Picking system

Abstract

This picking system comprises: a first automated warehouse for storing items in case units; a diversion station for transferring, into containers, in-stock items which are in units of cases; a second automated warehouse connected to the diversion station; a third automated warehouse connected to the diversion station and the second automated warehouse, respectively; a picking station connected to the third automated warehouse; and a controller for managing the movement of the items. The controller causes a first item having a high picking frequency to be moved directly from the diversion station to the third automated warehouse to be stored, causes a second item having a low picking frequency to be moved from the diversion station to the second automated warehouse to be stored and, on the basis of an order, causes the second item to be moved from the second automated warehouse to the third automated warehouse.

Description

Picking System

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a picking system.

[0002] A system is known that includes multiple automated warehouses and transports items stored in the automated warehouses to a picking station. For example, in the system described in Patent Document 1, trays containing multiple items are stored on storage shelves in a first automated warehouse, and individual items or collections of multiple items are stored on storage shelves in a second automated warehouse. Trays or items removed from the first automated warehouse and the second automated warehouse are transported to a picking station near an automatic sorting device. At each picking station, a worker picks out the required items and transfers them to the automatic sorting device. The items sorted by the automatic sorting device are then packed into boxes by the worker.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2018-47997

[0004] As mentioned above, systems with multiple automated warehouses have been considered in the past, but there are many parts of the system that require human intervention. In recent years, there has been a trend toward more diverse and larger-volume orders. Therefore, in picking systems, there is a demand for an increase in the number of items delivered to picking stations (the number of items delivered per unit time).

[0005] The present disclosure describes a picking system that can increase the number of items sent to a picking station for a wide variety of orders.

[0006] [1] A picking system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a first automated warehouse that stores products in cases, a conversion station connected to the first automated warehouse and used to transfer case-based inventory products into containers, a second automated warehouse connected to the conversion station, a third automated warehouse connected to both the conversion station and the second automated warehouse, a picking station connected to the third automated warehouse, and a controller that receives orders and manages the movement of the products. The products include a first product that is picked more frequently and a second product that is picked less frequently than the first product. The controller directly moves the first product from the conversion station to the third automated warehouse for storage, moves the second product from the conversion station to the second automated warehouse for storage, and moves the second product from the second automated warehouse to the third automated warehouse based on the order, while sequentially moving the first product and the second product included in the order from the third automated warehouse to the picking station.

[0007] According to the picking system described in [1] above, a controller combines multiple automated warehouses and manages the flow of products according to picking frequency. While the first product is moved directly from the conversion station to the third automated warehouse, the second product is temporarily stored in the second automated warehouse and then moved to the third automated warehouse based on the order. This allows for an increased shipment quantity to the picking station, even for large orders consisting of a wide variety of products.

[0008] [2] In the picking system described in [1] above, the controller, for example, determines the shipping quantity of the second item included in the order and the number of items stored in the second automated warehouse. If the controller determines that the shipping quantity of the second item is greater than the number of items stored, the controller may move the second item stored in the first automated warehouse in cases to the conversion station, and then move the second item, which has been transferred to a container, directly to the third automated warehouse. This allows for emergency shipment of the second item. For example, by directly moving the second item included in the next batch of orders from the conversion station, the time required to collect the second item in the next batch at the third automated warehouse can be shortened.

[0009] [3] In the picking system described in [1] or [2] above, the controller, for example, sequentially executes multiple batches and identifies the orders included in the next batch scheduled after the current batch. In this case, the controller may move a first product that is not included in the next batch from the third automated warehouse to the second automated warehouse while the current batch is being executed. In this case, even if the first product is not shipped in the next batch, it is moved to the second automated warehouse. As a result, the free space in the third automated warehouse can be increased, increasing the margin for handling a variety of products. Inventory optimization is achieved.

[0010] [4] In any one of the picking systems described in [1] to [3] above, the third automated warehouse is, for example, a group of automated warehouses consisting of multiple automated warehouse units. The controller, for example, sequentially executes multiple batches and identifies the orders included in the next batch scheduled after the current batch. In this case, the controller may move a second product stored in the automated warehouse unit and not included in the next batch from the third automated warehouse to the second automated warehouse while the current batch is being executed. In this case, if the second product will not be shipped from the automated warehouse unit in the next batch, it is moved to the second automated warehouse. As a result, the free space in the third automated warehouse can be increased, improving the margin for handling a variety of products. Inventory optimization is achieved.

