Item inventory management method and electronic apparatus performing same

Abstract

Disclosed is an item inventory management method performed by an electronic apparatus, the method comprising the steps of: acquiring item status information including the orderable quantity and expected sales quantity of a plurality of items; on the basis of the item status information, determining a first item to be managed as a preferentially orderable item from among items to be warehoused in a first fulfillment center; when the warehousing of the first item is identified, identifying the first item as an orderable item; and managing the first item identified as the orderable item to be displayed in a predetermined area.

Description

Method for managing inventory of items and electronic device for performing the same

[0001] Various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a method for managing an item inventory and an electronic device for performing the same.

[0002]

[0003] As internet use becomes more widespread, the e-commerce market is expanding. In this market, transactions take place online through networks, and products purchased in the e-commerce market can be delivered to a customer's designated shipping address via a delivery service. This expansion of the e-commerce market is also fueling the growth of brokerage services, which mediate transactions between sellers and buyers and provide delivery services.

[0004] When an order for an item is placed through e-commerce, the seller ships the item after the order is placed. The item then undergoes unloading at a logistics center, quality and quantity verification, and then displays before becoming available for order. Since multiple items are managed within a single logistics center, various methods are being attempted to enhance the e-commerce buyer experience by considering the sales and inventory status of each item.

[0005]

[0006] Meanwhile, after a consumer purchases an item sold through e-commerce, the process from ordering the item to its display in the logistics center requires numerous steps, consuming considerable time. This is especially true for items that are out of stock or are expected to be out of stock soon, which can lower consumer satisfaction with e-commerce transactions and potentially lead to issues like decreased sales.

[0007] The problem that this embodiment seeks to solve is, which was devised to solve the above-described problem, to provide a method and device for managing within a logistics center so that items can be quickly converted from out-of-stock to orderable even before display is completed in the logistics center, and items with high reliability can be delivered more quickly by confirming the inspection and receipt quantity.

[0008]

[0009] A method for managing an item inventory performed by an electronic device according to one embodiment may include: obtaining item status information including orderable quantities and expected sales quantities of a plurality of items; determining a first item to be managed as an orderable item with priority among items to be delivered to a first logistics center based on the item status information; confirming the first item as an orderable item when delivery of the first item is confirmed; and managing the first item confirmed as an orderable item so that it is displayed in a predetermined area.

[0010] A method for managing item inventory according to one embodiment may further include a step of confirming, when a second item other than the first item among the items to be received at the first logistics center is displayed in a predetermined area, that the second item is an orderable item.

[0011] The step of determining the first item may include a step of determining an item with no orderable quantity among a plurality of items as the first item based on the item status information.

[0012] The step of determining the first item may include a step of determining, based on the item status information, an item among a plurality of items whose orderable quantity is less than the expected sales quantity as the first item.

[0013] The step of determining the first item may include a step of determining the item to be first delivered from the first logistics center as the first item.

[0014] The step of obtaining the above item status information may include a step of obtaining the item status information according to a predefined cycle.

[0015] The step of determining the first item may include a step of determining the first quantity of the first item based on the orderable quantity of the first item, the expected sales quantity of the first item, and the available quantities of the first logistics center, and the step of confirming may include a step of confirming the first item of the first quantity as an orderable item.

[0016] The step of determining the first item may include a step of determining the first quantity of the first item based on a priority order when the sum of the total quantity of items having no orderable quantity among a plurality of items, the total quantity of items having an orderable quantity less than the expected sales quantity among the plurality of items, and the total quantity of items scheduled to be delivered first from the first logistics center is greater than or equal to a first value which is the available quantity of the first logistics center, and the priority order may be set in the order of items having no orderable quantity among the plurality of items, items having an orderable quantity less than the expected sales quantity among the plurality of items, and items scheduled to be delivered first from the first logistics center, and the first value may be determined based on at least one of the status of available personnel of the first logistics center and the status of available space of a predetermined area where the first item is located.

[0017] The step of confirming may include a step of providing a notification that the first item exists in a set of items whose stocking has been confirmed based on a request from a worker terminal; and a step of providing information on the first item and information on the stocking quantity of the first item, wherein the worker terminal may receive, from the electronic device, a notification that the first item exists in the set of items whose stocking has been confirmed, information on the first item, and information on the stocking quantity of the first item.

[0018] A method for managing item inventory according to one embodiment may further include a step of changing the scheduled delivery time for the first item to be delivered from a first time point to a second time point; and a step of providing information about the second time point, wherein the second time point may be a time point later than the first time point.

[0019] The above-mentioned managing step may include a step of providing information on the location and quantity at which the first item is to be displayed, if an order for the first item is received before the first item is displayed in the predetermined area.

[0020] A method for managing item inventory according to one embodiment may further include a step of determining a third item to be managed as an orderable item with priority among items to be received at a second logistics center based on the item status information; a step of confirming the third item as an orderable item when the receipt of the third item is confirmed; and a step of managing the third item confirmed as an orderable item so that it is displayed in a predetermined area.

[0021] The step of determining the third item may further include a step of determining the first quantity of the first item and the third quantity of the third item based on a first value which is the available quantity of the first logistics center and a second value which is the available quantity of the second logistics center, and the step of confirming may include a step of confirming the first item of the first quantity and the third item of the third quantity as orderable items, and the first value may be determined based on at least one of the status of available personnel of the first logistics center and the status of available space of a predetermined area where the first item is located, and the second value may be determined based on at least one of the status of available personnel of the second logistics center and the status of available space of a predetermined area where the third item is located, and the first item and the third item may have the same type of item information.

