Warehouse logistics management method

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for managing logistics within a warehouse using a logistics management system, comprising: a step in which the system sets a storage location for an incoming item; a step in which a worker entering and exiting the warehouse places the item based on the storage location; a step in which the system generates incoming information for the item; a step in which the system receives order information for the item from a server; a step in which a worker entering and exiting the warehouse performs an outgoing operation for the item based on the incoming information and the order information; a step in which the system generates outgoing information based on the result of the outgoing operation performed; and a step in which the system transmits the outgoing information to the server.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] This invention relates to a method of managing logistics within a warehouse. Background Technology

[0002] A logistics warehouse refers to a place that stores various goods depending on the characteristics of the warehouse. Since multiple items are received, shipped, returned, and disposed of within a logistics warehouse, the method of managing the movement of goods (logistics) within the warehouse is essential for the efficient management of goods.

[0003] However, during the process of receiving and shipping goods within the warehouse, problems may arise such as discrepancies between the quantity within the warehouse and the quantity recorded in the documents, or overlapping movement paths of workers during the shipping process.

[0004] The technology forming the background of the present invention is disclosed in Korean Published Patent Application No. 10-2024-0070980. The aforementioned published patent is intended only for improving the efficiency of product shipment operations and does not recognize a process for improving the efficiency of inventory management. The problem to be solved

[0005] The present invention is intended to solve the problems of the aforementioned conventional technology and to provide a logistics management method.

[0006] However, the technical problems that the embodiments of the present invention aim to solve are not limited to those described above, and other technical problems may exist. means of solving the problem

[0007] As a technical means for achieving the above-mentioned technical task, the first aspect of the present invention relates to a logistics management method in a warehouse using a logistics management system, comprising: a step in which the system sets a storage location for an incoming item; a step in which a worker entering and exiting the warehouse places the item based on the storage location; a step in which the system generates incoming information for the item; a step in which the system receives order information for the item from a server; a step in which the worker performs an outgoing operation for the item based on the incoming information and the order information; a step in which the system generates outgoing information based on the result of the outgoing operation performed; and a step in which the system transmits the outgoing information to the server; wherein the storage location is set considering the outgoing frequency and characteristics of the item, and the step of generating incoming information includes a step of acquiring video information captured in real time through a camera installed at the storage location.

[0008] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the step of performing the outbound operation comprises: transmitting the order information to a worker entering and exiting the warehouse; the worker performing an outbound preparation operation based on the receiving information and the order information; analyzing the storage location of the goods listed in the order information to calculate an optimal movement path; determining the outbound order of the goods based on the order information and the optimal movement path; and the step of outbounding and inspecting the goods; wherein the step of performing the outbound operation may be performed by an artificial intelligence model, but is not limited thereto.

[0009] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the step of shipping and inspecting the goods may include, but is not limited to: a step in which the worker inputs input information including the type and quantity of the goods to be shipped into an electronic device connected to a network; a step of comparing the input information with order information stored in the server; and a step of confirming the shipment of the goods based on the result of the comparison.

[0010] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the step of performing the shipment preparation operation may additionally include, but is not limited to: a step of comparing the order quantity of the item included in the order information and the stock quantity of the item included in the receiving information; and a step of transmitting at least one of an order rejection request signal, a priority processing target confirmation request signal, and a supply request signal for the item to the server when the order quantity exceeds the stock quantity.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the step of performing the shipment preparation work may additionally include, but is not limited to, a step of calculating the order frequency for the item during a preset period; and a step of transmitting a supply request signal for the item to the server when the calculated order frequency exceeds a reference value.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the receiving information may be generated based on supply information of the item, outgoing information of the item, return information of the item, and image data capturing the storage location, but is not limited thereto.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the present invention, if the first stock quantity of the item based on the supply information, the shipment information, and the return information, and the second stock quantity of the item based on the image data do not match, the server may generate an on-site verification instruction signal for the item, but is not limited thereto.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the shipping information transmitted to the server modifies the stock quantity of the item stored in the server, and one of the following information may be automatically displayed on the server at any time based on the modified stock quantity: sufficient stock, insufficient stock, and depleted stock, but is not limited thereto.