[0011] [5] In any one of the picking systems described in [1] to [3] above, the third automated warehouse is, for example, an automated warehouse group consisting of multiple automated warehouse units. The controller, for example, sequentially executes multiple batches and identifies the orders included in the next batch scheduled after the current batch. In this case, the controller may move a second item stored in an automated warehouse unit during execution of the current batch and not to be delivered in the next batch to another automated warehouse unit that can deliver the second item in the next batch. In this case, the second item will not be delivered from the automated warehouse unit in the next batch, but will be moved to another automated warehouse unit that is closer to the scheduled picking station, for example. This improves the efficiency of movement from the automated warehouse group to the picking station. This optimizes inventory.

[0012] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to increase the quantity shipped to the picking station even for large orders consisting of a wide variety of products.

[0013] Fig. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a picking system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a flow of products (containers) in the picking system of Fig. 1.

[0014] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0015] First, referring to FIG. 1 , a picking system S according to one embodiment will be described. The picking system S is a system installed in, for example, a distribution center. The picking system S stores a wide variety of products (articles) in multiple automated warehouses and sequentially executes multiple batches to move products corresponding to an order from the multiple automated warehouses to a picking station ST. The picking system S reduces the need for human intervention between the multiple automated warehouses, and movement control between the automated warehouses is performed by a controller 5. The picking system S excels in the number of items delivered to the picking station ST (the number of items delivered per unit time) for a wide variety of orders.

[0016] The picking system S comprises a first automated warehouse 1, a conversion station 10, a second automated warehouse 20, a third automated warehouse 30, and a picking station ST. There may be one each of the first automated warehouse 1, the conversion station 10, the second automated warehouse 20, and the third automated warehouse 30, but multiples of at least one of these may also be provided as appropriate. The picking system S comprises three different types (three formats) of automated warehouses, consisting of the first automated warehouse 1, the second automated warehouse 20, and the third automated warehouse 30.

[0017] The first automated warehouse 1 is connected to the receiving station of the center and stores a wide variety of products in cases. When products are stored in cases, only one type of product is stored in one case. A case is also called, for example, an outer box or outer carton. The first automated warehouse 1 is a case-type automated warehouse. The first automated warehouse 1 is a stacker crane-type automated warehouse and is equipped with known components such as storage shelves, stacker cranes, and conveyors for retrieval and storage. As an example, the first automated warehouse 1 has 30 to 40 lines. In this specification, when one facility is "connected" to another facility, it means that the facilities are equipped with a configuration that allows products (items) to be moved (or transported) between them.

[0018] The conversion station 10 is connected to the first automated warehouse 1 via a transfer path T1. The conversion station 10 is a station for transferring case-based inventory items into smaller containers. The conversion station 10 is a container transfer station. The containers used in the conversion station 10 are, for example, collapsible containers, also known as returnable containers. In the picking system S, a large number of containers are used to transport (convey) various types of products, and are circulated along paths connecting each automated warehouse and station. The conversion station 10, for example, has approximately 25 to 35 individual stations. At each individual station, for example, a worker removes products from the case and transfers them into containers. Only one type of product is placed in one container. The conversion station 10 includes conveyors related to transportation, a display device for worker use, a work space, and the like. Note that an automatic conversion station having multiple container transfer devices may be used as the conversion station 10.

[0019] The second automated warehouse 20 is connected to the conversion station 10 via a movement path T2. The second automated warehouse 20 is a double-deep, shuttle-type automated warehouse. The second automated warehouse 20 is equipped with known components such as storage shelves, multiple shuttle carts, and conveyors for retrieval and storage. The second automated warehouse 20 has, as an example, 20 to 30 lines. In a double-deep automated warehouse, two loads can be placed in the depth direction on each shelf. Although double-deep automated warehouses have relatively poor retrieval capacity, they have the advantage of being able to store a large number of items. The picking system S employs this format for the mass storage of low-ranked items, as described below.

[0020] The third automated warehouse 30 is connected to the conversion station 10 and the second automated warehouse 20 via movement paths T3a and T3b, respectively. The third automated warehouse 30 is, for example, a group of automated warehouses consisting of multiple automated warehouse units 31 to 36. Each automated warehouse unit has, for example, four shuttle-type automated warehouses. Each shuttle-type automated warehouse includes storage shelves and shuttle carts that move back and forth between each shelf. Note that, in addition to movement path T3b, a separate movement path T4 is provided between the second automated warehouse 20 and the third automated warehouse 30. Movement path T3b is a path for moving products (containers) from the second automated warehouse 20 to the third automated warehouse 30, and movement path T4 is a path for moving products (containers) from the third automated warehouse 30 (any automated warehouse unit) to the second automated warehouse 20. The forward movement path T3b and the reverse movement path T4 may be a common path.