[0022] An electronic device for performing an item inventory management method according to one embodiment may include a communication unit; a memory; and a controller for obtaining item status information including orderable quantities and expected sales quantities of a plurality of items, determining a first item to be managed as an orderable item with priority among items to be received at a first logistics center based on the item status information, confirming the first item as an orderable item when the receipt of the first item is confirmed, and managing the first item confirmed as an orderable item to be displayed in a predetermined area.

[0023]

[0024] An electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can provide a method for securing orderable inventory more quickly, considering that it takes a long time to complete display of items after they are received in a logistics center.

[0025] In particular, through an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, by considering the inventory status, which is the orderable quantity of items in the logistics center, and the expected sales quantity up to a certain point in time, not only items that are currently out of stock, but also items that are expected to be out of stock soon, and other items that need to be quickly converted to an orderable state so that buyers can quickly request orders, can be specially managed within the logistics center, thereby reducing the time required for the entire process from receiving the items to ordering and delivery.

[0026]

[0027] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an item inventory management system based on priority according to one embodiment.

[0028] Figure 2 is a drawing for explaining a process processed in a logistics center according to one embodiment.

[0029] FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a method for selecting a first item in an item inventory management method according to one embodiment.

[0030] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an item inventory management method performed by an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0031] FIG. 5a is an exemplary diagram illustrating information provided to a worker terminal located in a logistics center in an item inventory management method according to one embodiment.

[0032] FIG. 5b is a conceptual diagram for explaining a first item processing step in a logistics center in an item inventory management method according to one embodiment.

[0033] Figure 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0034]

[0035] The terms used in the embodiments have been selected from widely used and common terms, taking into account the functions of the present disclosure. However, these terms may vary depending on the intentions of those skilled in the art, precedents, the emergence of new technologies, etc. Furthermore, in certain cases, terms may be arbitrarily selected by the applicant, in which case their meanings will be described in detail in the relevant description. Therefore, the terms used in this disclosure should not be defined simply as names of terms, but rather based on the meanings of the terms and the overall content of the present disclosure.

[0036] When a part of the specification is said to "include" a component, this does not exclude other components, but rather implies the inclusion of other components, unless otherwise specifically stated. Furthermore, terms such as "part" and "module" used in the specification mean a unit that processes at least one function or operation, which may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0037] The expression “at least one of a, b, and c” described throughout the specification may encompass “a alone,” “b alone,” “c alone,” “a and b,” “a and c,” “b and c,” or “all of a, b, and c.”

[0038] The "terminal" mentioned below may be implemented as a computer or portable terminal that can connect to a server or other terminal via a network. Here, the computer includes, for example, a notebook, desktop, laptop, etc. equipped with a web browser, and the portable terminal may include, for example, a wireless communication device that guarantees portability and mobility, and may include all types of handheld-based wireless communication devices such as communication-based terminals such as IMT (International Mobile Telecommunication), CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access), W-CDMA (W-Code Division Multiple Access), LTE (Long Term Evolution), smartphones, tablet PCs, etc.

[0039] Below, embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail with reference to the attached drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the present disclosure. However, the present disclosure may be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0040] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0041] In describing the embodiments, descriptions of technical details that are well known in the technical field to which the present invention pertains and are not directly related to the present invention will be omitted. This is to avoid obscuring the gist of the present invention by omitting unnecessary explanations and to convey the gist more clearly.

[0042] For the same reason, some components in the attached drawings are exaggerated, omitted, or schematically depicted. Furthermore, the dimensions of each component do not entirely reflect its actual size. Identical or corresponding components in each drawing are assigned the same reference numbers.

[0043] The advantages and features of the present invention, and the methods for achieving them, will become clearer with reference to the embodiments described in detail below together with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below and may be implemented in various different forms. These embodiments are provided only to ensure that the disclosure of the present invention is complete and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the invention, and the present invention is defined only by the scope of the claims. Like reference numerals designate like elements throughout the specification.

[0044] At this time, it will be understood that each block of the processing flow diagrams and combinations of the flow diagrams can be performed by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be installed in a processor of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing equipment, so that the instructions executed by the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing equipment create a means for performing the functions described in the flow diagram block(s). These computer program instructions can also be stored in a computer-available or computer-readable memory that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing equipment to implement the functions in a specific manner, so that the instructions stored in the computer-available or computer-readable memory can also produce a manufactured item that includes an instruction means for performing the functions described in the flow diagram block(s). Since the computer program instructions may be installed on a computer or other programmable data processing device, a series of operational steps may be performed on the computer or other programmable data processing device to create a computer-executable process, and the instructions that cause the computer or other programmable data processing device to perform the steps for performing the functions described in the flowchart block(s) may also provide steps for performing the functions described in the flowchart block(s).

[0045] Additionally, each block may represent a module, segment, or portion of code that contains one or more executable instructions for performing a specific logical function(s). It should also be noted that in some alternative implementation examples, the functions described in the blocks may occur out of order. For example, two blocks depicted in succession may actually be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in reverse order, depending on their respective functions.

[0046]

[0047] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an item inventory management system based on priority according to one embodiment.

[0048] According to various embodiments, the item inventory management system may include an electronic device (100) (e.g., a server), a worker terminal (110), and a network (50).