[0015] The means for solving the problem described above are merely exemplary and should not be interpreted as intended to limit the present invention. In addition to the exemplary embodiments described above, additional embodiments may exist in the drawings and the detailed description of the invention. Effects of the invention

[0016] According to the means for solving the problem of the present invention described above, the logistics management method is performed based on intelligent image recognition and assists in accurate logistics management by matching the types and numbers of items recorded in documents with the types and numbers of items confirmed at the actual site when storing items. Specifically, by synchronizing the receipt and dispatch information of items, such as receipt, dispatch, and return, in real time, efficient inventory management of the said items is carried out, and in the event of a shortage of said items, a request for supply of said items can be made automatically or to the server administrator, taking into account the dispatch frequency and characteristics of said items.

[0017] In addition, the above logistics management method can assist in calculating the optimal route and dispatch order when dispatching goods based on order information, thereby improving work efficiency and assisting in the safe execution of work.

[0018] However, the effects obtainable from this invention are not limited to those described above, and other effects may exist. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0019] FIG. 1 is a flowchart of a logistics management method according to one embodiment of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0020] Below, embodiments of the present invention are described in detail with reference to the attached drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement them.

[0021] However, the present invention may be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. Furthermore, in order to clearly illustrate the present invention in the drawings, parts unrelated to the description have been omitted, and similar parts throughout the specification have been given similar reference numerals.

[0022] Throughout this specification, when a part is described as being "connected" to another part, this includes not only cases where they are "directly connected," but also cases where they are "electrically connected" with other elements interposed between them.

[0023] Throughout the entire specification, when a component is described as being located "on," "on top," "on top," "under," "on bottom," or "on bottom" of another component, this includes not only cases where the component is in contact with the other component but also cases where another component exists between the two components.

[0024] Throughout this specification, when a part is described as "comprising" a certain component, this means that, unless specifically stated otherwise, it does not exclude other components but may include additional components.

[0025] Hereinafter, a logistics management method according to one embodiment and example of the present invention will be described.

[0026] As a technical means for achieving the above-mentioned technical task, the first aspect of the present invention relates to a logistics management method in a warehouse using a logistics management system, comprising: a step in which the system sets a storage location for an incoming item; a step in which a worker entering and exiting the warehouse places the item based on the storage location; a step in which the system generates incoming information for the item; a step in which the system receives order information for the item from a server; a step in which the worker performs an outgoing operation for the item based on the incoming information and the order information; a step in which the system generates outgoing information based on the result of the outgoing operation performed; and a step in which the system transmits the outgoing information to the server; wherein the storage location is set considering the outgoing frequency and characteristics of the item, and the step of generating incoming information includes a step of acquiring video information captured in real time through a camera installed at the storage location.

[0027] The above logistics management system may be included in the warehouse.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the entrance of the warehouse includes a worker identification unit for identifying a worker entering or exiting the warehouse. Specifically, a worker possessing a portable device for managing work may enter or exit the warehouse. At this time, the worker identification unit can create a record of the worker's entry and exit through the device, thereby enhancing personnel management and warehouse security. The worker identification unit includes an RFID tag, a biometric recognition sensor (such as a fingerprint sensor), a QR code scanner, etc., and can record the time of entry, purpose, and work area of ​​the worker.

[0029] FIG. 1 is a flowchart of a logistics management method according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] First, the above system sets the storage location for the received items.

[0031] When items are received into the warehouse, the server sets the storage location of the items. At this time, the storage location is set considering the frequency of entry and exit and the characteristics of the items.

[0032] For example, the lower the frequency of entry and exit of the item into the warehouse, the further the item is placed from the entrance; conversely, the higher the frequency of entry and exit, the closer the item is placed to the entrance. Furthermore, since the temperature, humidity, and light exposure requirements suitable for storage vary depending on the item, the storage location of the items placed in the warehouse is determined by considering factors such as temperature, humidity, light exposure, accessibility during entry and exit, weight, and volume.