[0021] The number of shuttle-type automated warehouses in the third automated warehouse 30 is set to, for example, a multiple of four. The third automated warehouse 30 has, for example, 24 to 36 lines in total. One automated warehouse unit has four lines of shuttle-type automated warehouses, which are grouped together as one picking unit. Each picking unit is responsible for picking one small batch (a batch that is included in a large batch described below and is a smaller unit than the large batch). For example, if the third automated warehouse 30 has a total of 24 lines, six picking units (automated warehouse units 31 to 36) make up the third automated warehouse 30. If the third automated warehouse 30 has a total of 36 lines, nine picking units make up the third automated warehouse 30.

[0022] In the picking system S, each automated warehouse unit of the third automated warehouse 30 temporarily stores low-ranked items that will be picked in the currently executing batch, i.e., the next batch scheduled after the current batch. The storage and movement control of products in the third automated warehouse 30 will be described later.

[0023] The picking station ST is connected to the third automated warehouse 30. Each series of shuttle-type automated warehouses is connected to the picking station ST via a separate route. The picking station ST is made up of multiple order pick stations PS1 to PS8.... As an example, the picking station ST has approximately 60 to 70 order pick stations. At each order pick station, for example, a worker picks products from containers in the order quantity indicated in each order and packs them into boxes or the like. The picking station ST includes a display device, a picking work space, conveyors, etc., provided for the worker's picking work.

[0024] In the picking system S, the movement paths T1, T2, T3a, T3b, and T4 are configured with known transport equipment including conveyors and / or transport carts. The multiple paths between the third automated warehouse 30 and the order pick station of the picking station ST are shown as combined movement paths T5 and T6 in Fig. 2. The forward and reverse movement paths between the third automated warehouse 30 and each of the order pick stations may also be shared.

[0025] The picking system S may include other necessary components in addition to the components shown in Fig. 1. For example, the picking system S may include a pallet automated warehouse connected to the first automated warehouse 1. A container sequencer may be provided between the picking station ST and the shipping station of the center. A case movement path for shipping cases may be provided between the first automated warehouse 1 and the shipping station of the center.

[0026] The picking system S includes a controller 5 that receives orders from a higher-level controller and manages the movement of various types of products based on the received orders. The controller 5 executes various movement controls and other equipment controls in the picking system S. The controller 5 includes a processor such as a CPU, RAM, and ROM. The controller 5 is capable of communicating information with each of the first automated warehouse 1, the conversion station 10, the second automated warehouse 20, the third automated warehouse 30, and the picking station ST, and is capable of transmitting control signals to each of them. Note that while only one controller 5 is shown in FIG. 1 , the functions of the controller 5 do not need to be concentrated in one location (in one device). The various functions of the controller 5 may be distributed (shared) among individual controllers provided in, for example, the first automated warehouse 1, the conversion station 10, the second automated warehouse 20, the third automated warehouse 30, and the picking station ST. In this case, communication (transmission and reception) of information and commands between each controller is required, but such a control unit (control function) can be appropriately constructed by a person skilled in the art.

[0027] The controller 5 sequentially executes multiple large batches in the picking system S according to a predetermined daily schedule. In the picking system S, various types of products are classified into high-ranked products (first products) that are picked frequently and low-ranked products (second products) that are picked less frequently than the high-ranked products. To determine whether a high-ranked product has a "high picking frequency," some index or threshold may be used, or the high-ranked product may be manually set by a user or operator. Typically, the picking frequency of high-ranked products is higher than the picking frequency of low-ranked products. However, it is acceptable for a situation to temporarily occur in which the picking frequency of some low-ranked products is higher than the picking frequency of some high-ranked products. The classification and setting of high-ranked and low-ranked products can be performed as appropriate, but overall, the picking frequency of high-ranked products tends to be higher than the picking frequency of low-ranked products.

[0028] The following describes in detail how the controller 5 controls the movement of products. The controller 5 stores identification information for a certain type of product, indicating whether it is a high-rank product or a low-rank product. The controller 5 identifies all products as being high-rank products or low-rank products.

