Method for allocating orders to automated guided vehicle area and electronic apparatus therefor

Abstract

Disclosed are a method for allocating orders to an automated guided vehicle (AGV) area and an electronic apparatus therefor. According to the present disclosed method for allocating orders, with respect to customer orders for one or more first items having an expected shipping date (ExSD) set to a first time point and allocated to a first fulfillment center, from among items classified by an AGV stock keeping unit (SKU), if an AGV area can process all of the customer orders for the first items, the customer orders for the first items may be allocated to the AGV area, and if the AGV area cannot process all of the customer orders for the first items, the customer orders for the first items may be post-processed.

Description

Method for allocating orders to an unmanned transport vehicle area and electronic device therefor

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a technology for assigning a customer's order to an automated guided vehicle (AGV) area within a logistics center.

[0002] The introduction of automated processes and automated guided vehicles (AGVs) in fulfillment centers has made it possible to efficiently perform tasks like receiving, loading, picking, packing, and shipping with minimal staffing. Specifically, AGV areas within the fulfillment center contain items to be handled by the AGVs, simplifying workflows and reducing the time required for tasks.

[0003] However, AGV areas are restricted from human entry, and AGVs are also limited to moving at a set speed and route. Therefore, if excessive orders are allocated to AGV areas, there is a risk that items will not be picked up on time. This could result in delayed delivery of ordered items, causing customer inconvenience and undermining trust in the distribution service. If these negative user experiences accumulate, this could lead to a decline in customer reuse rates and a loss of market competitiveness in the long term.

[0004] Therefore, a method is needed to appropriately allocate customer orders, taking into account the size and productivity of the AGV area. In this regard, reference can be made to prior literature such as KR 2021-0025878 A.

[0005] The present disclosure is proposed to solve the above-described problem, and aims to provide a device and method for allocating customer orders for items classified by AGV skew to AGV zones by taking into account the processing capacity of the AGV zones in a logistics center.

[0006] The technical tasks to be achieved by this embodiment are not limited to the technical tasks described above, and other technical tasks can be inferred from the following embodiments.

[0007] According to one aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a method for allocating orders to an Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) zone performed by an electronic device, the method comprising: identifying a customer order for one or more first items, among items classified by AGV skew (Stock Keeping Unit, SKU), allocated to a first logistics center with an Expected Shipping Date (ExSD) set as a first point in time; calculating a shipping capacity in an AGV zone within the first logistics center; determining whether all of the customer orders for the first items can be processed in the AGV zone based on the shipping capacity; allocating the customer orders for the first items to the AGV zone if all of the customer orders for the first items can be processed in the AGV zone; and post-processing the customer orders for the first items if all of the customer orders for the first items cannot be processed in the AGV zone.

[0008] According to one embodiment, the delivery capacity may be calculated based on the number of available picking workstations within the AGV area and the productivity of each picking workstation.

[0009] According to one embodiment, the determining step may include: calculating a processable quantity in the AGV zone for the first time based on the delivery capacity; comparing the processable quantity with the number of the first item according to the customer's order; determining that all customer orders for the first item can be processed in the AGV zone if the processable quantity exceeds the number of the first item; and determining that all customer orders for the first item cannot be processed in the AGV zone if the processable quantity is less than or equal to the number of the first item.

[0010] In relation to the above embodiment, the processable quantity may be calculated based on the first point in time, the point in time at which the processable quantity is calculated, and the delivery capacity. Specifically, the processable quantity may be calculated by multiplying the difference between the first point in time and the point in time at which the processable quantity is calculated, minus the pre-processing time, by the delivery capacity and a preset scaling value. In this case, the pre-processing time may include at least a portion of the picking time required to pick up the first item or the packaging time required to pack the first item.

[0011] Meanwhile, according to one embodiment, the post-processing step may include: allocating at least a portion of orders corresponding to the amount that can be processed in the AGV zone among the customer's orders for the first item to the AGV zone; identifying inventory loaded in a general zone within the first logistics center corresponding to items according to remaining orders excluding the at least a portion of the orders among the customer's orders for the first item; comparing the number of items according to the remaining orders with the inventory; allocating the remaining orders to the general zone when the number of items according to the remaining orders is less than or equal to the inventory; and allocating orders corresponding to the inventory among the remaining orders to the general zone when the number of items according to the remaining orders exceeds the inventory, and additionally allocating orders exceeding the inventory to the AGV zone.