[0033] The above storage location has at least one side, excluding the floor, open for the entry and exit of incoming items, and depending on the characteristics of the items being stored, the sides excluding the open side and the floor may be closed or opened as necessary. Additionally, the above storage location may include a camera device for photographing the top, left, right, front, and rear surfaces of the items stored in the storage location, and a control device for controlling the operation of the camera device. The camera device may photograph the items after they are entered into the storage location or after they are released to secure image data of the items.

[0034] Additionally, the storage location may include a weighing unit for measuring the weight of items stored at the storage location. By comparing the weight of the unit of quantity (e.g., pieces, boxes, rows, pallets, etc.) of the items stored at the storage location with the weight of the items measured by the weighing unit, the quantity of items placed at the storage location can be determined. In this case, since the weighing unit additionally measures pallets, boxes, etc., excluding the minimum packaging material required for storage, the quantity of items obtained from the weight measured by the weighing unit can be obtained in the form of a range.

[0035] Next, a worker entering and exiting the warehouse places the items based on the storage location.

[0036] The storage location of the above-mentioned item is determined based on the various characteristics of the above-mentioned item.

[0037] Next, the system generates receiving information for the item.

[0038] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the receiving information may be generated based on supply information of the item, outgoing information of the item, return information of the item, and image data capturing the storage location, but is not limited thereto.

[0039] The above supply information may be generated after the above item is placed at the above storage location, by a worker entering the quantity information of the above item into the server. Additionally, the above outgoing information is the quantity information of the item being taken out in the outgoing operation described later, the above return information is the quantity information of the item being restocked separately from the supply after a predetermined time following the outgoing item, and the above disposal information is the quantity information of the item that is damaged to the point where it is difficult to outgoing, such as due to improper storage or deterioration over time.

[0040] The above return information may be included in or separated from the above supply information.

[0041] According to one embodiment of the present invention, if the first stock quantity of the item based on the supply information, the shipment information, and the return information, and the second stock quantity of the item based on the image data do not match, the server may generate an on-site verification instruction signal for the item, but is not limited thereto.

[0042] The above receiving information may also be generated by the weight measured by the weight measuring unit, and if at least one of the third stock quantity of the item calculated by the weight, the first stock quantity, and the second stock quantity has a different value, an on-site verification instruction signal may be generated. In this case, since the third stock quantity is obtained in the form of a range, an on-site verification instruction signal is generated if either the first stock quantity or the second stock quantity is not included in the range of the third stock quantity.

[0043] The above receiving information is generated by the server and is obtained based on the quantities of the goods supplied, shipped, and returned within the warehouse, as well as image data obtained from the camera device at the storage location. Additionally, the receiving information may be generated by also taking into account disposal information regarding the quantity of the goods to be discarded.

[0044] In this case, the supply information, shipment information, return information, and disposal information exist on the server and are entered into the server by the supplier supplying the said goods, and by the warehouse manager who ships the said goods, stores returned goods, and sorts out the goods subject to disposal.

[0045] If a non-matching value occurs among the first stock quantity, the second stock quantity, and the third stock quantity, the server may generate an on-site verification instruction signal to instruct the accurate verification of the quantity of items placed at the storage location.

[0046] When the quantity at the storage location (actual quantity) is verified in accordance with the above-mentioned on-site verification instruction signal, if the first inventory quantity is greater or less than the actual quantity, it is necessary to determine which of the supply information, outbound information, return information, and disposal information the discrepancy has occurred. Accordingly, it is necessary to identify which information was entered incorrectly by referring to the past records of the first inventory quantity.

[0047] Meanwhile, since the second inventory quantity is a value obtained from the camera's capture data, it may be calculated as smaller than the actual quantity if the items are placed in the camera's blind spot. In this case, the loading method of the items placed at the storage location can be changed, or the camera's shooting angle can be adjusted to prevent the items at the storage location from being placed in the blind spot. If the calculated quantity is larger than the actual quantity, it can be inferred that an error has occurred in the algorithm for extracting the quantity from the camera's capture data.

[0048] Meanwhile, regarding the third stock quantity, weight is used, and since the weight may be measured due to pallets, boxes, dust, etc. when storing the item, an error may exist in the third stock quantity. If the third stock quantity is greater or less than the actual quantity, the zero point of the weight measuring unit can be adjusted.

