work location.

[0128] On the other hand, if it is determined that the shipping frequency of the item to be relocated is not set to be high (NO in S150), the placement identification unit 120 identifies the destination of the platform carrying the item with a low shipping frequency as a separation work position other than the separation work positions set to be high in work efficiency (step S154). For example, in the example of FIG. 4, positions #41 and #81, which are separation work positions close to the shipping work area 76, are set as "separation work positions set to be high in work efficiency." Furthermore, assume that item A is the item to be relocated with a high shipping frequency, and item B is the item to be relocated with a low shipping frequency. In this case, the placement identification unit 120 determines to move the platform carrying item A to position #41 or #81. On the other hand, the placement identification unit 120 determines to move the platform carrying item B to a separation work position other than positions #41 and #81.

[0129] It should be noted that the "separation work position with high work efficiency" does not necessarily have to be set. In this case, the processes of S150 to S154 in FIG. 18 may be omitted. However, by setting the "separation work position with high work efficiency" in advance and moving a platform loaded with items that are frequently shipped to the "separation work position with high work efficiency," it is possible to improve work efficiency at the site. In other words, since shipping work can be performed following separation work, it is possible to efficiently perform work related to shipping work. Therefore, by having the placement identification unit 120 select the destination of the platform from multiple separation work positions depending on the shipping frequency of the items loaded on the platform, it is possible to improve work efficiency at the site.

[0130] Fig. 19 is a flowchart showing details of the process of S110 shown in Fig. 15. Fig. 19 is an example of another process of the process shown in Fig. 16. The process shown in Fig. 19 can be executed for each type of item. Furthermore, the process of Fig. 19 can be executed regardless of the shipment of the item. For example, the process of Fig. 19 corresponds to rearranging a platform on which an item is loaded in advance in preparation for shipment, even if there is no plan to ship the item.

[0131] The location identification unit 120 acquires location information (step S112A). Specifically, the location identification unit 120 acquires location information such as that illustrated in FIG. 9. The location identification unit 120 determines whether the remaining amount of the target items at the separation work position is equal to or less than a predetermined amount Th3 (step S118A). Note that the predetermined amount Th3 is a predetermined threshold value for the remaining amount. The predetermined amount Th3 may be a value less than the predetermined load amount N. Furthermore, the predetermined amount Th3 may be set in advance for each type of item. Furthermore, the predetermined amount Th3 may be the same as or different from the above-mentioned Th1.

[0132] If the remaining amount is equal to or less than the predetermined amount Th3 (YES in S118A), the location specification unit 120 determines whether the shipping volume of the target item is set to be high (step S120A). Note that the determination of whether the shipping volume is set to be high may be substantially the same as the determination in the process of S122 in FIG. 16 described above.

[0133] If the shipping volume of the target item is set to be high (YES in S120A), the location specification unit 120 determines that the platform for the target item needs to be rearranged (step S122A). That is, if the shipping volume is high, there is a high possibility that a large shipment of the target item will occur. In such a case, if the remaining amount of the target item is equal to or less than the predetermined amount Th3, there is a high possibility that the remaining amount of the target item at the separation work position will fall below the shipping volume just before shipment, making rearrangement necessary. Therefore, in such a case, even if no shipment is scheduled, rearrangement can be performed in advance to improve work efficiency on site.

[0134] On the other hand, in the process of S118A, if the remaining amount is not equal to or less than the predetermined amount Th3 (NO in S118A), the location specification unit 120 determines that rearrangement of the platform on which the target item is loaded is unnecessary (step S124A). In other words, if the remaining amount of the target item is not equal to or less than the predetermined amount Th3, and there is no plan to ship the target item, it is considered that there is no need to perform rearrangement. Therefore, in this case, it is determined that rearrangement of the platform on which the item is loaded is unnecessary.

