Method and apparatus for picking task management

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for picking task management. The method for picking task management may include obtaining information on a first tasker, the information on the first tasker including information on a first zone associated with the first tasker, selecting a zone combination including the first zone among a plurality of zones in a fulfillment center, the number of shipments associated with the zone combination being greater than or equal to a size of a picking task group, and generating the picking task group using information on shipments associated with the selected zone combination.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This disclosure relates to a picking operation management method and apparatus, and more specifically, to a picking operation management method and apparatus that can improve the efficiency of picking operations. [Previous Technology]

[0002] With the rapid growth of e-commerce, online transactions are becoming increasingly common, and the importance of logistics processing is becoming more and more prominent. Items ordered by customers through e-commerce can be delivered to the delivery address set by the customer through a certain logistics processing process.

[0003] Specifically, items sold through e-commerce are stored in a fulfillment center (FC) and then distributed according to an outbound process based on customer order information. At this time, the outbound process typically includes picking, rebinding, and packaging steps, and the efficiency of each step is an important factor determining the overall performance of the logistics operation.

[0004] In particular, picking is one of the core steps in the outbound process. It is the process of selecting ordered items and preparing for shipment within the logistics center. The efficiency of this step directly affects the speed and cost of the overall logistics process.

[0005] Therefore, various technologies and systems are being developed to improve the efficiency of picking operations.

[0006] Advanced Technology Documents

[0007] Patent Documents

[0008] Korean Patent No. 10-2428286 (granted on July 28, 2022) [Summary of the Invention]

[0009] Solution to the problem:

[0010] The technical problem to be solved by an embodiment of the present disclosure is to provide a picking operation management method and apparatus that can improve operational efficiency.

[0011] In addition, a method and apparatus thereof are provided to minimize the worker’s travel distance and to create picking work groups taking into account the optimal picking path.

[0012] In addition, a method and apparatus for creating work segments that maintains a balance of workload and enables efficient work allocation are also provided.

[0013] It should be understood that the technical problems disclosed herein are not limited to the above-mentioned technical problems, and those skilled in the art can clearly understand other unmentioned technical problems through the following description.

[0014] The technical solution of the present invention is as follows:

[0015] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, a picking operation management method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include the following steps: obtaining information of a first worker, wherein the information of the first worker includes information of a first area related to the first worker; selecting a combination of areas including the first area from multiple areas within a logistics center, wherein the quantity of goods (shipments) related to the combination of areas is greater than or equal to the size of the picking operation group; and creating the picking operation group using the goods information related to the selected combination of areas.

[0016] In one embodiment, the step of obtaining the information of the first worker may include the following steps: receiving job assignment request information from the terminal of the first worker.

[0017] In one embodiment, the step of obtaining the information of the first worker may include the following steps: using worker status information of multiple workers, identifying the first worker whose status is capable of performing picking operations.

[0018] In one embodiment, the step of selecting the area combination may include the following steps: if the quantity of goods in the first area is greater than or equal to the size of the picking operation group, then the first area is determined as the area combination; if the quantity of goods in the first area is less than the size of the picking operation group, then one or more areas from the remaining areas other than the first area are added to the first area to create the area combination.

[0019] In one embodiment, the step of creating the area combination may include the following steps: adding a second area with the largest number of goods among the remaining areas other than the first area; and determining the combination of the first area and the second area as the area combination if the total number of goods in the first area and the second area is greater than or equal to the size of the picking operation group.

[0020] In one embodiment, the step of creating the picking operation group may include the following steps: using the information of the goods to determine a baseline goods; and adding one of the remaining goods other than the baseline goods.

[0021] In one embodiment, the step of determining the reference cargo may include the following steps: confirming the location information of the first worker; and using the location information of the first worker to select the reference cargo.

[0022] In one embodiment, the step of selecting the reference cargo may include the following steps: if the location information of the first worker exists, the cargo closest to the location of the first worker is determined as the reference cargo; if the location information of the first worker does not exist, the reference cargo is determined using the information of the cargo concentration point.

[0023] In one embodiment, the addition step may include the following step: considering the worker's movement path and selecting one of the remaining goods.

[0024] In one embodiment, the following steps may also be included: dividing the picking operation group by area, creating one or more operation segments; and assigning any one of the one or more operation segments to the first worker.

[0025] In one embodiment, the work segment includes a first work segment corresponding to the first area. The step of creating the work segment may include the following steps: if the quantity of goods in the first work segment is greater than a first benchmark value, then the first work segment is re-divided.

[0026] In one embodiment, the step of creating the one or more job segments may include the following steps: creating path information for each of the one or more job segments.

[0027] In one embodiment, the step of creating the path information may include the following steps: determining a path search method based on the number of SKUs associated with each of the one or more job segments.