[0049] When the first inventory quantity, the second inventory quantity, and the third inventory quantity match, the worker can input the receiving information into the server via a portable device, and the field verification instruction signal generated by the server can be transmitted to a worker entering or exiting the warehouse or to the manager of the warehouse via the portable device.

[0050] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the generation of the receiving information may be performed by an artificial intelligence model, but is not limited thereto. Specifically, among artificial intelligence models, a convolutional neural network model can automatically identify the type, quantity, and damage status of an item by analyzing an image of the item collected as a captured image, and thus can verify whether the item is placed in an appropriate storage location even if the barcode of the item is not identified. In addition, if the operator does not input the receiving information, the quantity of the item can be temporarily written and stored on the server by considering the first, second, and third stock quantities of the item, and the operator can be requested to verify the item.

[0051] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the image of the article may additionally include an image taken by a thermal imaging camera and information about 3D depth, but is not limited thereto.

[0052] When the process of generating the above receiving information is carried out by an artificial intelligence model, it is possible to analyze whether items loaded at the storage location have slipped and fallen due to various factors such as friction, wind, animals, condensed moisture, or oil through 3D depth information included in the above captured image. Specifically, if the location of an item stored at the above storage location changes even though the item has not been released, verification of the above storage location can be performed, and at this time, whether the item has fallen can be observed through 3D depth information.

[0053] In addition, through the thermal imaging camera, it is possible to verify whether the items stored at the storage location maintain an appropriate temperature. Through the thermal imaging camera, it is possible to verify whether the temperature of the items is the appropriate storage temperature for the items, and if the temperature of the items does not fall within the appropriate storage temperature range, the system can generate a signal to verify the storage location.

[0054] Next, the system receives order information for the item from the server.

[0055] The above order information includes information regarding at least one item among the items stored in the warehouse and the quantity of said item. That is, the above order information includes the type and quantity of the item.

[0056] The above order information is transmitted from the server to the logistics management system of the warehouse, and the order information transmitted to the warehouse can be printed or transmitted to the worker's portable device.

[0057] Next, the above worker performs a shipment operation for the above item based on the above receiving information and the above order information.

[0058] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the step of performing the outbound operation comprises: transmitting the order information to a worker entering and exiting the warehouse; the worker performing an outbound preparation operation based on the receiving information and the order information; analyzing the storage location of the goods listed in the order information to calculate an optimal movement path; determining the outbound order of the goods based on the order information and the optimal movement path; and the step of outbounding and inspecting the goods; wherein the step of performing the outbound operation may be performed by an artificial intelligence model, but is not limited thereto.

[0059] The above order information is transmitted to the worker via the logistics management system of the warehouse. The worker performs preparation for shipment based on receiving information, which includes information on the type, quantity, and storage location of items stored in the warehouse, and order information, which includes information on the type and quantity of items to be shipped from the warehouse.

[0060] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the step of performing the shipment preparation operation may additionally include, but is not limited to: a step of comparing the order quantity of the item included in the order information and the stock quantity of the item included in the receiving information; and a step of transmitting at least one of an order rejection request signal, a priority processing target confirmation request signal, and a supply request signal for the item to the server when the order quantity exceeds the stock quantity.

[0061] When comparing the quantity of items to be shipped included in the above order information with the quantity of items included in the above receiving information, the ordered quantity may be greater than the stored quantity (receiving information). In such cases, the operator may send an order rejection request signal to the server to reject some of the above order information, or, if there are multiple order information items that have ordered the insufficient items, send a priority processing target identification request signal to identify which item must be shipped first, and simultaneously send a supply request signal for the said items to increase the quantity of items stored in the warehouse.

[0062] The above-mentioned outbound preparation work may be carried out by an LSTM (long short term memory) network artificial intelligence model. In this case, when order information is received by the server, the artificial intelligence model compares the receiving information stored in the server with the order information, and may reject the order (order rejection request signal) or identify a signal that must be processed first (request signal to identify priority processing target) and transmit it to the logistics management system, and at the same time transmit a supply request signal for the goods to the supplier of the goods.