[0135] Furthermore, in the process of S120A, if the shipping volume of the target item is not set to be high (NO in S120A), the placement specification unit 120 determines that rearrangement of the platform on which the target item is loaded is unnecessary (S124A). In other words, even if the remaining amount of the target item is equal to or less than the predetermined amount Th3, if the shipping volume is not high, and there are no plans to ship the target item, it is considered that there is no need to perform rearrangement. Therefore, in this case, it is determined that rearrangement of the platform on which the item is loaded is unnecessary.

[0136] Returning to the description of FIG. 14 , the control device 100 identifies a rearrangement plan (step S160). Specifically, the plan specifying unit 140 specifies a procedure for moving the platforms identified to be moved in the processing of S104. That is, the plan specifying unit 140 specifies a procedure for moving each platform to be moved from its current location to its destination location. For example, the plan specifying unit 140 may specify a rearrangement plan so as to minimize the number of platform movement operations or the required time. Furthermore, for example, the plan specifying unit 140 may specify a rearrangement plan so as to minimize the number of platform movement operations. For example, the plan specifying unit 140 may specify a rearrangement plan so as to minimize the required time for platform movement operations.

[0137] The plan specifying unit 140 may specify a rearrangement plan using, for example, artificial intelligence. The plan specifying unit 140 may specify a rearrangement plan using, for example, a trained model trained by machine learning. The plan specifying unit 140 may specify a rearrangement plan using, for example, a trained model trained using an optimization algorithm. The plan specifying unit 140 may specify a rearrangement plan using, for example, a trained model trained by reinforcement learning. In this case, the trained model may be trained by reinforcement learning so that the more times a machine is moved, the lower the reward. The plan specifying unit 140 may specify a rearrangement plan using, for example, a trained model that receives, as input, the location of a source machine and the location of a destination machine for each of one or more machines, and outputs a movement procedure for each of the one or more machines.

[0138] The control device 100 determines a time period and a transport device for executing the rearrangement plan (step S162). Specifically, the plan execution processing unit 150 determines a time period for executing the rearrangement plan and a transport device for moving platforms in the rearrangement plan using the information acquired in the processing of S102. More specifically, the plan execution processing unit 150 may determine a time period for executing the rearrangement plan and a transport device to be used in executing the rearrangement plan using transport device operation information such as illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12 and placement location schedule information such as illustrated in FIG. 13. That is, the plan execution processing unit 150 may perform processing for executing the rearrangement plan depending on the situation of an area in which at least one transport device operates.

[0139] For example, the plan execution processing unit 150 may determine to execute the relocation plan in a time period other than the time periods during which receiving and shipping operations are performed. In this case, the plan execution processing unit 150 may identify the time periods during which receiving and shipping operations are performed using the location schedule information such as that illustrated in FIG. 13 . The plan execution processing unit 150 may also determine to execute the relocation plan in a time period before or after the start of work at the location, during a break, or before or after the end of work at the location. The plan execution processing unit 150 may also determine to execute the relocation plan in a time period when there are few workers at the location. The plan execution processing unit 150 may also determine to execute the relocation plan when a large amount of goods arrives.

[0140] The plan execution processing unit 150 may also determine a transport device to move a platform in the rearrangement plan from among transport devices that are operable during the time period in which the rearrangement plan is executed. The plan execution processing unit 150 may also determine a transport device to move a platform in the rearrangement plan from among transport devices that are operable during the time period in which the rearrangement plan is executed, based on the capacity of each transport device. For example, the plan execution processing unit 150 may identify the remaining energy of each transport device using transport device operation information such as that illustrated in FIG. 11, and determine a transport device with a large remaining energy as the transport device to move a platform in the rearrangement plan. For example, the plan execution processing unit 150 may also identify the load capacity of each transport device using transport device operation information such as that illustrated in FIG. 11, and determine a transport device with a load capacity that exceeds the weight of the platform to be moved as the transport device to move a platform in the rearrangement plan. For example, the plan execution processing unit 150 may also determine a transport device with a short cumulative operating time as the transport device to move a platform in the rearrangement plan. Furthermore, for example, if no workers are on duty during the time period when the rearrangement plan is executed, the plan execution processing unit 150 may determine the transport device that will move the platform in the rearrangement plan from among the autonomous transport devices identified using the transport device operation information illustrated in FIG. 11.