[0028] In one embodiment, the step of determining the path search method may include the following steps: if the number of SKUs is greater than or equal to a second benchmark value, then a first search method is applied; if the number of SKUs is less than the second benchmark value, then a second search method different from the first search method is applied.

[0029] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, a computing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a processor; and a memory storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, enable the processor to perform the following operations: acquiring information about a first worker, wherein the information about the first worker includes information about a first area associated with the first worker; selecting a combination of areas including the first area from among a plurality of areas within a logistics center, wherein the quantity of shipments associated with the combination of areas is greater than or equal to the size of a picking operation group; and creating the picking operation group using the shipment information associated with the selected combination of areas.

[0030] In one embodiment, the operation of selecting the area combination may include the following operations: if the quantity of goods in the first area is greater than or equal to the size of the picking operation group, then the first area is determined as the area combination; if the quantity of goods in the first area is less than the size of the picking operation group, then one or more areas from the remaining areas other than the first area are added to the first area to create the area combination.

[0031] In one embodiment, the operation of creating the picking group may include the following operations: using the information of the goods to determine a baseline goods; and adding one of the remaining goods other than the baseline goods.

[0032] In one embodiment, the operation of determining the reference cargo may include the following operations: confirming the location information of the first worker; and selecting the reference cargo using the location information of the first worker.

[0033] In one embodiment, the operation of selecting the reference goods may include the following operations: if the location information of the first worker exists, the goods closest to the location of the first worker are determined as the reference goods; if the location information of the first worker does not exist, the reference goods are determined using the information of the goods concentration point.

[0034] In one embodiment, the addition operation may include the following operation: considering the worker's movement path and selecting one of the remaining goods.

Implementation Method

[0035] Several embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The advantages and features of the present disclosure, as well as the methods for achieving these advantages and features, will be clearly understood by referring to the detailed embodiments and drawings described below. However, the technical concept of the present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments, but can be implemented in many forms. The purpose of the following embodiments is only to make the technical concept of the present disclosure more complete and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the present disclosure of the scope of the scope of the present disclosure. The technical concept of the present disclosure is defined only within the scope of the claims.

[0036] Furthermore, when describing the various embodiments of this disclosure, detailed descriptions of related well-known structures or functions will be omitted if they are deemed to obscure the gist of the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0037] Unless otherwise defined, the terminology (including technical and scientific terms) used in the following embodiments may be used in the sense that would be commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains, but this may vary depending on the intent of one of ordinary skill in the relevant art, precedents, and the emergence of new technologies, etc. The terminology used in this disclosure is for the purpose of describing embodiments and not for limiting the scope of this disclosure.

[0038] The singular representation used in the following embodiments includes the plural concept unless the context explicitly specifies it as singular. Furthermore, the plural representation includes the singular concept unless the context explicitly specifies it as plural.

[0039] In addition, the terms first, second, A, B, (a), (b) and other terms used in the following embodiments are only used to distinguish certain technical features from other technical features, and the nature, order or sequence of the technical features are not limited by the above terms.

[0040] The various embodiments disclosed herein will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0041] FIG1 is an illustrative drawing showing the structure of an overall system for performing a picking operation management method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] As shown in FIG1, an overall system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a job management system 1, and in some embodiments, may also include a worker terminal 11.

[0043] First, the operation management system 1 is a device / system that supports the efficient execution of picking operations or processes within a logistics center. Specifically, picking operations refer to the process of sorting items corresponding to customer order information from items stored (stowing, or displayed) in the logistics center into tote boxes (or trolleys).

[0044] In one embodiment, the operation management system 1 can confirm the order information of customers assigned to the logistics center and create a shipment using the order information. Here, a shipment refers to a unit used for managing and processing one or more items related to the order information, and may include information for identifying the shipment, information related to the items contained within the shipment, etc. Information related to the items contained within the shipment may include SKU (Stock Keeping Unit) information, quantity information, and the loading location information of the items, etc. For example, if customer X orders 1 item A, 2 items B, and 2 items C, a first shipment for 1 item A, a second shipment for 2 items B, and a third shipment for 2 items C can be created respectively. Alternatively, a single shipment can be created for 1 item A, 2 items B, and 2 items C.

[0045] In one embodiment, the operations management system 1 can use worker information and goods information to create picking operation groups. A picking operation group refers to a group of operations for the efficient management and processing of picking tasks. A picking operation group can consist of multiple goods, and if the multiple goods included in the picking operation group are associated with different zones, it can include one or more zones. In other words, a picking operation group can be formed only within a specific zone, but if the picking operation group includes goods corresponding to SKUs located in multiple zones, it can also include multiple zones. Depending on the situation, the picking operation group can be referred to or named as a batch, task bundle, picking cluster, or picking set. Detailed instructions for creating picking operation groups will be described below.