[0012] According to another embodiment, the post-processing step may include: identifying at least some orders among customer orders for the first item to be allocated to a general area within the first logistics center; identifying inventory loaded in the general area corresponding to the first item according to the customer order; comparing the number of items according to the at least some orders with the inventory; allocating at least some of the orders to the general area when the number of items according to the at least some orders is less than or equal to the inventory; and allocating orders equal to the inventory among the at least some orders to the general area when the number of items according to the at least some orders exceeds the inventory, and allocating orders equal to the inventory to the AGV area.

[0013] According to another embodiment, the post-processing step may include providing, via an output interface provided in the electronic device, a message requesting a selection of an option to assign the customer's order for the first item to a zone within the first logistics center.

[0014] According to another embodiment, the post-processing step may include providing a message requesting an adjustment of at least a portion of the delivery capacity or the amount of material that can be processed in the AGV area, through an output interface provided in the electronic device.

[0015] Meanwhile, according to one embodiment, the order allocation method may further include a step of providing a view page in which the status of picking goods in the AGV area is sorted by ExSD through an output interface provided in the electronic device.

[0016] According to another aspect disclosed, there is provided a method for allocating orders to Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) zones performed by an electronic device, the method comprising: identifying a customer order for a plurality of first items, each of which has an Expected Shipping Date (ExSD) set to a first point in time, among items classified by AGV skew (Stock Keeping Unit, SKU); calculating a shipping capacity in each AGV zone within a plurality of logistics centers managed by the electronic device; determining, based on the shipping capacity in each AGV zone, whether all of the customer's orders for the first items can be processed through all AGV zones within the plurality of logistics centers; if all of the customer's orders for the first items can be processed through all of the AGV zones, dividing and allocating the customer's orders for the first items to each of the AGV zones; and if all of the customer's orders for the first items cannot be processed even if all of the AGV zones are used, the method may include post-processing the customer's orders for the first items.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the post-processing step may include: dividing and allocating at least a portion of orders corresponding to the processable quantity in all AGV zones among customer orders for the first item to each AGV zone; identifying inventory loaded in each general zone within the plurality of logistics centers corresponding to items according to remaining orders excluding the at least a portion of orders among customer orders for the first item; comparing the number of items according to the remaining orders with the inventory; if the number of items according to the remaining orders is less than or equal to the inventory, dividing and allocating the remaining orders to each general zone; and if the number of items according to the remaining orders exceeds the inventory, dividing and allocating orders equivalent to the inventory among the remaining orders to each general zone, and additionally allocating orders equivalent to the inventory to each AGV zone.

[0018] According to another embodiment, the post-processing step may include: identifying, among customer orders for the first item, at least some orders to be allocated to each general zone within the plurality of logistics centers; identifying inventory loaded in the general zone corresponding to the first item according to the customer order; comparing the number of items according to the at least some orders with the inventory; if the number of items according to the at least some orders is less than or equal to the inventory, dividing and allocating the at least some orders to each general zone; and if the number of items according to the at least some orders exceeds the inventory, dividing and allocating orders equal to the inventory among the at least some orders to each general zone, and dividing and allocating orders equal to the inventory to each AGV zone.

[0019] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an electronic device for allocating orders to an Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) zone includes a memory storing instructions and a processor, wherein the processor is connected to the memory and identifies a customer order for one or more first items, among items classified by AGV skew (Stock Keeping Unit, SKU), allocated to a first logistics center with an Expected Shipping Date (ExSD) set to a first point in time, calculates a shipping capacity in an AGV zone within the first logistics center, and determines whether all customer orders for the first items can be processed in the AGV zone based on the shipping capacity, and if all customer orders for the first items can be processed in the AGV zone, allocates the customer order for the first item to the AGV zone, and if all customer orders for the first items cannot be processed in the AGV zone, post-processes the customer order for the first item.

[0020] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an electronic device for allocating orders to an Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) zone, the electronic device includes a memory storing instructions and a processor, the processor being connected to the memory to identify a customer's order for a plurality of first items, among items classified by AGV skew (Stock Keeping Unit, SKU), for which an Expected Shipping Date (ExSD) is set to a first point in time, calculate a shipping capacity in each AGV zone in a plurality of logistics centers managed by the electronic device, and determine whether all of the customer's orders for the first items can be processed through all of the AGV zones in the plurality of logistics centers based on the shipping capacity in each AGV zone, and if all of the customer's orders for the first items can be processed through all of the AGV zones, the electronic device divides and allocates the customer's orders for the first items to each of the AGV zones, and if all of the customer's orders for the first items cannot be processed even if all of the AGV zones are used, the electronic device may post-process the customer's orders for the first items. there is.