[0049] An electronic device (100) (e.g., a server) is a device for processing various processes for item inventory management, and for example, can manage the display and inventory management of items received at a logistics center, the movement management of items within the logistics center, or various tasks related to the picking, classification, and packaging of items. In addition, the electronic device (100) can process tasks such as providing order request information to a seller in relation to item inventory management, managing quality inspection information of items delivered from a seller according to the order request, or managing the transfer distribution of items that have been inspected and received at the logistics center.

[0050] The electronic device (100) may include a number of computer systems or computer software implemented as network servers, and may provide various information by configuring them as web pages. For example, the electronic device (100) may refer to a computer system and computer software that are connected to a lower device that can communicate with other network servers through a computer network such as an intranet or the Internet, receive a task execution request, perform the task in response, and provide the execution result. In addition, the electronic device (100) may be understood as a broad concept that includes a series of application programs that can operate on a network server and various databases built within it. For example, the electronic device (100) may be implemented using a network server program that is provided in various ways depending on the operating system such as DOS, Windows, Linux, UNIX, or MacOS.

[0051] The network (50) may serve to connect an electronic device (100) and a worker terminal (110), or an electronic device (100) and an external device (not shown). For example, the network (50) may provide a connection path so that the worker terminal (110) can be connected to the electronic device (100) and transmit and receive packet data.

[0052] The operations of the item inventory management system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may be implemented through an electronic device (100), and a worker terminal (110) may be connected to the item inventory management system through a network (50). The electronic device (100) may store information received from the worker terminal (110) in a database, or provide information stored in the database to the worker terminal (110).

[0053] According to another embodiment, the item inventory management system may be implemented in a worker terminal (110). For example, a user may install and use an application-type item inventory management system on a worker terminal (110) via a network (50).

[0054] The item inventory management system according to various embodiments may be implemented as a single physical device, or may be implemented in a manner in which multiple physical devices are organically combined. For example, some of the components included in the item inventory management system may be implemented by a single physical device, and the remaining components included in the item inventory management system may be implemented by another physical device. For example, one physical device may be implemented as part of an electronic device (100), and the other physical device may be implemented as part of a worker terminal (110) or an external device (not shown). In some cases, each component included in the item inventory management system may be distributed and arranged in different physical devices, and the distributed components may be organically combined to perform the functions and operations of the item inventory management system.

[0055]

[0056] Figure 2 is a drawing for explaining a process processed in a logistics center according to one embodiment.

[0057] Referring to FIG. 2, the logistics center (200) is a physical location that stores items to be shipped to customers upon receipt of an order, and may be divided into a number of zones, each of which is illustrated in FIG. 2. In addition to the zones illustrated in FIG. 2, various zones may be included in the logistics center (200).

[0058] The inbound zone (203) represents the area of ​​the distribution center (200) where items delivered according to a purchase order are received. For example, suppliers may use trucks (201) to deliver items (202A and 202B). Item (202A) may represent a single item large enough to occupy its own shipping pallet, while item (202B) may represent a set of items stacked together on the same pallet to save space. A receiving worker may receive items in the inbound zone (203) and check them for damage and accuracy. For example, the receiving worker may compare the quantity of items (202A and 202B) to the ordered quantity of the items, and if the quantities match, move these items to the NYS zone (205) (e.g., using a dolly, hand truck, forklift (206), or manually).

[0059] The NYS zone (205) may be an area where items are temporarily displayed before being displayed in the picking zone (209). The NYS zone (205) may be a preset zone within a logistics center, where received items are temporarily displayed in sequence. At this time, the NYS zone (250) may be distinguished based on the type of the item, and the item may be temporarily displayed in the corresponding NYS zone based on the type of the item. For example, if the item is of the frozen type, it may be temporarily displayed in the NYS zone corresponding to the frozen item, if the item is of the refrigerated type, it may be temporarily displayed in the NYS zone corresponding to the refrigerated item, and if the item is of the room temperature type, it may be temporarily displayed in the NYS zone corresponding to the room temperature item. The items displayed in the NYS zone may be a single item or may represent a set of items of the same type. Alternatively, items displayed in a NYS zone may represent a predetermined number of items corresponding to the same stock keeping unit (SKU). Items may be displayed in a tote, a storage unit, within the NYS zone. Therefore, the location where an item in a tote is displayed can be identified by matching the zone identification information corresponding to the NYS zone with the identification information of the tote. Here, a tote, a storage unit capable of displaying items, may be referred to by various terms, such as a box.

[0060] The buffer zone (207) is similar to the NYS zone (205), but is a distinct zone, and may be a temporary storage area for items that are not currently needed in the picking zone (209). For example, if there is a sufficient quantity of an item in the picking zone (209) to meet the predicted demand, the item may be temporarily stored in the buffer zone (207) without being moved to the picking zone (209). The buffer zone (207) may be an area where items that are displayed in sufficient quantity in the picking zone (209) are temporarily stored, and the NYS zone (205) may be an area where items are temporarily displayed before being displayed in the picking zone (209) after receipt. That is, items may be moved from the NYS zone (205) to the picking zone (209) and then displayed, or, if there is a sufficient quantity in the picking zone (209), they may be moved from the NYS zone (205) to the buffer zone (207) and then displayed. The worker can move the confirmed item through the terminal used in the NYS zone (205) or buffer zone (207) to the picking zone (209). If the item ordered by the customer is located in the picking zone (209), the worker can pick the item from the picking zone and send it to the packing zone (211). At this time, if the quantity in the picking zone is below a reference value, the worker can bring the item located in the buffer zone (207) to the picking zone (209) and display it. At this time, the reference value can be set differently for each item, taking into account the different speeds at which the inventory displayed in the picking zone (209) decreases. Alternatively, if the item ordered by the customer is not in both the picking zone (209) and the buffer zone (207) but is located in the NYS zone (205), a worker can take the item from the NYS zone (205) and display it in the picking zone (209), and another worker can pick the item from the picking zone (209) and send it to the packing zone (211). In other words, the actions of workers within the logistics center may differ depending on whether the item is located in the buffer zone (207) or in the NYS zone (205).