[0046] In one embodiment, the job management system 1 can create job segments and assign them to workers. A job segment is part of the aforementioned picking job group, referring to a work unit assigned to an individual worker, and may include work information related to one or more totes. Specifically, if a picking job group includes one or more areas, job segments can be created for each area, and the corresponding job segments can be assigned to workers. Workers assigned to a job segment can pick specified SKUs based on the picking job information included in the corresponding job segment. Depending on the situation, a job segment may be referred to or named as a Batch Job, Individual Task Unit, Picking Task, etc. Detailed descriptions of creating and assigning job segments will be provided below.

[0047] On the other hand, the aforementioned picking operation groups and operation segments can be stored and managed in the picking pool, and the operation segments included in the picking pool can be dynamically allocated according to factors such as worker status. Furthermore, the picking operation groups and operation segments in the picking pool can be updated and optimized periodically.

[0048] In one embodiment, the job management system 1 can provide worker terminals 11 with information supporting picking operations. The job management system 1 can assign job segments to workers and provide the worker terminals 11 with information on the corresponding job segments, allowing workers to perform picking operations based on this information. Additionally, the job management system 1 can provide the worker terminals 11 with an application for providing information supporting picking operations.

[0049] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the job management system 1 can be implemented through at least one computing device. For example, all functions of the job management system 1 can be implemented on one computing device, or a first function of the job management system 1 can be implemented on a first computing device, and a second function can be implemented on a second computing device. Furthermore, specific functions of the job management system 1 can also be implemented on multiple computing devices. The computing device can encompass any device with computing capabilities, and an example of such a device can be understood with reference to FIG10. Since a computing device is a collection of interacting technical features (e.g., memory, processor, etc.), it can be referred to as a "computing system" in some cases. Of course, the term "computing system" can also encompass the concept of a collection of multiple computing devices interacting.

[0050] Secondly, the worker terminal 11 is a terminal used by the worker (i.e., the picker) performing the picking operation. For example, the worker can confirm the assigned picking operation information through the worker terminal 11 and perform the operation accordingly. The picking operation information may include information about the SKUs to be picked, the quantity information corresponding to each SKU, the location information of the SKUs, and the picking order information. Thus, the worker can pick items in the optimal order, maximizing the efficiency of the picking operation. Furthermore, the worker terminal 11 can be implemented through various types of computing devices such as smartphones, laptops, and desktop computers, and can be implemented in any device. An example of the aforementioned computing device will be described with reference to Figure 10.

[0051] In addition, the technical features shown in Figure 1 can be communicated via a network. This network can be implemented through all types of wired and wireless networks, such as Local Area Network (LAN), Wide Area Network (WAN), Mobile Radio Communication Network (Mobile Radio Communication Network), and Wireless Broadband Internet (Wibro).

[0052] Hereinafter, referring to Figures 2 to 4, a picking operation management method according to some embodiments of the present disclosure will be described through an operation management screen provided by the operation management system 1. The operation management screen can be provided through an administrator terminal that manages picking operations.

[0053] Figures 2 to 4 are job management screens that can be referenced in some embodiments of this disclosure. In Figures 2 to 4, a batch represents a picking job group, and a batch job represents a job segment.

[0054] First, Figure 2 exemplarily illustrates a screen 20 including information about batch A. Referring to Figure 2, screen 20 may include batch identification information 21 and batch composition information 22. Specifically, batch A may consist of multiple batch operations, and as shown in the example, it may consist of batch operation A1 and batch operation A2. Each batch operation may include multiple goods, and the goods included in a batch operation may be associated with a specific area. In other words, batch operation A1 and batch operation A2 may be carried out in different areas, and workers perform picking operations in the areas assigned to the batch operations.

[0055] Next, Figure 3 exemplarily shows a screen 30 including information about batch operation A1. If batch operation A1 is selected in screen 20 of Figure 2, screen 30 can be displayed to view detailed information about batch operation A1. Screen 30 may include information 31 identifying the batch operation and picking information (picking operation information) 32, specifically, it may include SKU information, quantity information, picking location information, and picking status information, etc.

[0056] At this time, if the SKUs included in batch operation A1 have not yet been picked, the batch operation can be displayed as "PENDING". Furthermore, when batch operation A1 is assigned to a specific worker and the picking of the SKUs included in batch operation A1 is completed, the status information of the batch operation can be updated. For example, the status of the batch operation can be changed and displayed as "MOVING" (see Figure 4).