[0141] The control device 100 transmits information for executing the rearrangement plan (step S170). Specifically, the transmission unit 160 transmits information to enable the transport device used in the rearrangement plan to execute the rearrangement plan. For example, if the transport device used in the rearrangement plan is an autonomous transport device, the transmission unit 160 transmits control information to the autonomous transport device. The control information indicates, for example, the time period during which the rearrangement plan should be executed, the source and destination locations of the platform to be moved, and the procedure for moving the platform. Furthermore, for example, if the transport device used in the rearrangement plan is a transport device operated by an operator, the transmission unit 160 transmits a rearrangement notification regarding the rearrangement plan to the terminal 40 of the operator operating the transport device operated by the operator. The rearrangement notification indicates, for example, the time period during which the rearrangement plan should be executed, the source and destination locations of the platform to be moved, and the procedure for moving the platform. Furthermore, the rearrangement notification may include a map indicating the source and destination locations of the platform to be moved.

[0142] FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating a map included in the rearrangement notification according to the second embodiment. FIG. 20 illustrates a map showing the placement location 70 illustrated in FIG. 4. The map illustrated in FIG. 20 shows an arrow Ar1. The arrow Ar1 indicates that the platform located at position #12 should be moved to position #81, which is a separation work position. The terminal 40 may display a map such as the one illustrated in FIG. 20. This allows the worker to easily grasp the current placement position and the destination placement position of the platform to be moved.

[0143] As described above, the control device 100 according to the second embodiment is configured to determine whether separation is necessary based on the amount of items being transported from the storage location, and if separation is necessary, to specify the destination of the platform. With this configuration, the platform requiring separation can be moved to a storage location where separation can be performed. This makes it possible to improve work efficiency on site.

[0144] <Specific Example of Rearrangement> FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a specific example of rearrangement according to the second embodiment. In the example of FIG. 21, the number of separation work positions is set to 12. Furthermore, the predetermined load capacity is set to N=100. In the example of FIG. 21, the state transitions in the order of the state of arrow C1, the state of arrow C2, and the state of arrow C3. Furthermore, in the example of FIG. 21, it is assumed that the shipping volume is not set to "high" for all items. Note that the table illustrated in FIG. 21 is shown merely to explain a specific example of rearrangement, and that a table such as that illustrated in FIG. 21 does not need to be stored in the control device 100.

[0145] In the state indicated by arrow C1, the remaining number of items A at the separation work position is 50, the remaining number of items B at the separation work position is 50, the remaining number of items C at the separation work position is 50, and the remaining number of items D at the separation work position is 50. Furthermore, since there are four tables at the separation work position, the number of available separation work positions is eight. Then, at shipping timing T1, the shipping quantity of item A is 480, and the shipping quantity of item B is 270. Furthermore, the shipping quantities of items C and D at shipping timing T1 are 0.

[0146] In this case, the location specification unit 120 determines that the remaining quantity of item A is less than the shipped quantity and therefore that item A needs to be rearranged (S120). The location specification unit 120 specifies the shortage of item A at the separation work position, i.e., the replenishment amount, as 430 units (=480-50) (S132). Therefore, the location specification unit 120 determines that five of the platforms on which items A are loaded as a group should be moved to the separation work position (S134). As a result, 500 items A will be moved to the separation work position.

[0147] Furthermore, the location specification unit 120 determines that the remaining quantity of item B is less than the shipping quantity and therefore that item B needs to be rearranged (S120). The location specification unit 120 specifies the shortage of item B at the separation work position, i.e., the replenishment amount, as 220 units (=270-50) (S132). Therefore, the location specification unit 120 determines that three of the tables on which items B are loaded as a group should be moved to the separation work position (S134). As a result, 300 items A will be moved to the separation work position. Note that five tables loaded with items A and three tables loaded with items B will be moved to the separation work position, so the number of vacant separation work positions will be zero.