[0061] A picking zone (209) may be an area of ​​a distribution center (200) where items (208) are stored on storage units (210). A worker according to the present disclosure may use storage units (210) to place items within the picking zone (209) at assigned locations according to a picking plan to create display space. In some embodiments, the storage units (210) may include one or more of physical shelves, bookshelves, boxes, totes, refrigerators, freezers, cold storage, etc. In some embodiments, the picking zone (209) may be comprised of multiple floors. Additionally, in some embodiments, a worker or a machine (e.g., a forklift, an elevator, a conveyor belt, a cart, a hand truck, a dolly, an automated robot, or a device) may move items into the picking zone (209) in various ways or manually.

[0062] When a customer places an order, a worker can retrieve one or more items (208) from a storage unit (210), recognize the identification information of the items (208), and place the items on a transport mechanism (214). The items (208) can then arrive at a packing zone (211) via the transport mechanism (214).

[0063] The packing zone (211) may be an area of ​​the logistics center (200) where items are received from the picking zone (209) and packaged before final delivery to customers. The hub zone (213) may be an area of ​​the logistics center (200) where all packages (218) are received from the packing zone (211). A worker in the hub zone (213) may search for packages (218), determine which part of the delivery area each package is scheduled to be delivered to, and route the packages to the appropriate camp zone (215). In FIG. 2, the camp zone (215) may be an area where packages (218) are loaded onto trucks (222) and automobiles (226) by delivery workers (224A and 224B).

[0064]

[0065] FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a method for selecting a first item in an item inventory management method according to one embodiment.

[0066] Referring to FIG. 3, an electronic device (100) according to an embodiment may obtain item status information including orderable quantities (310) and expected sales quantities (320) of a plurality of items. Through this, the electronic device (100) may determine (325) whether the orderable quantity (310) of a specific item is less than or equal to the expected sales quantity (320). In this case, the orderable quantity (310) may refer to the inventory quantity existing in a logistics center of an item that can be sold to a user at the time when the electronic device (100) obtains the item status information. In this case, the expected sales quantity (320) may refer to the quantity of an item that is expected to be sold to a user during a specific period from the time when the electronic device (100) obtains the item status information.

[0067] According to an embodiment, the electronic device (100), for example, if the orderable quantity (310) of a specific item included in a plurality of items is less than or equal to the expected sales quantity (320), may determine (340) the specific item as the first item to be processed as an orderable item with priority among the items to be received at the first logistics center. This is because, if the orderable quantity (310) of the specific item is less than or equal to the expected sales quantity (320), the specific item is currently out of stock (OOS) or is expected to be sold out early, and is therefore processed as an orderable item even before it is stowed after being quickly received at the first logistics center. In contrast, if a second item other than the first item is displayed in a predetermined area among the items to be received at the first logistics center, the electronic device (100) may identify the second item as an orderable item. In this way, in the case of the first item that must be quickly converted to an orderable state, the electronic device (100) can be confirmed as an orderable item before being displayed after being received, but in the case of the second item that does not need to be managed in the same way as the first item among the items to be received at the first logistics center, the electronic device (100) can be confirmed as an orderable state only after being displayed in a designated area.

[0068] According to an embodiment, the electronic device (100) may manage the inventory of the multiple items in the same manner as before (330), for example, if the orderable quantity (310) of a specific item included in a plurality of items is not less than the expected sales quantity (320). For example, managing the inventory of the multiple items in the same manner as before (330) may include general processes such as confirming the items that have arrived at the first logistics center through unloading scan when the items are delivered by the supplier on a reserved date after the items are ordered, moving the items to the inbound zone, and converting the items to orderable inventory after the items are displayed.

[0069]

[0070] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an item inventory management method performed by an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0071] Referring to FIG. 4, an electronic device (100) according to an embodiment may obtain item status information including orderable quantities and expected sales quantities of a plurality of items in step S410. For example, the electronic device (100) may obtain item status information including orderable quantities and expected sales quantities of a plurality of items from a supply chain management (SCM) server. In this case, the step of obtaining the item status information may include a step of obtaining the item status information according to a predefined cycle. The predefined cycle may be, for example, a predefined cycle of once a day or one or two hours, and may be determined flexibly according to the item sales status.

[0072] According to an embodiment, the electronic device (100) may determine a first item to be managed as an orderable item with priority among items to be delivered to the first logistics center based on item status information in step S420. At this time, the step of determining the first item may include a step of determining, based on the item status information, an item with no orderable quantity among a plurality of items as the first item. At this time, the step of determining the first item may include a step of determining, based on the item status information, an item with an orderable quantity less than the expected sales quantity among the plurality of items as the first item. For example, the electronic device (100) may determine, as the first item to be treated as an orderable item with priority, an item that is currently OOS or an item that is expected to be OOS based on the previous day's closing inventory and the expected sales quantity of the logistics center on that day. At this time, the item determined as the first item can be made available to sell (ATS) by an electronic device (100) even before it is received at the first logistics center and displayed, and can be made available for order reception from e-commerce service users after the product is set to be exposed to e-commerce service users on a website or application related to the e-commerce service.