[0057] In this way, the administrator can monitor the status of batches and batch operations in real time through the operation management system 1 and view the operation progress intuitively, thereby maximizing the efficiency of picking operations.

[0058] The overall system for implementing some embodiments of the picking operation management method disclosed herein has been illustrated with reference to FIG1, and operation management screens based on some embodiments of the present disclosure have been illustrated with reference to FIGS. 2 to 4. The above embodiments can be understood in more detail by referring to other embodiments described below. In addition, even if not explicitly stated otherwise, the technical ideas that can be understood through the above embodiments can also be reflected in other embodiments described below.

[0059] The picking operation management method of some embodiments of this disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings following FIG5. In the following description, for ease of understanding, it will be assumed that all steps / operations of the method described below are performed in the above-described operation management system 1. However, in a real-world environment, depending on the implementation method, some steps / operations of the method described later may also be performed in other computing devices.

[0060] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating a picking operation management method according to another embodiment of this disclosure. However, this is only a preferred embodiment for achieving the purpose of this disclosure, and it goes without saying that some steps may be added or deleted as needed.

[0061] First, in step S51, a worker's request can be received. Specifically, when there is a request from a worker to be assigned a picking task, the corresponding request information can be received from the work management system 1. These requests can be sent through the worker's terminal, and the worker can send their current status (e.g., whether they can work, current location, etc.) and a request to perform the picking task.

[0062] Next, in step S52, it can be confirmed whether there are any assignable jobs in the picking pool. As described above, picking job groups and job segments created and managed by the job management system 1 can be stored and managed in the picking pool, thereby allowing the status and progress of currently assignable picking job groups and job segments to be queried in the picking pool. For example, the processing status of currently ongoing picking job groups (or job segments) and information on job segments awaiting processing can be confirmed, and it can be determined whether the worker's request can be processed immediately.

[0063] Then, in step S53, it can be confirmed whether there are any assignable work segments in the picking pool. In this process, factors such as the worker's current position, the number of goods to be processed that are not included in the picking work group, and the remaining unassigned work segments in the picking pool can be comprehensively considered to determine whether a work segment is assignable.

[0064] Then, if there are assignable work segments in the picking pool (yes), a work segment can be selected from the picking pool and assigned to the worker (S54). At this time, the worker's location can be considered to select the most suitable work segment. For example, the work segment closest to the worker's location can be selected. Conversely, if there are no assignable work segments in the picking pool (no), a new picking work group and work segment can be created and assigned to the worker (S55, S56).

[0065] Simultaneously, if there are no worker requests or no workers are currently available to work, the picking task groups and task segments within the picking pool can be automatically updated at a certain period. For example, factors such as work speed, goods creation speed, and picking operation status can be considered to update the picking pool at a certain period (e.g., 5 seconds). The update cycle can be dynamically adjusted according to the operating environment and workload of the logistics center. For example, if the goods creation speed increases during a specific time period, the update cycle can be set shorter to quickly allocate tasks; conversely, during periods with fewer task requests, the update cycle can be extended to reduce system load.

[0066] Next, the operation of creating a picking work group will be explained in detail.

[0067] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating another embodiment of the picking operation management method disclosed herein. However, this is only a preferred embodiment for achieving the purpose of this disclosure, and it is self-evident that some steps may be added or deleted as needed.

[0068] First, in step S61, information about the first worker can be obtained. At this time, the information about the first worker may include information about the first area associated with that first worker. Multiple areas may exist within the logistics center where picking operations are performed, and each worker can be assigned or arranged to a specific area to maximize operational efficiency. The first area associated with the first worker may be the main operational area to which the first worker is assigned and arranged.

[0069] In one embodiment, the first worker is a worker who is in a state capable of performing a task and can be used as a task assignment target. For example, when a task assignment request is received from the worker's (first worker's) terminal, it indicates that the worker is in a state capable of performing a new task, and therefore the worker's information can be obtained. As another example, worker status information from multiple workers can be used to identify the worker (first worker) who is in a state capable of performing a task, and the information of the identified worker can be obtained thereby. In this case, the worker's status information may include whether the currently ongoing task has been completed, current location, waiting time, etc. Depending on the situation, the status information of the picking task group or task segment within the picking pool described in the foregoing embodiments can also be considered to identify the worker's status.

[0070] Next, in step S62, a region combination including the first region can be selected from multiple regions within the logistics center. At this time, the quantity of goods (shipments) associated with the region combination can be greater than or equal to the size of the picking operation group. The size of the picking operation group can refer to the quantity of goods comprising the picking operation group managed in the operation management system 1. In other words, the picking operation group can be configured to include a quantity of goods not exceeding the size of the picking operation group, or a quantity of goods corresponding to the size of the picking operation group. Furthermore, the size of the picking operation group can be preset based on the number of workers, worker efficiency information, the operation density of each region, and the workload, etc.