[0021] Another aspect of the present disclosure may provide a computer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon a program for implementing a method performed by an electronic device.

[0022] Specific details of other embodiments are included in the detailed description and drawings.

[0023] According to the disclosed embodiment, by allocating customer orders for items classified as AGV skew to AGV zones in consideration of the processing capacity of the AGV zones in a logistics center, it is possible to prevent excessive orders from being allocated to AGV zones, resulting in delayed shipment of items beyond ExSD.

[0024] In addition, according to the disclosed embodiment, by providing a view page that can check the status of picking in an AGV area based on ExSD, a manager of a logistics center can quickly manage order allocation to each area within the logistics center and respond to risks such as items being shipped later than ExSD.

[0025] The effects of the invention are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the claims.

[0026] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a system for allocating customer orders according to one embodiment.

[0027] FIG. 2 is a flowchart of an order allocation method of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0028] Figure 3 is a flowchart to explain step S230 in more detail.

[0029] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of step S250.

[0030] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating another example of step S250.

[0031] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of an order allocation method of an electronic device according to another embodiment.

[0032] Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of step S650.

[0033] Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating another example of step S650.

[0034] Figure 9 is an exemplary drawing showing a process for calculating the amount of material processed in an AGV area.

[0035] Figure 10 is an exemplary screen of a view page showing the status of picking goods in an AGV area.

[0036] Figure 11 shows a block diagram of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0037] Hereinafter, specific embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. The following detailed description is provided to facilitate a comprehensive understanding of the methods, devices, and / or systems described herein. However, these are merely examples, and the disclosed embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0038] In describing the embodiments, if it is determined that a detailed description of related known technology may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the disclosed embodiments, the detailed description will be omitted. In addition, the terms described below are terms defined in consideration of functions in the disclosed embodiments, and this may vary depending on the intention or custom of the user or operator. Therefore, the definitions should be made based on the contents throughout this specification. The terminology used in the detailed description is only for the purpose of describing the embodiments and should never be limited. Unless clearly used otherwise, the singular form includes the plural form. In this description, expressions such as "comprises" or "having" are intended to indicate certain features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, parts or combinations thereof, and should not be construed to exclude the presence or possibility of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, parts or combinations thereof other than those described.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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," "module," etc., used in the specification refer to a unit that processes at least one function or operation, which may be implemented in hardware or software, or a combination of hardware and software, and, unlike the illustrated examples, may not be clearly distinguished in their specific operations.

[0041] 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'.

[0042] 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.

[0043] In the following description, the terms “transmission,” “communication,” “sending,” “receiving,” or other similar terms of a signal or information include not only the direct transmission of a signal or information from one component to another, but also the transmission via another component.

[0044] In particular, "transmitting" or "sending" a signal or information as a single component indicates the final destination of the signal or information, not the direct destination. The same applies to "receiving" a signal or information. Furthermore, in this specification, "relating" two or more pieces of data or information means that, upon acquiring one piece of data (or information), at least a portion of the other piece of data (or information) can be acquired based on that piece of data (or information).

[0045] Additionally, while terms such as first, second, etc. may be used to describe various components, these components should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be used to distinguish one component from another.

[0046] For example, without departing from the scope of the present invention, a first component could be referred to as a second component, and similarly, a second component could also be referred to as a first component.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] It will be appreciated that each block of the flowchart drawings and combinations of the flowchart drawings 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, such that the instructions, when executed by the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing equipment, create a means for performing the functions described in the flowchart 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 perform the functions in a specific manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-available or computer-readable memory can produce an article of manufacture that includes instruction means for performing the functions described in the flowchart 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).

[0051] 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.

[0052] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily practice the present disclosure. However, the present disclosure may be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. The methods illustrated in FIGS. 2 to 8 may be performed, for example, by an electronic device (100) described with reference to FIG. 11. The electronic device (100) is an exemplary device for allocating customer orders in the present disclosure, and may be a single device, but depending on the embodiment, it may also be a system composed of multiple sub-devices that communicate with each other via a wired or wireless network.

[0053] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a system for allocating customer orders according to one embodiment.

[0054] Referring to FIG. 1, the system includes an order distribution and fulfillment server (10), a logistics center management server (20), a terminal (30), and a network (40). The electronic device described below may function as the order distribution and fulfillment server (10) or as a server belonging to the logistics center management server (20) depending on the embodiment.