[0073] At this time, the step of determining the first item may include determining the item scheduled to be first shipped from the first logistics center as the first item. For example, the step of determining the first item may include determining an item, such as a new SKU item launched for the first time through e-commerce, an item eligible for Rocket Growth, or an item eligible for a promotion, as the first item.

[0074] In the step of determining the first item, the electronic device (100) can determine the first quantity of the first item based on the orderable quantity of the first item, the expected sales quantity of the first item, and the available capacity of the first logistics center. Thus, the electronic device (100) can determine the first quantity of the first item to be managed as an orderable item without a separate display process as soon as its receipt is confirmed at the first logistics center, and can manage the first items of the first quantity within the first logistics center.

[0075] In addition, in the step of determining the first item, the electronic device (100) may determine the first quantity of the first item based on the priority if the sum of the total quantity of items without orderable quantity among the plurality of items, the total quantity of items with orderable quantity less than the expected sales quantity among the plurality of items, and the total quantity of items scheduled to be delivered first from the first logistics center is greater than or equal to the first value, which is the available quantity of the first logistics center. At this time, the priority may be set in the order of items without orderable quantity among the plurality of items, items with orderable quantity less than the expected sales quantity among the plurality of items, and items scheduled to be delivered first from the first logistics center, and may be set flexibly in consideration of the types of other items. The first value, which is the available quantity of the first logistics center, may be determined based on at least one of the status of available personnel at the first logistics center and the status of available space in a predetermined area where the first item is located. This is to enable management by making the first quantity of the first item less than the first value of the available quantity of the first logistics center in priority order, since the first logistics center may have difficulty managing all of the first items as first items when the total quantity of the items determined as first items is greater than or equal to the first value of the available quantity of the first logistics center. Here, the available quantity of the first logistics center may mean the maximum quantity that can be managed in the step of confirming the first item whose receipt is confirmed at the first logistics center as an orderable item and managing the first item confirmed as an orderable item so that it is displayed in a predetermined area. The first value of the available quantity of the first logistics center may be flexibly determined based on at least one of the status of the available workforce of the first logistics center and the status of the available space of the predetermined area where the first item is located.

[0076] The electronic device (100) can efficiently manage the first item by determining the type of the first item and the first quantity of the first item within the first value, which is the available quantity of the first logistics center. For example, if the first value determined based on at least one of the status of available personnel at the first logistics center and the status of available space in a predetermined area where the first item is located is 100, and the total quantity of items without orderable quantity among a plurality of items is 110, the electronic device (100) can determine the item without orderable quantity among the plurality of items as the first item based on priority, and determine 100 as the first quantity of the first item.

[0077] For example, if the first value is 100, the total quantity of items without orderable quantities among the plurality of items is 90, and the total quantity of items with orderable quantities less than the expected sales quantity is 20, the electronic device (100) may determine, based on priority, the items without orderable quantities among the plurality of items and the items with orderable quantities less than the expected sales quantity as the first items, and may determine 100 items, which are the sum of 90 items without orderable quantities and 10 items with orderable quantities less than the expected sales quantity, as the first quantity of the first item. For example, if the first value is 100, and the total quantity of items without orderable quantities among the plurality of items is 80, the total quantity of items whose orderable quantities are less than the expected sales quantity is 10, and the quantity of items scheduled to be delivered first from the first logistics center is 10, the electronic device (100) may determine, based on priorities, the items without orderable quantities among the plurality of items, the items whose orderable quantities are less than the expected sales quantity, and the items scheduled to be delivered first from the first logistics center as the first items, and may determine 100, which is the sum of the total quantity of items without orderable quantities among the plurality of items, the total quantity of items whose orderable quantities are less than the expected sales quantity, and the quantity of items scheduled to be delivered first from the first logistics center, as the first quantity of the first item.

[0078] The electronic device (100) may also determine all quantities of the first items as the first quantity, if the sum of the total quantity of items with no orderable quantity among a plurality of items, the total quantity of items with an orderable quantity less than the expected sales quantity among a plurality of items, and the total quantity of items scheduled to be first delivered from the first logistics center is less than the first value, which is the available quantity of the first logistics center. For example, if the first value is 100, the total quantity of items without orderable quantities among the plurality of items is 30, the total quantity of items whose orderable quantities are less than the expected sales quantity is 20, and the quantity of items scheduled to be delivered first from the first logistics center is 20, the electronic device (100) may determine, based on priorities, all of the items without orderable quantities among the plurality of items, the items whose orderable quantities are less than the expected sales quantity, and the items scheduled to be delivered first from the first logistics center as the first items, and may determine 70 items, which are the sum of 30 items without orderable quantities among the plurality of items, 20 items whose orderable quantities are less than the expected sales quantity, and 20 items whose quantity is scheduled to be delivered first from the first logistics center, as the first quantity of the first items.

[0079] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (100) can, if the first item is confirmed to be in stock at step S430, confirm the first item as an orderable item. In this case, confirming the item as an orderable item means setting the product to be displayed to e-commerce service users on a website or application related to the e-commerce service. E-commerce service users can then check information related to the product on the product information page corresponding to the displayed product and purchase the product.