[0071] In one embodiment, the region combination can be configured to include a minimum number of regions. This will be explained with reference to FIG7.

[0072] Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating the specific operation of step S62 in Figure 6.

[0073] First, in step S71, it can be confirmed whether the quantity of goods in the first area is greater than or equal to the size of the picking operation group. Specifically, each item can be assigned to a specific area based on the location of the items associated with it, thereby confirming the quantity of goods assigned to the first area, i.e., the quantity of goods in the first area. During this process, it can be confirmed whether the quantity of goods in the first area meets the predefined size of the picking operation group.

[0074] If the quantity of goods in the first area is greater than or equal to the size of the picking operation group (yes), then the first area can be defined as an area combination (S72). That is, the area combination can consist of only the first area. This is because a picking operation group that meets the size of the picking operation group can be created using only the goods in the first area.

[0075] Conversely, if the quantity of goods in the first area is not greater than or equal to the size of the picking operation group (No), that is, the quantity of goods in the first area is less than the size of the picking operation group, then the goods in the first area alone are insufficient to form a picking operation group, and therefore additional areas need to be considered. Therefore, in step S73, one or more areas from the remaining areas other than the first area can be added to the first area to create the area combination.

[0076] Specifically, areas can be added one by one from the remaining areas other than the first area until the size of the picking operation group is met. At this point, the areas to be added can be selected in the order of the largest number of goods in the remaining areas. This is to include only the minimum number of areas to prevent unnecessary area expansion and to minimize the movement path of workers to maximize the efficiency of the picking operation.

[0077] For example, a second region with the largest number of goods among the remaining regions other than the first region can be added, and if the total number of goods in the first region and the second region is greater than or equal to the size of the picking operation group, the combination of the first region and the second region can be determined as the region combination.

[0078] Referring again to Figure 6, in step S63, a picking operation group can be created using the goods information related to the selected area combination. The goods information related to the area combination refers to the goods information assigned to the areas that make up the area combination, and may include SKU information, quantity information, location information, etc. A more detailed operation will be explained next with reference to Figure 8.

[0079] Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating the specific operation of step S63 in Figure 6.

[0080] First, in step S81, the reference goods can be determined using the goods information of the selected area combination. The reference goods are the starting goods selected first during the formation of the picking operation group, serving as the basis for determining the goods added subsequently.

[0081] In one embodiment, the reference goods can be determined based on the location information of the first worker. Specifically, the location information of the first worker can be confirmed, and the location information of the first worker can be used to select the reference goods. More specifically, if the location information of the first worker exists, the goods closest to the location of the first worker can be determined as the reference goods. Conversely, if the location information of the first worker does not exist, the reference goods can be determined using the information of the goods concentration point. In this case, the K-means or k-medoids clustering algorithm can be used to calculate the centroid of the region of the goods concentration, and the goods closest to the centroid are determined as the reference goods.

[0082] Next, in step S82, one of the remaining goods besides the base goods can be added. Specifically, goods can be added one by one repeatedly until the total number of goods, including the base goods and the added goods, reaches the size of the picking operation group. In this process, a greedy algorithm can be applied to evaluate and select goods by comprehensively considering evaluation factors such as distance per unit (DPU), minimizing the number of areas, and minimizing the number of SKUs.

[0083] In one embodiment, the added goods can be selected in a way that minimizes the worker's travel distance. Specifically, the relative distance to the baseline goods can be considered when selecting goods to minimize the worker's travel distance. In this case, the travel distance can be calculated using each area and a digital map within the area, and methods based on S-Shaped Sequence Distance or TSP (Traveling Salesman Problem) can be applied.

[0084] In one embodiment, the added goods can be selected in a manner that minimizes the number of regions. In other words, it is preferred to select the added goods in the region related to the base goods, and goods in additional regions can be selected if necessary.

[0085] In summary, according to this embodiment, a minimum area including the worker's area can be selected, and goods that meet the size of the picking operation group can be selected using the goods information within the minimum area to create a picking operation group. In this process, picking operation groups can be formed in a way that includes the minimum area while minimizing the travel distance, thereby maximizing the efficiency of the picking operation.

[0086] Next, the creation and allocation of work segments will be explained in detail.

[0087] Figure 9 is a flowchart illustrating a picking operation management method according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. However, this is only a preferred embodiment for achieving the purpose of the present disclosure, and it goes without saying that some steps may be added or deleted as needed.