[0148] When shipping work is performed at shipping timing T1, the state indicated by arrow C1 changes to the state indicated by arrow C2. In the state indicated by arrow C2, the remaining number of items A at the separation work position is 70 (= 50 + 500 - 480). The remaining number of items B at the separation work position is 80 (= 50 + 300 - 270). The remaining number of items C at the separation work position is 50, and the remaining number of items D at the separation work position is 50. Furthermore, since there are four tables at the separation work position, the number of available separation work positions is eight. Then, at shipping timing T2, the shipping quantity of items A is 50, the shipping quantity of items B is 100, the shipping quantity of items C is 120, and the shipping quantity of items D is 20.

[0149] In this case, the placement specification unit 120 determines that rearrangement of item A is unnecessary because the remaining amount of item A is greater than or equal to the shipped amount (S124). Similarly, the placement specification unit 120 determines that rearrangement of item D is unnecessary because the remaining amount of item D is greater than or equal to the shipped amount (S124). Furthermore, the placement specification unit 120 determines that separation work is unnecessary for item B because the shipped amount of item B is a multiple of 100 (S116). Therefore, rearrangement is not performed for item B, and the platform located at a placement position other than the separation work position is shipped as is without undergoing separation work.

[0150] Furthermore, the location specification unit 120 determines that the remaining quantity of item C is less than the shipping quantity and therefore that rearrangement of item C is necessary (S120). The location specification unit 120 specifies the shortage of item C at the separation work position, i.e., the replenishment amount, as 70 units (=120-50) (S132). Therefore, the location specification unit 120 determines that one of the tables on which items C are loaded as a group should be moved to the separation work position (S134). As a result, 100 items C will be moved to the separation work position. Note that, because one table loaded with items C is moved to the separation work position, the number of vacant separation work positions becomes 7.

[0151] When shipping work is performed at shipping timing T2, the state indicated by arrow C2 changes to the state indicated by arrow C3. In the state indicated by arrow C3, the remaining number of items A at the separation work position is 20 (= 70 - 50). The remaining number of items B at the separation work position is 80. The remaining number of items C at the separation work position is 30 (= 50 + 100 - 120). The remaining number of items D at the separation work position is 30 (= 50 - 30). Furthermore, since there are four tables at the separation work position, the number of available separation work positions is eight. Then, at shipping timing T3, the shipping quantity of items A is 100, the shipping quantity of items B is 150, the shipping quantity of items C is 100, and the shipping quantity of items D is 150.

[0152] In this case, the placement specification unit 120 determines that separation work is not required for item A because the shipping volume of item A is a multiple of 100 (S116). Similarly, the placement specification unit 120 determines that separation work is not required for item C because the shipping volume of item C is a multiple of 100 (S116). Therefore, rearrangement is not performed for items A and C, and the platforms that are placed at placement positions other than the separation work position are shipped as is without undergoing separation work.

[0153] Furthermore, the location specification unit 120 determines that the remaining quantity of item B is less than the shipped quantity and therefore that rearrangement of item B is necessary (S120). The location specification unit 120 specifies the shortage of item B at the separation work position, i.e., the replenishment amount, as 70 units (=150-80) (S132). Therefore, the location specification unit 120 determines that one of the platforms on which the block of item B is loaded should be moved to the separation work position (S134). As a result, 100 items B will be moved to the separation work position.

[0154] Furthermore, the location specification unit 120 determines that the remaining quantity of item D is less than the shipping quantity and therefore that item D needs to be rearranged (S120). The location specification unit 120 specifies the shortage of item D at the separation work position, i.e., the replenishment amount, as 120 units (=150-30) (S132). Therefore, the location specification unit 120 determines that two of the tables on which items D are loaded as a group should be moved to the separation work position (S134). As a result, 200 items D will be moved to the separation work position. Note that one table loaded with item B and two tables loaded with item D will be moved to the separation work position, so the number of vacant separation work positions will be five.