[0029] First, when a case containing products arrives from the receiving station at the center, the controller 5 moves the products to the first automated warehouse 1 for storage, regardless of whether the products are high-ranked or low-ranked. Next, the controller 5 moves the products to the conversion station 10. At the conversion station 10, inventory products in cases are transferred to containers. Next, the controller 5 moves the high-ranked products directly from the conversion station 10 to the third automated warehouse 30 for storage. The controller 5 also moves the low-ranked products from the conversion station 10 to the second automated warehouse 20 for storage. The second automated warehouse 20 has a storage capacity for low-ranked products equivalent to 1.5 to 2 large batches.

[0030] The controller 5 starts the execution of a certain large batch (current batch). The controller 5 first imports data and starts the batch. The controller 5 then performs regular replenishment. The controller 5 moves products included in the order of the next large batch (next batch) scheduled after the current large batch from the second automated warehouse 20 to the third automated warehouse 30. Based on the orders included in the next large batch, the controller 5 supplies the third automated warehouse 30 with low-ranked products of a type and quantity corresponding to the shortage of the required picking quantity. More specifically, the controller 5 tally up the types and quantities of products to be shipped in the orders included in the large batch and supplies low-ranked products to the third automated warehouse 30 so that each product is equal to or greater than the shipping quantity. High-ranked products are stored in the third automated warehouse 30 with a replenishment amount determined at the replenishment point. The controller 5 performs regular replenishment of high-ranked products when the replenishment point is reached and emergency replenishment to address excess allocations exceeding the storage amount from the first automated warehouse 1 via the conversion station 10.

[0031] Thereafter, the controller 5 successively moves the high-ranked items and low-ranked items included in the order of the current large batch from the third automated warehouse 30 to the picking station ST. More specifically, for the high-ranked items included in the order, the controller 5 retrieves the items stored in the third automated warehouse 30. For the low-ranked items, the controller 5 retrieves the items moved from the second automated warehouse 20. At this time, each picking unit (shuttle cart) of the third automated warehouse 30 moves in and out. Thereafter, picking work is performed by an operator at each order pick station of the picking station ST.

[0032] The controller 5 performs emergency replenishment (direct emergency shipping) of low-ranked items as necessary. Specifically, the controller 5 grasps the shipping quantity of low-ranked items included in the order and the number of low-ranked items stored in the second automated warehouse 20. If the controller 5 determines that the shipping quantity of the low-ranked items is greater than the number of low-ranked items stored, it moves the low-ranked items stored in the first automated warehouse 1 in case units to the conversion station 10, and then moves the low-ranked items, which have been transferred to containers, directly to the third automated warehouse 30.

[0033] Here, a specific example of emergency replenishment of low-ranking products will be described. Product A, a low-ranking product, is transferred from one case to two containers. In the replenishment point replenishment quantity setting for the second automated warehouse 20, it is assumed that the replenishment point for product A is two containers, the replenishment quantity is three containers, and the storage quantity is three containers. The required number (shipping quantity) of product A in the third automated warehouse 30 is seven containers, but the remaining number (storage quantity) from the previous batch is only one container. In this case, the controller 5 supplies three containers from the second automated warehouse 20 to the third automated warehouse 30, but three containers are still missing. Therefore, the controller 5 removes two cases from the first automated warehouse 1, performs container conversion at the conversion station 10, and emergency replenishes three containers in the third automated warehouse 30. The controller 5 then supplies the remaining one container to the second automated warehouse 20.

[0034] The storage amount of product A in the second automated warehouse 20 is one container, which is below the replenishment point in this case, so the controller 5 causes one case to be removed from the first automated warehouse 1 as regular replenishment for the next large batch, and container conversion is performed at the conversion station 10, supplying two containers to the third automated warehouse 30. Note that, although it is assumed here that the replenishment amount in regular replenishment is two containers, if the product is exchanged from one case to three containers, the controller 5 only needs to replenish three containers in the minimum case unit.

[0035] In this way, the controller 5 determines whether the supply of low-ranked products will catch up based on the inventory quantity in each automated warehouse at the time the previous large batch was completed. Emergency replenishment takes about half the time required for each picking unit (automated warehouse unit) in the third automated warehouse 30 to work on a small batch. During emergency replenishment, priority is given to picking orders for which the product (item A above) is not allocated. Regular replenishment is carried out sequentially while each small batch is being shipped out, anticipating the remaining number to be picked.

[0036] As described above, for the current large batch, shipping from the second automated warehouse 20, shipping from the third automated warehouse 30, regular replenishment, and emergency replenishment are performed. The controller 5 also performs control to increase the available space in the third automated warehouse 30 by utilizing the storage capacity of the second automated warehouse 20. The controller 5 performs this type of control for both high-rank products and low-rank products.