[0088] First, in step S91, picking operation groups can be divided by region, and one or more operation segments can be created. As described in the previous embodiments, picking operation groups can include multiple regions during the creation process, and a picking operation group can include goods related to different regions. Furthermore, since operation segments are arranged and assigned to workers by region, picking operations need to be separated by region. Therefore, when a picking operation group includes multiple regions, an operation segment can be created for each region. At this time, the operation segment can include region information, SKU information, quantity information, and location information.

[0089] On the other hand, if an area contains too many goods, having a single worker handle all the picking at once may lead to inefficiency. In this case, it is necessary to divide the work segment into smaller units to reduce the workload of workers and improve the efficiency of the picking operation. Therefore, in this embodiment, if the number of goods in the work segment created according to the area exceeds a preset benchmark value (first benchmark value), further re-division can be performed. For example, if the work segment includes a first work segment corresponding to the first area, and the number of goods in the first work segment is greater than or equal to the benchmark value (first benchmark value), the first work segment can be re-divided. At this time, minimizing the worker movement distance (DPU, Distance Per Unit) and optimizing the overall number of work segments can be considered, and hierarchical clustering techniques can be used to adjust it.

[0090] In one embodiment, a work segment may include path information. For this purpose, path information for one or more work segments may be created. The path information defines the order in which workers pick SKUs within a work segment during movement and may be created taking into account the location of the SKUs.

[0091] In one embodiment, the path search method can be determined based on the number of SKUs (i.e., the number of pick points) associated with each of one or more work segments. Specifically, if the number of SKUs is greater than or equal to a baseline value (a second baseline value) (e.g., 11), a first search method can be applied. This first search method can be a TSP-based optimal path search method. Conversely, if the number of SKUs is less than the baseline value, a second search method different from the first search method can be applied. This second search method can be a method of comparing all feasible paths to calculate the optimal path. Thus, by applying differentiated path search methods based on the number of SKUs, the optimal path for the picking operation can be calculated more efficiently.

[0092] Next, in step S92, any one of one or more work segments can be assigned to the first worker. Specifically, the location information of the first worker can be confirmed, and the work segment whose location of the first picked item is closest to the current location of the first worker can be prioritized for assignment. At the same time, if the location information of the first worker is not available, one of the work segments included in the first area can be randomly selected and assigned to the first worker.

[0093] In summary, according to this embodiment, work segments can be created according to regions, and the most suitable work segments can be allocated by taking into account the location information of workers, thereby maximizing the efficiency of picking operations.

[0094] Meanwhile, the picking area within the logistics center can be divided into an automation zone and a manual zone. The automation zone uses automated equipment (such as flow racks, shuttles, and pallets) to automatically transfer picked SKUs to the next process or to workers assigned to designated work locations. The manual zone involves workers directly moving and performing picking operations. Workers performing picking operations can include manual pickers who move directly to perform picking operations, and automated pickers using AGVs (Autonomous Guided Vehicles) or robots. Managing the picking operations in these automation and manual zones separately may reduce operational efficiency, decrease overall logistics processing speed, and lead to low system operating efficiency due to wasted memory and computing resources.

[0095] Therefore, the picking operation management method according to some embodiments of this disclosure can be comprehensively applied to both manual and automated areas. Specifically, during the creation of picking operation groups and operation segments, the goods allocated to both automated and manual areas, as well as the location information of each area, can be considered simultaneously. Picking operation groups can be created reflecting the locations of manual pickers and automated pickers, and an optimal operation segment can be assigned to each picker (machine).

[0096] In summary, the creation and allocation of picking work groups and work segments according to the above embodiments can be applied to both manual and automated areas, and can be optimized by considering both manual pickers and automated pickers simultaneously. Therefore, consistency in picking operation management can be maintained while maximizing operational efficiency.

[0097] To comprehensively apply this information to both manual and automated areas, a data integration process is required to consistently combine information from both areas. Specifically, this can be achieved by first collecting information from the automated area (e.g., picking area, picking location, distance between picking locations, picker status information, etc.) and information from the manual area (e.g., picker movement path, pickable locations, picker status information), and then integrating them. This allows for the organic connection of picking operations performed in each area, ensuring optimal picking arrangements and operational efficiency.

[0098] Next, an exemplary computing device 1000 capable of implementing the picking operation management method described above will be described with reference to FIG10.

[0099] FIG10 is a hardware structure diagram of a computing device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0100] As shown in FIG10, the computing device 1000 may include one or more processors 1100, buses 1600, communication interfaces 1200, memory 1400 loading computer programs executed by the processors 1100, and storage 1300 storing computer programs 1500. However, FIG10 only shows technical features related to the embodiments disclosed herein. Therefore, those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains will understand that other general technical features may be included in addition to those shown in FIG10. In other words, the computing device 1000 may also include various technical features other than those shown in FIG10. Furthermore, in some cases, the computing device 1000 may be configured with some technical features shown in FIG10 omitted. Each technical feature of the computing device 1000 will be described below.