[0055] The order distribution and fulfillment server (10) confirms received customer orders, manages and supervises the process status of multiple logistics centers, and allocates customer orders to each logistics center based on the inventory and processable volume of each logistics center. For example, the server managing order distribution and fulfillment for the Gyeonggi-do region of South Korea manages and supervises the process status of logistics center A, which governs Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do, and logistics center B, which governs Hwaseong-si, Gyeonggi-do, respectively, and can allocate customer orders separately to logistics centers A and B, or allocate them to either of them.

[0056] For convenience of explanation, the logistics center management server (20) is a group of servers (e.g., a warehouse management system (WMS)) that individually manage each logistics center. Accordingly, the first logistics center management server (20-1) that manages the first logistics center, the second logistics center management server (20-2) that manages the second logistics center, ..., the Nth logistics center management server (20-N) that manages the Nth logistics center may or may not be connected to each other via a network (40). However, each logistics center management server (20-1, 20-2, ..., 20-N) is connected to the order distribution and fulfillment server (10) via the network (40).

[0057] The terminal (30) manages multiple logistics centers or transmits a request input from an administrator who wishes to manage an individual logistics center to the order distribution and fulfillment server (10) or each logistics center management server (20-1, 20-2, ..., 20-N). In addition, the terminal (30) can receive information transmitted from the order distribution and fulfillment server (10) or each logistics center management server (20-1, 20-2, ..., 20-N) and provide processed information to the administrator through an output interface provided in the terminal (30).

[0058] The network (40) includes a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a value added network (VAN), a mobile radio communication network, a satellite communication network, a contents delivery network (CDN), and a combination thereof, and is a comprehensive data communication network that enables each network component illustrated in FIG. 1 to communicate smoothly with each other, and may include wired Internet, wireless Internet, and mobile wireless communication networks. Wireless communication may include, but is not limited to, wireless LAN (Wi-Fi), Bluetooth, Bluetooth low energy, Zigbee, WFD (Wi-Fi Direct), UWB (ultra wideband), infrared communication (IrDA, infrared Data Association), NFC (Near Field Communication), etc., for example.

[0059] Meanwhile, the system illustrated in FIG. 1 only illustrates components related to the present embodiment. Therefore, those skilled in the art will understand that the system may include other general-purpose components in addition to the components illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0060] Figure 2 is a flowchart illustrating an order allocation method for an electronic device according to one embodiment. In one example, the electronic device may function as a server managing logistics within a logistics center. The electronic device may perform the following process to allocate orders to an Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) area.

[0061] First, the electronic device can identify a customer's order for one or more first items assigned to the first logistics center by setting the expected shipping date (ExSD) as the first point in time among items classified by AGV skew (Stock Keeping Unit, SKU) (S210). In the present disclosure, "skew" collectively refers to information that classifies each item by type, specification, and type for smooth logistics processing. The skew may be assigned to an item in the form of a code or tag, but the format is not limited to a code or tag. Meanwhile, in the present disclosure, the "expected shipping date" refers to the date and time when an item is scheduled to be shipped from a fulfillment center. The expected shipping date may be set differently depending on various factors such as the skew assigned to the item, the category to which the item belongs, the address of the customer who ordered the item, and the area to which the order is assigned within the fulfillment center, and the interval between different expected shipping dates need not be constant.

[0062] Next, the electronic device can calculate the outbound capacity in the AGV area within the first logistics center (S220). In the present disclosure, the "AGV area" refers to an area where logistics tasks (picking, loading, etc.) of items are performed by AGVs moving at a set speed or route. Furthermore, in the present disclosure, the "outbound capacity" refers to the maximum number of items that can be processed in a set period of time in a specific area within the logistics center. For example, the outbound capacity in the AGV area may refer to the maximum number of items that can be loaded and picked in the AGV area per unit time.

[0063] According to one embodiment, the electronic device may calculate the outgoing capacity in an AGV area within the first logistics center based on the number of available picking platforms within the AGV area within the first logistics center and the productivity of each picking platform. For example, the electronic device may calculate the outgoing capacity in the AGV area by multiplying the number of available picking platforms within the AGV area by a productivity value uniformly set for each picking platform. This can be expressed as in the following mathematical equation 1.