[0063] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the step of performing the shipment preparation work may additionally include, but is not limited to, a step of calculating the order frequency for the item during a preset period; and a step of transmitting a supply request signal for the item to the server when the calculated order frequency exceeds a reference value.

[0064] If a large amount of order information for a specific item is received during a preset period, it is necessary to determine whether this is a temporary phenomenon or a regularly recurring phenomenon by comparing it with order information for the specific item during an arbitrary past period. Subsequently, based on past data and current order information, the expected future order quantity of the specific item can be estimated, and accordingly, the trend of inventory fluctuation of the specific item can be predicted. The supply of the specific item can be adjusted so that the inventory of the specific item does not fall below the order quantity.

[0065] Next, the storage location of the goods listed in the order information is analyzed to calculate the optimal movement path, and the order of shipment of the said goods is determined based on the order information and the optimal movement path. The optimal movement path is calculated by considering the travel distance and time required to ship the goods from their storage location, the weight, volume, and characteristics (such as the possibility of damage), whether the movement paths of multiple workers overlap, and the level of congestion within the warehouse. In other words, workers performing the shipment and receipt of goods within the warehouse can calculate the optimal movement path by taking into account each other's work.

[0066] At this time, the optimal movement path mentioned above can also be calculated by an artificial intelligence model. Generally, workers perform item dispatch after or while calculating the movement path by considering the storage locations of the items, but unnecessary movement paths may occur during this process. Accordingly, an artificial intelligence model can calculate the optimal movement path by considering the above factors and can calculate it more efficiently than a human worker. The artificial intelligence model for calculating the optimal movement path may include both CNN and LSTM models simultaneously.

[0067] The above optimal movement path may be displayed on the screen of a portable device held by the worker. In this case, when calculating the optimal movement path using an artificial intelligence model, the optimal movement path may be updated by taking into account safety accidents occurring within the warehouse or urgently received order information.

[0068] The items listed in the order information possess a mixture of various characteristics, such as weight and strength. The optimal movement path is calculated by considering the characteristics of the items listed in the order information, and the order of item dispatch is determined by dispatching items while moving along the optimal movement path.

[0069] In other words, the shipment preparation task can be performed by CNN and LSTM artificial intelligence models.

[0070] Next, the above items are shipped and inspected. Items are shipped according to the above optimal route, but since the shipping operation is performed directly by a worker, verification is required to inspect the products.

[0071] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the step of shipping and inspecting the goods may include, but is not limited to: a step in which the worker inputs input information including the type and quantity of the goods to be shipped into an electronic device connected to a network; a step of comparing the input information with order information stored in the server; and a step of confirming the shipment of the goods based on the result of the comparison.

[0072] Inspection of the above-mentioned goods is performed by an operator entering input information into an electronic device, and confirming the shipment if the input information matches the order information. At this time, if the type and quantity of goods are insufficient compared to the order information, the type and quantity of goods to be shipped are reviewed by referring to the above-mentioned receiving information. If the type of goods listed in the above-mentioned order information is not present in the above-mentioned receiving information, and / or if the quantity of goods listed in the above-mentioned order information is greater than the quantity listed in the receiving information, a message indicating an inventory shortage or depletion may be sent via the server to the orderer who transmitted the above-mentioned order information while confirming the shipment.

[0073] Meanwhile, when an operator dispatches an item, the dispatch quantity is immediately entered into an electronic device. This assists in the efficient management of items. At this time, the dispatch quantity entered during the dispatch process is a temporary quantity; since the quantity may be incorrectly entered due to input errors, the temporary quantity may be confirmed either after correction or without correction during the dispatch inspection. When the artificial intelligence model or manager of the warehouse system recognizes the dispatch quantity confirmed through the above process, the model or manager can generate a replenishment signal for the item.

[0074] Next, the system generates outbound information based on the result of the outbound operation performed above.

[0075] Next, the above system transmits the above shipment information to the above server.

[0076] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the shipping information transmitted to the server modifies the stock quantity of the item stored in the server, and one of the following information may be automatically displayed on the server at any time based on the modified stock quantity: sufficient stock, insufficient stock, and depleted stock, but is not limited thereto.