[0101] Processor 1100 can control the overall operation of various structures of computing device 1000. Processor 1100 may include at least one of a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor unit (MPU), a micro controller unit (MCU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), or any form of processor known in the industry. Furthermore, processor 1100 can perform calculations for at least one application or program to perform operations / methods according to embodiments of this disclosure. Computing device 1000 may have one or more processors.

[0102] Furthermore, memory 1400 can store various data commands and / or information. Memory 1400 can load computer program 1500 from storage 1300 to execute the methods and / or operations of the embodiments disclosed herein. Memory 1400 can be implemented using volatile memory such as random access memory (RAM), but this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0103] Furthermore, the bus 1600 can provide communication functions between the components of the computing device 1000. The bus 1600 can be implemented through various types of buses such as address bus, data bus, and control bus.

[0104] Secondly, the communication interface 1200 can support wired and wireless communication of the computing device 1000. Furthermore, the communication interface 1200 can also support various communication methods other than network communication. Therefore, the communication interface 1200 can include communication modules known in the art to which this disclosure pertains.

[0105] Then, the storage device 1300 can non-temporarily store one or more computer programs 1500. The storage device 1300 may include non-volatile memory such as read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable ROM (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), flash memory, hard disk, portable hard disk, or any form of computer-readable recording medium known in the art to which this disclosure pertains.

[0106] Then, computer program 1500 may include one or more instructions that, when loaded into memory 1400, cause processor 1100 to perform operations / methods according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. In other words, processor 1100 may perform operations / methods according to various embodiments of the present disclosure by executing one or more loaded instructions.

[0107] For example, computer program 1500 may include instructions to perform the following operations: obtaining information about a first worker, wherein the information about the first worker includes information about a first area associated with the first worker; selecting a combination of areas including the first area among a plurality of areas within a logistics center, wherein the quantity of shipments associated with the combination of areas is greater than or equal to the size of a picking operation group; and creating the picking operation group using the shipment information associated with the selected combination of areas.

[0108] For example, computer program 1500 may include instructions for performing at least a portion of the steps / operations / methods described with reference to Figures 1 to 9.

[0109] Additionally, in some embodiments, the computing device 1000 shown in FIG10 may represent a virtual machine implemented based on cloud technology. For example, the computing device 1000 may be a virtual machine running on one or more physical servers included in a server farm. In this case, at least a portion of the processor 1100, memory 1400, and storage 1300 shown in FIG10 may be virtual hardware, and the communication interface 1200 may also be implemented through virtualized network components such as a virtual switch.

[0110] Thus far, various embodiments of the present disclosure and the effects of these embodiments have been described with reference to Figures 1 to 10. The effects of the technical concept disclosed herein are not limited to the technical problems described above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

[0111] Furthermore, although the above embodiments describe multiple technical features combined into one or more for operation, the technical concept disclosed herein is not necessarily limited to these embodiments. In other words, within the scope of the technical concept disclosed herein, all technical features can be selectively combined into one or more for operation.

[0112] The technical concept described herein can be implemented through computer-readable code on a computer-readable medium. A computer program recorded on a computer-readable recording medium can be transmitted to another computing device via a network such as the Internet and installed on that other computing device, thereby enabling its use on that other computing device.

[0113] Although various operations are shown in a specific order in the accompanying drawings, it should not be construed as meaning that the operations must be performed in the specific order shown or sequentially, or that all shown operations must be performed to obtain the desired result. In some cases, multiplexing and parallel processing may also be advantageous. Various embodiments of this disclosure have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, but those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains will understand that the technical ideas of this disclosure can be implemented in other specific forms without changing the technical concept or essential features of this disclosure. Therefore, it should be understood that the embodiments described above are exemplary and not limiting in all respects. The scope of protection of this disclosure should be interpreted by the appended claims, and all technical ideas within their equivalent scope should be understood to be included within the scope of the technical ideas defined through this disclosure. [Simplified Explanation of the Diagram]

[0114] FIG1 is an illustrative drawing showing the structure of an overall system for performing a picking operation management method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0115] Figures 2 to 4 are job management screens that can be referenced in some embodiments of this disclosure.

[0116] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating a picking operation management method according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0117] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating a picking operation management method according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0118] Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating the specific operation of step S62 in Figure 6.

[0119] Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating the specific operation of step S63 in Figure 6.