[0080] In one embodiment, when a first quantity of a first item to be managed in a first logistics center is determined, the step of confirming the first item as an orderable item may include a step of confirming the first item of the first quantity as an orderable item. In one embodiment, the step of confirming the first item as an orderable item may include a step of providing a notification that the first item exists in a set of items for which stock has been confirmed based on a request from a worker terminal, and a step of providing information on the first item and information on the stock quantity of the first item. In this case, the worker terminal may be located in the first logistics center and receive a notification from an electronic device that the first item exists in a set of items for which stock has been confirmed, and may receive information on the first item and information on the stock quantity of the first item when stocking is confirmed for a first item separated from the set of items. The operations performed in the worker terminal will be described below with reference to FIG. 5A.

[0081] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (100) can manage the first item identified as an orderable item in step S440 so that it is displayed in a predetermined area. The electronic device (100) can manage the first item identified as an orderable item so that it is displayed in a predetermined area so that it can be quickly delivered within the first logistics center. A detailed process will be described below in FIG. 5b.

[0082] In addition, the electronic device (100) according to one embodiment may determine a third item to be managed as a priority orderable item among the items to be received at the second logistics center based on the item status information. That is, the electronic device (100) may determine a third item to be managed as a priority orderable item among the items to be received at not only the first logistics center but also the second logistics center. Furthermore, similar to the item inventory management method in the first logistics center, when the receipt of the third item is confirmed, the electronic device (100) may further perform an operation of confirming the third item as an orderable item and managing the third item confirmed as an orderable item so that it is displayed in a predetermined area. Through this, the electronic device may manage items to be managed as orderable items not only in a single logistics center but also in multiple logistics centers during the process of managing multiple item inventory.

[0083] In addition, when determining the third item, the electronic device (100) may determine the first quantity of the first item and the third quantity of the third item based on the first value, which is the available quantity of the first logistics center, and the second value, which is the available quantity of the second logistics center. Here, when confirming the third item as an orderable item, the electronic device (100) may confirm the first item of the first quantity and the third item of the third quantity as orderable items. The first value may be determined based on at least one of the available personnel status of the first logistics center and the available space status of a predetermined area where the first item is located, and the second value may be determined based on at least one of the available personnel status of the second logistics center and the available space status of a predetermined area where the third item is located. In this case, the first item and the third item may be items having the same type of item information. That is, in the case where items having the same type of item information are to be delivered as first items to the first logistics center and then delivered as third items to the third logistics center, the electronic device (100) can determine the first quantity of the first item and the third quantity of the third item by considering the available personnel status of each logistics center and the available space status of a predetermined area where the first items and the third items, which must be managed in an orderable state even before being displayed in each logistics center, are located, in order to prevent a situation where the quantity of items is concentrated in a specific logistics center and efficient item inventory management becomes difficult. Through this, the electronic device (100) can optimize the transportation cost (logistics cost) of the first items and the third items, which must be quickly converted to an orderable state.

[0084]

[0085] FIG. 5a is an exemplary diagram illustrating information provided to a worker terminal located in a logistics center in an item inventory management method according to one embodiment.

[0086] Referring to FIG. 5a, a worker terminal (110) located in a first logistics center according to one embodiment can receive a notification from an electronic device (100) that a first item exists in a set of items confirmed to be in stock, information about the first item, and information about the quantity of the first item in stock.

[0087] For example, after receiving a notification that a first item exists in a set of items whose stocking has been confirmed, the worker terminal (110) can receive information (501) that the item corresponds to the first item when confirming the first item. In addition, when the item corresponds to the first item, the worker terminal (110) can receive information (502) regarding the quantity of the first item that must be stocked at the destination within the first logistics center of the first item and information (503) regarding the quantity of the first item that can be stocked at the destination within the first logistics center of the first item. For example, referring to information (501) or information (503) of FIG. 5A, the worker terminal (110) can confirm information (501) that a specific item confirmed in a set of items whose receipt is confirmed corresponds to a first item, and can receive information that the quantity of the first item that must be received at the destination within the first logistics center of the first item is the entire quantity of the first item existing in the set of items, and that the quantity of the first item that can currently be received at the destination within the first logistics center of the first item is 10.

[0088] FIG. 5b is a conceptual diagram for explaining a first item processing step in a logistics center in an item inventory management method according to one embodiment.

[0089] Referring to FIG. 5b, an electronic device (100) according to one embodiment can check the allocated quantity of the first items to be managed as orderable items after the SKU scan (510) of the first item and the first items to be displayed in the first logistics center to which the worker terminal (110) belongs.

[0090] In one embodiment, the electronic device (100) can manage the first item through the first item tote management path (520). For example, if the first item is an item that is managed individually, the electronic device (100) can provide relevant information to manage the first item through the first item tote management path (520) to reduce the lead time from unloading after receiving to completion of receiving (530). In one embodiment, for example, if a dedicated line can be operated in the first logistics center, the electronic device (100) can manage the corresponding item through the dedicated line and can set a predetermined area in the first logistics center where the first item should be displayed. In one embodiment, for example, if a dedicated line cannot be operated in the logistics center, the electronic device (100) can provide a separate indication in the first item tote management path (520) where the corresponding item is to be managed so that the first item is managed. For example, if there is no conveyor used as a separate item management path within the first logistics center, the electronic device (100) can manage the first item by separating the loading space of the first item tote management path (520) and providing information so that the worker can directly manage the first item.