[0155] (Modifications) Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment and can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, each process in the above-described flowchart may be implemented using a trained model trained by machine learning. In other words, the above-described placement identification unit may perform a process of identifying the placement of a platform on which multiple items are loaded at a placement location using a trained model trained by machine learning. In this case, the placement identification unit may perform the above process using a trained model trained to input the amount of items being transported from the placement location and output the placement of the platform on which the items are loaded.

[0156] Furthermore, for example, the order of the processes in the above-described flowcharts can be changed as appropriate. Furthermore, one or more of the processes in the above-described flowcharts may be omitted. For example, in the flowchart of FIG. 16, the processes of S118 to S122 may be omitted. In other words, if a separation operation is required (YES in S114), the location identification unit 120 may determine that the target item needs to be rearranged (S120).

[0157] Also, for example, in the flowchart shown in FIG. 16 , in the process of S122, it is determined that both "the remaining amount is equal to or less than the predetermined amount Th1" and "the shipping volume of the target item is set to be high," but this configuration is not limited thereto. In the process of S122, it is not necessary to determine at least that "the remaining amount is equal to or less than the predetermined amount Th1." That is, in the process of S122, the location identification unit 120 may only determine whether or not the shipping volume of the target item is set to be high. Alternatively, in the process of S122, it is not necessary to determine at least that "the shipping volume of the target item is set to be high." That is, in the process of S122, the location identification unit 120 may only determine whether or not the remaining amount is equal to or less than the predetermined amount Th1.

[0158] Furthermore, in the above description, all platters capable of replenishment of the replenishment amount are moved to the separation work position in the process of S134 in FIG. 17 , but this configuration is not limited to this. That is, even if the shipping amount is not a multiple of the predetermined load capacity N, if it is acceptable to ship a portion of the shipping amount on a platter loaded with N target items in a single block, it is not necessary to move all platters capable of replenishment of the replenishment amount to the separation work position. That is, if the replenishment amount X is greater than the predetermined load capacity N, it is not necessary to move all of the items corresponding to the replenishment amount to the separation work position, as described below. That is, the placement specification unit 120 may determine that platters loaded with a single block of target items for an amount equal to the predetermined load capacity N are not moved to the separation work position but are instead moved directly to the shipping work location. Then, the placement specification unit 120 may determine that platters loaded with a single block of target items for the remaining amount less than the predetermined load capacity N are moved to the separation work position. In this case, if X=M1×N+Y (M1 is an integer equal to or greater than 0, Y<N), the placement specification unit 120 may determine that for M1 tables, the tables on which the target items are loaded as a single block are moved directly to the shipping work location without being moved to the separation work position.The placement specification unit 120 may then determine that, in order to separate Y target items, the tables on which the target items are loaded as a single block are moved to the separation work position.

[0159] Furthermore, even if the shipping volume is not a multiple of the predetermined load capacity N, as long as it is permissible to ship a unit loaded with N target items in a single block, the following cases may be considered. Even if the remaining amount of target products at the separation work position is less than the shipping volume in the process of S118 of FIG. 16 , rearrangement of the target items may be unnecessary in the following cases. That is, if the value obtained by subtracting the remaining amount of target items from the shipping volume of the target items is a multiple of the predetermined load capacity N, the placement specification unit 120 may determine that, for items in an amount that is insufficient to meet the shipping volume, a unit loaded with N target items in a single block is to be shipped as is. For example, the predetermined load capacity N is 100 items, the shipping volume is 120 items, and the remaining amount is 20 items. In this case, the placement specification unit 120 may determine that, for the 100 items that are insufficient to meet the shipping volume, a unit loaded with N target items in a single block is to be shipped without performing separation work.