[0037] The controller 5 grasps the orders included in the next large batch scheduled after the current large batch. Then, while the current batch is being executed, the controller 5 moves high-ranking items not included in the next batch from the automated warehouse units 31 to 36 to the second automated warehouse 20. When the controller 5 determines that the high-ranking items are necessary for the next batch, it moves (returns) the high-ranking items to the third automated warehouse 30 for storage.

[0038] Alternatively, the controller 5 moves low-ranked items stored in the automated warehouse units 31 to 36, etc., and not included in the next batch, from the third automated warehouse 30 to the second automated warehouse 20 during the execution of the current batch.

[0039] The flow of products in the picking system S with the above-described movement control will be described with reference to FIG. 2. In FIG. 2, the flow of products is represented by the number of containers moved per hour. Note that the quantities shown here are merely an example. High-rank products are bulk-supplied along movement path T3a (1,000 units / hour). Here, the minimum number of cases of pieces used by the picking units of the third automated warehouse 30 are converted into containers and supplied to the third automated warehouse 30. Low-rank products for picking are supplied along movement path T3b (12,000 units / hour). Here, low-rank product inventory containers are supplied to each picking unit in batches. Along movement path T4, inventory is returned to storage inventory (10,000 units / hour). Here, inventory containers that are not allocated in each picking unit in the next large batch are returned to the second automated warehouse 20 (the automated warehouse in the storage area). High-rank products generally do not need to be returned because they have a high probability of being allocated. At the end of the day, high-ranking products that are not scheduled for allocation in the first large batch of the next day may be returned to the second automated warehouse 20.

[0040] On the transfer route T5, a quantity of containers corresponding to the number of picking operations is transferred to the picking station ST (25,000 containers / hour). On the transfer route T6, a quantity of containers corresponding to the number of containers consumed is transferred to the third automated warehouse 30 (20,000 containers / hour).

[0041] According to the picking system S of this embodiment described above, the controller 5 combines multiple automated warehouses and manages the flow of products according to picking frequency. High-ranking products (first products) are moved directly from the conversion station 10 to the third automated warehouse 30 via movement path T3a, while low-ranking products (second products) are temporarily stored in the second automated warehouse 20 and then moved to the third automated warehouse 30 via movement path T3b based on the order. This makes it possible to increase the quantity shipped to the picking station ST even for large orders consisting of a wide variety of products.

[0042] The controller 5 grasps the shipping quantity of low-ranked items included in the order and the number of low-ranked items stored in the second automated warehouse 20, and if it determines that the shipping quantity of the low-ranked items is large compared to the number of low-ranked items stored, it moves the low-ranked items stored in the first automated warehouse 1 in case units to the conversion station 10. More specifically, if it determines that the absolute number of shipping quantities of the low-ranked items is large compared to the absolute number of storage quantities, the controller 5 moves the low-ranked items stored in the first automated warehouse 1 to the conversion station 10. Alternatively, if it determines that the ratio of the shipping quantity to the number of low-ranked items stored is large, the controller 5 may move the low-ranked items stored in the first automated warehouse 1 to the conversion station 10. The controller 5 then directly moves the low-ranked items transferred to containers to the third automated warehouse 30 (urgent replenishment of low-ranked items). This control of movement between automated warehouses makes it possible to respond to emergency shipments of low-ranked items. For example, by directly transferring low-ranked items included in the next batch of orders from the conversion station 10, the time required to collect the low-ranked items in the next batch into the third automated warehouse 30 can be shortened.

[0043] The controller 5 moves high-ranking items that are not included in the next batch from the automated warehouse units 31 to 36 to the second automated warehouse 20 while the current batch is being executed. This control of movement between the automated warehouses allows even high-ranking items to be moved to the second automated warehouse 20 if they will not be shipped out in the next batch. As a result, the free space in the third automated warehouse 30 can be increased, increasing the margin for handling a wide variety of products. Inventory can also be optimized.

[0044] The controller 5 moves low-ranking items stored in the automated warehouse units 31 to 36, etc., and not included in the next batch, from the third automated warehouse 30 to the second automated warehouse 20 while the current batch is being executed. This control of movement between the automated warehouses allows low-ranking items to be moved to the second automated warehouse 20 if they will not be shipped out of that automated warehouse unit in the next batch. As a result, the free space in the third automated warehouse 30 can be increased, increasing the margin for handling a variety of products. Inventory optimization is achieved.