[0091] An electronic device (100) according to an embodiment can manage a first item through a first item palette management path (521). For example, if the first item is an item that is managed as a bundle rather than individually, the electronic device (100) can provide related information when the first item is received through the first item palette management path (521) to reduce the lead time from unloading after receiving to completion of receiving (530). For example, if the first item is managed as a bundle rather than individually, even if the quantity of the first item that can be received in the first logistics center exceeds the quantity, the electronic device (100) can manage the first item through the first item palette management path (521). In an embodiment, the electronic device (100) can provide a separate indication on the first item palette management path (521) where the corresponding item is to be managed so that the first item is managed.

[0092] In one embodiment, the electronic device (100) can confirm that the first item, for which the receipt has been completed (530) through the first item tote management path (520) or the first item pallet management path (521), is an orderable item and provide information indicating that the item is orderable. Through this, the electronic device (100) can prevent an OOS state of the first item or a state in which an OOS state of the item is expected to occur soon, and can more quickly provide information indicating that items scheduled to be delivered for the first time from the first logistics center are orderable.

[0093] The electronic device (100) may change the expected delivery time for the first item to be delivered from the first time to the second time, and provide information about the second time. In this case, the second time may be a time later than the first time. That is, even if the first item is confirmed to be in stock (530) and is in an orderable state, the electronic device (100) may consider that the first item has not yet been completely displayed and therefore cannot immediately begin delivery even if an order is received from a user. Therefore, the electronic device may change the expected delivery time for the first item to be delivered from the first time (e.g., the expected delivery time for the item to be delivered in case of dawn delivery) to the second time (e.g., a time different from the expected delivery time for the item to be delivered in case of dawn delivery, such as in the case of delivering the item via rocket delivery) and provide detailed information about the second time. Through this, the electronic device (100) can prevent an out-of-stock situation by changing the first item, which is not yet fully displayed at the first logistics center, to an orderable status, and provide information on the specific delivery time when the first item will be delivered.

[0094] In one embodiment, the electronic device (100) may provide information on the location and quantity of the first item to be displayed if an order (545) for the first item is received before the first item is displayed in a predetermined area. Through this, the electronic device (100) may manage the first item to be urgently displayed (560) in the predetermined area so that delivery of the first item, for which an order (545) has been received, can begin as quickly as possible after the order (545) for the first item is received, and may manage the first item to be shipped (570) immediately thereafter. For example, the predetermined area where the first item is to be urgently displayed (560) may be the NYS zone (205) where items are temporarily displayed before being displayed in the picking zone (209), as described above with reference to FIG. 2. Through this, the electronic device (100) can be quickly shipped (570) and the first item can be managed so that it can be shipped (570) directly without going through the picking zone (209) in the case of the first item that must be shipped (570).

[0095] In one embodiment, the electronic device (100) may cause the first item to be displayed (550) (stowed) in the predetermined area if no order (545) is received for the first item before the first item is displayed in the predetermined area. If no order (545) is received before the first item is displayed in the predetermined area, the electronic device (100) may cause the first item to be displayed in the NYS zone (205) and then managed so that the first item is delivered via the picking zone (209).

[0096]

[0097] Figure 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0098] The electronic device (100) may include, according to one embodiment, a communication unit (610) and a controller (620). The electronic device (100) illustrated in FIG. 6 only illustrates components related to the present embodiment. Therefore, those skilled in the art will appreciate that, in addition to the components illustrated in FIG. 6 , other general-purpose components may be included. The electronic device (100) may include information related to the aforementioned electronic device, and thus, any redundant information will be omitted for brevity.

[0099] The communication unit (610) can transmit and receive related information through the terminal and the network. The control unit (620) can control the overall operation of the electronic device (100) and process data and signals. The control unit (620) can be composed of at least one hardware unit. In addition, the control unit (620) can operate by one or more software modules generated by executing program codes stored in the memory. The control unit (620) can control the overall operation of the electronic device (100) and process data and signals by executing program codes stored in the memory. In addition, in an embodiment, the control unit (620) can include at least one processor.

[0100] The control unit (620) obtains item status information including the orderable quantity and expected sales quantity of a plurality of items, determines a first item to be managed as an orderable item with priority among items to be received at the first logistics center based on the item status information, and when the receipt of the first item is confirmed, confirms the first item as an orderable item, and manages the first item confirmed as an orderable item so that it is displayed in a predetermined area.

[0101]

[0102] The electronic device or terminal according to the above-described embodiments may include a processor, a memory for storing and executing program data, permanent storage such as a disk drive, a communication port for communicating with an external device, a customer interface device such as a touch panel, a key, a button, etc. The methods implemented as software modules or algorithms may be stored on a computer-readable recording medium as computer-readable codes or program instructions executable on the processor. Here, the computer-readable recording medium includes a magnetic storage medium (e.g., read-only memory (ROM), random-access memory (RAM), floppy disk, hard disk, etc.) and an optical reading medium (e.g., CD-ROM, DVD: Digital Versatile Disc)). The computer-readable recording medium may be distributed to computer systems connected to a network, so that the computer-readable code may be stored and executed in a distributed manner. The medium may be readable by a computer, stored in a memory, and executed by a processor.