[0160] Furthermore, depending on the operation at the site, an upper limit may be set on the number of platforms loaded with the same type of item that can be placed at the separation work position, thereby making it possible to prevent only platforms loaded with the same type of item from being moved to the separation work position.

[0161] The above-described program includes instructions (or software code) that, when loaded into a computer, cause the computer to perform one or more functions described in the embodiments. The program may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium or a tangible storage medium. By way of example and not limitation, computer-readable media or tangible storage media include random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, solid-state drive (SSD) or other memory technologies, CD-ROM, digital versatile disk (DVD), Blu-ray disc or other optical disk storage, magnetic cassette, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage device. The program may also be transmitted on a transitory computer-readable medium or communication medium. By way of example and not limitation, transitory computer-readable media or communication media include electrical, optical, acoustic, or other forms of propagated signals.

[0162] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to the embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above. Various modifications that can be understood by those skilled in the art can be made to the configuration and details of the present invention within the scope of the invention.

[0163] Some or all of the above embodiments can be described as, but are not limited to, the following supplementary notes. (Supplementary Note 1) A planning system comprising: a placement specification means for specifying a placement of a platform loaded with multiple items at a placement location in accordance with the amount of items being transported from the placement location; and a plan specification means for specifying a rearrangement plan, which is a procedure for moving the platform in accordance with the specified placement. (Supplementary Note 2) The planning system described in Supplementary Note 1, wherein the placement specification means determines whether separation work is necessary to separate the multiple items loaded on the platform in accordance with the amount of items being transported from the placement location, and specifies a destination for the platform if the separation work is necessary. (Supplementary Note 3) The planning system described in Supplementary Note 2, wherein the placement specification means specifies a destination for the platform in accordance with a remaining amount, which is the amount of items remaining in a first placement location for performing the separation work, if the separation work is necessary. (Supplementary Note 4) The planning system described in Supplementary Note 3, wherein the placement specification means specifies a destination for the platform in accordance with a shipping volume, which corresponds to the amount of items shipped per unit time. (Supplementary Note 5) The planning system according to Supplementary Note 2, wherein the location specification means selects the destination of the platform from a plurality of first location positions for performing the separation work according to the shipping frequency of the items loaded on the platform. (Supplementary Note 6) The planning system according to Supplementary Note 1, further comprising: a plan execution processing means for performing processing to execute the rearrangement plan according to the status of an area in which at least one conveyance device that transports the platform operates. (Supplementary Note 7) A control device comprising: a location specification means for specifying the location of a platform on which a plurality of the items are loaded at the location according to the amount of items being carried out from the location; and a plan specification means for specifying a rearrangement plan, which is a procedure for moving the platform, according to the specified location. (Supplementary Note 8) The control device according to Supplementary Note 7, wherein the location specification means determines whether separation work is necessary to separate the plurality of items loaded on the platform from each other according to the amount of items being carried out from the location.(Supplementary Note 9) The control device according to Supplementary Note 8, wherein the location specification means specifies the destination of the platform in accordance with a remaining quantity, which is the quantity of the items remaining in a first location for performing the separation work, when the separation work is necessary. (Supplementary Note 10) The control device according to Supplementary Note 9, wherein the location specification means specifies the destination of the platform in accordance with a shipping volume corresponding to the amount of the items shipped per unit time. (Supplementary Note 11) The control device according to Supplementary Note 8, wherein the location specification means selects the destination of the platform from a plurality of first location locations for performing the separation work in accordance with a shipping frequency of the items loaded on the platform. (Supplementary Note 12) The control device according to Supplementary Note 7, further comprising: a plan execution processing means that performs processing to execute the reallocation plan in accordance with a situation in an area where at least one transport device that transports the platform operates. (Supplementary Note 13) A planning method comprising: specifying an arrangement of a platform loaded with a plurality of items at a placement location according to the amount of items being carried out from the placement location; and specifying a rearrangement plan, which is a procedure for moving the platform, according to the specified arrangement. (Supplementary Note 14) The planning method according to Supplementary Note 13, determining whether separation work is necessary to separate the plurality of items loaded on the platform according to the amount of items being carried out from the placement location; and specifying a destination of the platform if the separation work is necessary. (Supplementary Note 15) The planning method according to Supplementary Note 14, specifying a destination of the platform if the separation work is necessary according to a remaining quantity, which is the amount of items remaining in a first placement location for performing the separation work. (Supplementary Note 16) The planning method according to Supplementary Note 15, specifying a destination of the platform according to a shipping volume corresponding to the amount of items shipped per unit time. (Supplementary Note 17) The planning method according to Supplementary Note 14, wherein a destination of the platform is selected from a plurality of first placement positions for performing the separation work according to a shipping frequency of the items loaded on the platform. (Supplementary Note 18) The planning method according to Supplementary Note 13, wherein processing for executing the rearrangement plan is performed according to a situation in an area where at least one conveyance device that conveys the platform operates.(Supplementary Note 19) A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing a program that causes a computer to execute the steps of: determining a location of a platform loaded with a plurality of items at the location, according to the amount of items to be transported from the location; and determining a rearrangement plan, which is a procedure for moving the platform, according to the determined location.