[0120] Figure 9 is a flowchart illustrating a picking operation management method according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0121] FIG10 is a hardware structure diagram of a computing device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A picking operation management method, executed in a computing device, comprising the following steps: obtaining information of a first worker, wherein, The information of the first worker includes information about a first area associated with the first worker; Selecting a combination of areas including the first area from among multiple areas within the logistics center, wherein the quantity of shipments associated with the combination of areas is greater than or equal to the size of the picking operation group; and creating the picking operation group using the shipment information associated with the selected combination of areas; wherein the step of selecting the combination of areas includes the following steps: if the quantity of shipments in the first area is greater than or equal to the size of the picking operation group, then the first area is determined as the combination of areas; if the quantity of shipments in the first area is less than the size of the picking operation group, then one or more areas from the remaining areas other than the first area are added to the first area to create the combination of areas; and wherein the step of creating the combination of areas includes the following steps: adding a second area with the largest quantity of shipments from the remaining areas other than the first area; and if the total quantity of shipments in the first area and the second area is greater than or equal to the size of the picking operation group, then the combination of the first area and the second area is determined as the combination of areas.

2. The picking operation management method as described in Request 1, wherein, The steps to obtain the information of the first worker include the following: receiving job assignment request information from the first worker's terminal.

3. The picking operation management method as described in Request 1, wherein, The steps to obtain the information of the first worker include the following: using worker status information of multiple workers, identifying the first worker whose status is ready to perform picking operations.

4. The picking operation management method as described in Request 1, wherein, The steps to create this picking operation group include the following: using the information of the goods to determine the baseline goods; and adding one of the remaining goods other than the baseline goods.

5. The picking operation management method as described in claim 4, wherein, The steps for determining the benchmark cargo include the following: confirming the location information of the first worker; and using the location information of the first worker to select the benchmark cargo.

6. The picking operation management method as described in claim 5, wherein, The steps for selecting the benchmark cargo include the following: If the location information of the first worker exists, the cargo closest to the location of the first worker is determined as the benchmark cargo; if the location information of the first worker does not exist, the information of the cargo concentration point is used to determine the benchmark cargo.

7. The picking operation management method as described in claim 4, wherein, The added steps include the following: Consider the worker's movement path and select one of the remaining goods.

8. The picking operation management method as described in Request 1, wherein, It also includes the following steps: dividing the picking operation group by area, creating one or more operation segments; and assigning any one of the one or more operation segments to the first worker.

9. The picking operation management method as described in claim 8, wherein, The work segment includes a first work segment corresponding to the first area. The steps to create the work segment include the following steps: If the quantity of goods in the first work segment is greater than the first benchmark value, then the first work segment is re-divided.

10. The picking operation management method as described in claim 8, wherein, The steps to create one or more job segments include the following: Creating path information for each of the one or more job segments.

11. The picking operation management method as described in claim 10, wherein, The steps to create this path information include the following: Determine the path search method based on the number of SKUs associated with each of the one or more job segments.

12. The picking operation management method as described in claim 11, wherein, The steps to determine the path search method include the following: If the number of SKUs is greater than or equal to the second benchmark value, then the first search method is applied; if the number of SKUs is less than the second benchmark value, then the second search method, which is different from the first search method, is applied.

13. A computing device, comprising: processor; The system also includes memory storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform the following operations: acquiring information about a first worker, including information about a first region associated with that worker; selecting a region combination that includes the first region from among multiple regions within the logistics center, wherein the quantity of shipments associated with the region combination is greater than or equal to the size of the picking group; and creating the picking group using the shipment information associated with the selected region combination. The operation of selecting the region combination includes the following operations: if the quantity of shipments in the first region is greater than or equal to the size of the picking group, then the first region is identified as the region combination; if the quantity of shipments in the first region is less than the size of the picking group, then one or more regions from the remaining regions excluding the first region are added to the first region to create the region combination; and the operation of creating the region combination includes the following operations: adding a second region with the largest quantity of shipments among the remaining regions excluding the first region; and if the total quantity of shipments in the first region and the second region is greater than or equal to the size of the picking group, then the combination of the first region and the second region is identified as the region combination.

14. The computing device as described in claim 13, wherein, The operation of creating this picking operation group includes the following steps: using the information of the goods to determine the baseline goods; and adding one of the remaining goods other than the baseline goods.

15. The computing device as described in claim 14, wherein, The operation of determining the benchmark cargo includes the following steps: confirming the location information of the first worker; and selecting the benchmark cargo using the location information of the first worker.

16. The computing device as claimed in claim 15, wherein, The operation of selecting the reference cargo includes the following operations: If the location information of the first worker exists, the cargo closest to the location of the first worker is determined as the reference cargo; if the location information of the first worker does not exist, the information of the cargo concentration point is used to determine the reference cargo.

17. The computing device as claimed in claim 14, wherein, The added operation includes the following: Consider the worker's movement path and select one of the remaining goods.

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