[0103] The present embodiment may be represented by functional block configurations and various processing steps. These functional blocks may be implemented by various hardware and / or software configurations that perform specific functions. For example, the embodiment may employ direct circuit configurations such as memory, processing, logic, look-up tables, etc., which may perform various functions under the control of one or more microprocessors or other control devices. Similarly, the present embodiment may be implemented in a programming or scripting language such as C, C++, Java, assembler, etc., including various algorithms implemented as a combination of data structures, processes, routines, or other programming configurations. Functional aspects may be implemented as algorithms that execute on one or more processors. Furthermore, the present embodiment may employ conventional techniques for electronic configuration, signal processing, and / or data processing. Terms like "mechanism," "element," "means," and "composition" can be used broadly and are not limited to mechanical or physical components. These terms can also encompass a series of software routines, such as those associated with a processor.

[0104] The above-described embodiments are merely examples, and other embodiments may be implemented within the scope of the claims set forth below.

Claims

1. In a method for managing item inventory performed by an electronic device, A step of obtaining item status information including orderable quantity and expected sales quantity of multiple items; A step of determining the first item to be managed as an orderable item among the items to be received at the first logistics center based on the above item status information; When the stock of the first item is confirmed, a step of confirming the first item as an orderable item; and A step of managing the first item identified as an orderable item so that it is displayed in a predetermined area, How to manage your item inventory.

2. In paragraph 1, If a second item other than the first item among the items to be delivered to the first logistics center is displayed in a predetermined area, a step of confirming the second item as an orderable item is further included. How to manage your item inventory.

3. In paragraph 1, The step of determining the above first item is: A step of determining an item with no orderable quantity among a plurality of items as the first item based on the above item status information, How to manage your item inventory.

4. In paragraph 1, The step of determining the above first item is: Based on the above item status information, a step of determining an item among a plurality of items whose orderable quantity is less than the expected sales quantity as the first item is included. How to manage your item inventory.

5. In paragraph 1, The step of determining the above first item is: Including a step of determining the item to be first delivered from the first logistics center as the first item, How to manage your item inventory.

6. In paragraph 1, The step of obtaining the above item status information is: Comprising a step of obtaining the item status information according to a predefined cycle, How to manage your item inventory.

7. In paragraph 1, The step of determining the above first item is: A step of determining a first quantity of the first item based on the orderable quantity of the first item, the expected sales quantity of the first item, and the available quantities of the first logistics center, The above verification steps are: Including a step of confirming the first item of the first quantity as an orderable item, How to manage your item inventory.

8. In paragraph 1, The step of determining the above first item is: A step of determining the first quantity of the first item based on priority, when the sum of the total quantity of items without orderable quantity among a plurality of items, the total quantity of items whose orderable quantity among a plurality of items is less than the expected sales quantity, and the total quantity of items scheduled to be first delivered from the first logistics center is greater than or equal to a first value which is the available quantity of the first logistics center, The above priority is set in the following order: items with no orderable quantity among multiple items, items with orderable quantity less than the expected sales quantity among multiple items, and items scheduled to be shipped first from the first logistics center. The above first value is, It is determined based on at least one of the status of available personnel at the first logistics center and the status of available space in a predetermined area where the first item is located. How to manage your item inventory.

9. In paragraph 1, The above verification steps are: A step of providing a notification that the first item exists in a set of items whose receipt has been confirmed based on a request from a worker terminal; and Including a step of providing information on the first item and information on the quantity of the first item in stock, The worker terminal receives a notification from the electronic device that the first item exists in the set of items for which the receipt has been confirmed, information on the first item, and information on the receipt quantity of the first item. How to manage your item inventory.

10. In paragraph 1, A step of changing the scheduled delivery time of the first item from the first time point to the second time point; and Further comprising a step of providing information about the second point in time, The above second point in time is a point in time later than the above first point in time. How to manage your item inventory.

11. In paragraph 1, The above management steps are: Including a step of providing information on the location and quantity at which the first item is to be displayed, when an order for the first item is received before the first item is displayed in the predetermined area. How to manage your item inventory.

12. In paragraph 1, A step of determining a third item to be managed as an item that can be ordered first among the items to be received at the second logistics center based on the above item status information; When the stock of the third item is confirmed, a step of confirming the third item as an orderable item; and Further comprising a step of managing the third item identified as an orderable item so that it is displayed in a predetermined area. How to manage your item inventory.

13. In paragraph 12, The step of determining the third item above is: Further comprising a step of determining a first quantity of the first item and a third quantity of the third item based on a first value which is an available quantity of the first logistics center and a second value which is an available quantity of the second logistics center, The above verification steps are: Including a step of confirming the first item of the first quantity and the third item of the third quantity as orderable items, The above first value is, It is determined based on at least one of the status of available personnel at the first logistics center and the status of available space in a predetermined area where the first item is located. The second value above is, It is determined based on at least one of the available personnel status of the second logistics center and the available space status of the designated area where the third item is located. The first item and the third item have the same type of item information. How to manage your item inventory.

14. Ministry of Communications; and Obtain item status information including orderable quantity and expected sales quantity of multiple items, Based on the above item status information, the first item to be managed as an item that can be ordered first among the items to be received at the first logistics center is determined, If the stock of the above first item is confirmed, the above first item is confirmed as an orderable item, and Including a controller that manages the first item identified as an orderable item to be displayed in a predetermined area. Electronic devices.

15. A non-transitory computer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon a program for executing the method of paragraph 1 on a computer.

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