[0077] When the shipment of goods is confirmed, the shipment information of the said goods is finalized, and the said shipment information modifies the said receiving information. At this time, if the modified stock quantity is above the standard, the stock is sufficient; if it is below the standard, the stock is insufficient; and if the modified stock quantity is 0, the stock is depleted. This information is exposed to the said server through the system at all times so that orders for depleted goods are not accepted.

[0078] In other words, the logistics management method according to the present invention can verify inventory triple-checked through real-time video information via a camera, weight measurement, and worker input information, thereby accurately identifying the types and quantities of items within the warehouse. Furthermore, when shipping the items, by utilizing various artificial intelligence models such as CNN and LSTM, preparation for shipment can be automatically performed and the optimal route can be automatically calculated, allowing for easy response even in the event of unexpected situations such as safety accidents or urgent orders.

[0079] The foregoing description of the present invention is for illustrative purposes only, and those skilled in the art will understand that other specific forms can be easily modified without altering the technical concept or essential features of the present invention. Therefore, the embodiments described above should be understood as illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. For example, each component described as a single unit may be implemented in a distributed manner, and components described as distributed may likewise be implemented in a combined form.

[0080] The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims set forth below rather than by the detailed description above, and all modifications or variations derived from the meaning and scope of the claims and the concept of equivalents thereof should be interpreted as being included within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

Claim 1 A logistics management method in a warehouse using a logistics management system, comprising: a step in which the system sets a storage location for an incoming item; a step in which a worker entering and exiting the warehouse places the item based on the storage location; a step in which the system generates incoming information for the item; a step in which the system receives order information for the item from a server; a step in which a worker entering and exiting the warehouse performs an outgoing operation for the item based on the incoming information and the order information; a step in which the system generates outgoing information based on the result of the outgoing operation performed; and a step in which the system transmits the outgoing information to the server; wherein the storage location is set considering the outgoing frequency and characteristics of the item, and the step of generating incoming information includes a step of acquiring video information captured in real time through a camera installed at the storage location. Claim 2 A logistics management method according to claim 1, wherein the step of performing the outbound operation comprises: transmitting the order information to a worker entering and exiting the warehouse; the worker performing an outbound preparation operation based on the receiving information and the order information; analyzing the storage location of the goods listed in the order information to calculate an optimal movement path; determining the outbound order of the goods based on the order information and the optimal movement path; and the step of outbounding and inspecting the goods; wherein the step of performing the outbound operation is performed by an artificial intelligence model. Claim 3 A logistics management method according to paragraph 2, wherein the step of shipping and inspecting the goods comprises: a step in which the worker inputs input information including the type and quantity of the goods to be shipped into an electronic device connected to a network; a step of comparing the input information with order information stored in the server; and a step of confirming the shipment of the goods based on the comparison result. Claim 4 A logistics management method according to claim 2, wherein the step of performing the above-mentioned preparation for shipment further comprises: a step of comparing the order quantity of the above-mentioned item included in the order information with the stock quantity of the above-mentioned item included in the receiving information; and a step of transmitting at least one of an order rejection request signal, a priority processing target confirmation request signal, and a supply request signal for the above-mentioned item to the server when the order quantity exceeds the stock quantity. Claim 5 A logistics management method according to paragraph 2, wherein the step of performing the shipment preparation work further includes: a step of calculating the order frequency for the said item during a preset period; and a step of transmitting a supply request signal for the said item to the server when the calculated order frequency exceeds a reference value. Claim 6 A logistics management method according to claim 1, wherein the receiving information is generated based on supply information of the goods, outgoing information of the goods, return information of the goods, and image data capturing the storage location. Claim 7 A logistics management method according to claim 4, wherein if the first stock quantity of the item based on the supply information, the shipment information, and the return information, and the second stock quantity of the item based on the image data do not match, the server generates an on-site verification instruction signal for the item. Claim 8 A logistics management method according to claim 1, wherein the outbound information transmitted to the server modifies the inventory quantity of the goods stored in the server, and one of the information of sufficient inventory, insufficient inventory, and depleted inventory is automatically displayed on the server at all times according to the modified inventory quantity.

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