[0064] [Mathematical Formula 1]

[0065]

[0066] Here, AGV OB Capa represents the outgoing capacity of the AGV area, # of PPS represents the number of available picking stations within the AGV area, and HTP represents the hourly productivity value (Hourly Throughput) of the picking stations. The more picking stations available within the AGV area and the higher the productivity per picking station, the greater the outgoing capacity of the AGV area.

[0067] Next, the electronic device can determine whether all customer orders for the first item can be processed in the AGV area based on the calculated delivery capacity (S230). Specifically, the electronic device can calculate the number of orders that can be processed in the AGV area, taking into account the delivery capacity, and compare this to the actual orders for the first item received, thereby performing step S230.

[0068] According to one embodiment, the electronic device calculates the amount of items that can be processed in the AGV area within the first logistics center based on the delivery capacity, and compares the amount of items that can be processed with the number of first items ordered by customers to determine whether the AGV area can process all customer orders for the first items. This will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. 3.

[0069] If the electronic device can process all customer orders for the first item in the AGV zone, the electronic device can assign the customer orders for the first item to the AGV zone (S240). Meanwhile, if the electronic device cannot process all customer orders for the first item in the AGV zone, the electronic device can post-process the customer orders for the first item (S250).

[0070] As a post-processing step, the electronic device may request a change from the administrator regarding an option that determines how the customer's order for the first item is allocated. For example, the electronic device may provide a message via an output interface provided on the electronic device requesting a selection regarding an option for allocating the customer's order for the first item to a zone within the first distribution center.

[0071] Alternatively, in relation to step S230, the electronic device may request the manager to change the criteria for determining whether all customer orders for the first item can be processed in the AGV zone. For example, the electronic device may, via an output interface provided in the electronic device, provide a message requesting an adjustment to at least a portion of the shipping capacity in the AGV zone within the first logistics center or the amount of items that can be processed in the AGV zone.

[0072] In another method of post-processing, the electronic device may assign some of the customer's orders for the first item to the AGV area within the first logistics center, and some to the general area within the first logistics center. This will be described later with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5.

[0073] Meanwhile, as another method of post-processing, the electronic device can also notify the manager of the status of picking in the AGV area. For example, the electronic device can provide a view page sorting the status of picking in the AGV area by ExSD via an output interface provided on the electronic device. This will be described later with reference to FIG. 10.

[0074]

[0075] Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating step S230 in more detail. In one example, the electronic device may function as a server that manages logistics within a logistics center.

[0076] First, the electronic device can calculate the amount of goods that can be processed in the AGV area for the first time point based on the delivery capacity in the AGV area within the first logistics center (S310).

[0077] According to one embodiment, the electronic device may calculate the amount of items that can be processed in the AGV zone based on a first point in time, a point in time at which the amount of items that can be processed in the AGV zone is calculated, and a delivery capacity in the AGV zone. More specifically, the electronic device may calculate the amount of items that can be processed in the AGV zone by multiplying a value obtained by subtracting the pre-processing time from the difference between the first point in time and the point in time at which the amount of items that can be processed in the AGV zone is calculated by the capacity in the delivery AGV zone and a preset scaling value. This can be expressed as in the following mathematical equation 2.

[0078] [Equation 2]

[0079]

[0080] At this time, AGV OB Capa is the delivery capacity of the AGV area, buffer is the pre-work time, and t currentrepresents the calculation time of the processable quantity in the AGV zone, and the scaling factor represents a scaling value. In the present disclosure, the 'pre-work time' collectively refers to the time required for pre-work such as picking and packing an item before the item is shipped. For example, the pre-work time may include at least a portion of the picking time required to pick the first item or the packing time required to pack the first item. Meanwhile, the scaling value has no separate limitation, but may be preferably set in the range of 0.5 or more and 2.0 or less. The scaling value is to flexibly adjust the processable quantity of the AGV zone. For example, if an order for an item classified as AGV skew is allocated to a general zone and the general zone does not have the item in stock, the order must be allocated to the AGV zone again. In this case, the electronic device can adjust the processable quantity of the AGV zone through the scaling value, so that even an order exceeding the processable quantity of an existing AGV zone can be allocated to an AGV zone with stock.

[0081] Next, the electronic device can compare the produced processable quantity with the number of first items according to the customer's order (S320).

[0082] If the amount of items that can be processed exceeds the number of first items, the electronic device may determine that all customer orders for the first item can be processed in the AGV area (S330). On the other hand, if the amount of items that can be processed is less than or equal to the number of first items, the electronic device may determine that all customer orders for the first item cannot be processed in the AGV area (S340).