[0164] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Planning system 10 Control device 12 Placement specification unit 14 Plan specification unit 20 Planning system 30 Conveying device 40 Terminal 50 Unit 50a Packaging material 60 Item 70 Placement location 72 Placement position 74 Storage shelf 76 Shipping work location 100 Control device 110 Information acquisition unit 120 Placement specification unit 140 Plan specification unit 150 Plan execution processing unit 160 Transmission unit

Claims

1. a placement identification means for identifying a placement of a platform on which a plurality of the items are loaded in the placement location in accordance with the amount of items being transported from the placement location; a plan specifying means for specifying a rearrangement plan, which is a procedure for moving the platform, in accordance with the specified arrangement; A planning system with

2. The arrangement specifying means determining whether or not a separation operation is required to separate the plurality of items loaded on the platform from each other, depending on the amount of the items being transported from the placement location; If the separation operation is necessary, a destination of the platform is identified. The planning system of claim 1 .

3. when the separation operation is necessary, the placement specifying means specifies a destination of the platform in accordance with a remaining amount, which is the amount of the articles remaining in a first placement position for performing the separation operation; The planning system of claim 2.

4. the placement specification means specifies a destination of the platform in accordance with a shipping volume corresponding to an amount of the articles shipped per unit time; The planning system of claim 3.

5. the placement specifying means selects a destination of the platform from a plurality of first placement positions for performing the separation work in accordance with a shipping frequency of the items loaded on the platform; The planning system of claim 2.

6. a plan execution processing means for performing processing to execute the rearrangement plan in accordance with the situation of an area in which at least one transport device that transports the platform is operating; The planning system of claim 1 further comprising:

7. a placement identification means for identifying a placement of a platform on which a plurality of the items are loaded in the placement location in accordance with the amount of items being transported from the placement location; a plan specifying means for specifying a rearrangement plan, which is a procedure for moving the platform, in accordance with the specified arrangement; A control device having:

8. The arrangement specifying means determining whether or not a separation operation is required to separate the plurality of items loaded on the platform from each other, depending on the amount of the items being transported from the placement location; If the separation operation is necessary, a destination of the platform is identified. The control device according to claim 7.

9. Identifying a placement of a platform loaded with a plurality of the items in the placement location according to the amount of items to be transported from the placement location; specifying a rearrangement plan, which is a procedure for moving the platform, according to the specified arrangement; Planning methods.

10. A step of determining a location of a platform loaded with a plurality of the items in the location according to the amount of items to be transported from the location; A step of specifying a rearrangement plan, which is a procedure for moving the platform, according to the specified arrangement; A program that causes a computer to execute the following.