[0045] Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. For example, during the execution of the current batch, the controller 5 moves low-ranked items stored in one of the automated storage units 31 to 36, etc., that will not be delivered in the next batch, to another automated storage unit that can deliver the low-ranked items in the next batch (or that will deliver the low-ranked items). This control of movement between the automated storage units in the third automated storage unit 30 allows low-ranked items not to be delivered from that automated storage unit in the next batch, but to be moved to another automated storage unit that is closer to the scheduled picking station, for example. For example, if low-ranked items stored in automated storage unit 31 that are not needed in the next batch are needed in automated storage unit 32, they are moved to automated storage unit 32 after picking in automated storage unit 31 is completed. If the low-ranked items are also needed in the next batch in automated storage unit 33, they are delivered from the second automated storage unit 20 to replenish the automated storage unit 33. This type of replenishment control improves the efficiency of movement from the automated warehouses to the picking stations, thereby optimizing inventory.

[0046] In the above embodiment, the controller 5 grasps the shipping quantity of low-ranked items included in an order and the storage quantity of those low-ranked items in the second automated warehouse 20, and if it determines that the shipping quantity of those low-ranked items is greater than the storage quantity, it moves those low-ranked items stored in the first automated warehouse 1 in case units to the conversion station 10. However, the controller 5 may also grasp the shipping quantity of low-ranked items included in an order and the storage quantity of those low-ranked items in the second automated warehouse 20, and if it determines that the shipping quantity and the storage quantity of those low-ranked items are approximately the same (within a difference threshold of 1 to 2 items), it may move those low-ranked items stored in the first automated warehouse 1 in case units to the conversion station 10. In this case, measures are taken to prevent errors in the inventory quantity (storage quantity).

[0047] The present disclosure may be applied to picking systems other than batch picking systems.

[0048] The first automated warehouse 1 may be a shuttle-type automated warehouse. Furthermore, the second automated warehouse 20 is not limited to a double-deep type automated warehouse. Furthermore, the second automated warehouse 20 is not limited to a shuttle-type automated warehouse. The second automated warehouse 20 may be, for example, a stacker crane type automated warehouse. Different types of automated warehouses may be combined in each of the first automated warehouse 1 and the second automated warehouse 20.

[0049] 1...first automated warehouse, 5...controller, 10...conversion station, 20...second automated warehouse, 30...third automated warehouse, 31-36...automated warehouse units, PS1-PS8...order pick stations, S...picking system, ST...picking station.

Claims

1. A picking system comprising: a first automated warehouse that stores products on a case-by-case basis; a conversion station connected to the first automated warehouse for transferring case-by-case inventory products into containers; a second automated warehouse connected to the conversion station; a third automated warehouse connected to both the conversion station and the second automated warehouse; a picking station connected to the third automated warehouse; and a controller that receives orders and manages the movement of the products, wherein the products include a first product that is picked more frequently and a second product that is picked less frequently than the first product, and the controller: moves the first product directly from the conversion station to the third automated warehouse for storage, moves the second product from the conversion station to the second automated warehouse for storage, moves the second product from the second automated warehouse to the third automated warehouse based on the order, and continuously moves the first product and the second product included in the order from the third automated warehouse to the picking station.

2. The picking system described in claim 1, wherein the controller grasps the shipping quantity of the second product included in the order and the number of the second products stored in the second automated warehouse, and if it determines that the shipping quantity of the second product is large compared to the number of products stored, moves the second product stored in the first automated warehouse on a case-by-case basis to the conversion station, and then moves the second product transferred to the container directly to the third automated warehouse.

3. A picking system as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the controller executes multiple batches in sequence, grasps the orders included in the next batch scheduled after the current batch, and moves the first product not included in the next batch from the third automated warehouse to the second automated warehouse while the current batch is being executed.

4. A picking system as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the third automated warehouse is an automated warehouse group consisting of a plurality of automated warehouse units, and the controller executes a plurality of batches in sequence, grasps the orders included in the next batch scheduled after the current batch, and moves the second product stored in the automated warehouse unit and not included in the next batch from the third automated warehouse to the second automated warehouse during the execution of the current batch.

5. The picking system described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the third automated warehouse is an automated warehouse group consisting of a plurality of automated warehouse units, and the controller executes a plurality of batches in sequence, grasps the orders contained in the next batch scheduled after the current batch, and moves the second product stored in the automated warehouse unit and which will not be issued in the next batch during the execution of the current batch, to another automated warehouse unit which can issue the second product in the next batch.