[0083] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of step S250. Specifically, Figure 4 illustrates an example of a post-processing method for a customer order, in which orders are assigned to AGV areas with priority over general areas. In one example, the electronic device may function as a server that manages logistics within a single logistics center.

[0084] First, the electronic device can allocate at least some of the orders corresponding to the amount that can be processed in the AGV zone among the customer's orders for the first item to the AGV zone (S410).

[0085] Next, the electronic device can identify inventory loaded in the general area within the first logistics center, corresponding to items for remaining orders, excluding at least some orders corresponding to the processable quantity in the AGV area among the customer's orders for the first item (S420). Specifically, the electronic device can identify whether items corresponding to orders for the first item that have not yet been allocated to the AGV area exist among the inventory loaded in the general area. For example, if 100 of 120 orders for an item for which ExSD is set as the first point in time have been allocated to the AGV area, the electronic device can identify whether inventory of items to be shipped to process the remaining 20 orders exists in the general area.

[0086] Next, the electronic device can compare the number of items according to the remaining orders, excluding at least some orders corresponding to the processable quantity in the AGV area among the customer's orders for the first item, with the inventory loaded in the general area within the first logistics center (S430).

[0087] If the number of items according to the remaining orders excluding orders corresponding to the processable quantity in the AGV zone is less than or equal to the inventory loaded in the general zone, the electronic device may allocate the remaining orders excluding orders corresponding to the processable quantity in the AGV zone to the general zone (S440). Meanwhile, if the number of items according to the remaining orders excluding orders corresponding to the processable quantity in the AGV zone exceeds the inventory loaded in the general zone, the electronic device may allocate orders equivalent to the inventory loaded in the general zone among the remaining orders excluding orders corresponding to the processable quantity in the AGV zone to the general zone, and additionally allocate orders exceeding the inventory loaded in the general zone to the AGV zone (S450).

[0088] By prioritizing orders to the AGV zone in this way, resources provided for the AGV zone within the logistics center can be consumed first, and logistics tasks for items not classified as AGV skew can be performed more smoothly in the general zone.

[0089] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating another example of step S250. Specifically, Figure 5 illustrates an example of a post-processing method for a customer order, prioritizing the allocation of orders from general areas over AGV areas. In one example, the electronic device may function as a server managing logistics within a single logistics center.

[0090] First, the electronic device can identify at least some of the customer orders for the first item that are to be allocated to the general area within the first logistics center (S510). While the first item is originally classified as an AGV skew item, there is no restriction that items classified as AGV skew must be loaded only in the AGV area. Therefore, allocating orders for the first item to the general area can also be considered.

[0091] However, since inventory for the first item must be available in the general area, the electronic device can identify inventory loaded in the general area corresponding to the first item ordered by the customer (S520). As described above with reference to Figure 4, identifying inventory includes not only identifying whether an item is loaded, but also the quantity of the loaded item.

[0092] Next, the electronic device can compare the number of items according to the order to be allocated to the general area with the inventory loaded in the general area (S530).

[0093] If the number of items in an order to be allocated to the general zone is less than or equal to the inventory loaded in the general zone, the electronic device may allocate the order to be allocated to the general zone to the general zone (S540). Meanwhile, if the number of items in an order to be allocated to the general zone exceeds the inventory loaded in the general zone, the electronic device may allocate orders equal to the inventory loaded in the general zone to the general zone, and may allocate orders exceeding the inventory loaded in the general zone to the AGV zone (S550).

[0094] By prioritizing orders to the general area, inventory for items classified as AGV skew within the distribution center can be shipped first from the general area. This encourages inventory of items classified as AGV skew to be loaded into the AGV area, effectively organizing and dividing the area where items are loaded within the distribution center based on AGV skew.

[0095] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating an order allocation method of an electronic device according to another embodiment. In one example, the electronic device may function as a server (e.g., the order distribution and fulfillment server (10) illustrated in Figure 1) that manages logistics for multiple logistics centers. The electronic device may perform the following process to allocate orders to each AGV zone within the multiple logistics centers.

[0096] First, the electronic device can identify a customer's order for a plurality of first items, among the items classified by AGV skew, for which ExSD is set as the first point in time (S610).

[0097] Next, the electronic device can calculate the shipping capacity in each AGV zone within multiple logistics centers under the control of the electronic device (S620).

[0098] Next, the electronic device can determine whether all customer orders for the first item can be processed across all AGV zones within the multiple logistics centers based on the calculated shipping capacity of each AGV zone (S630). According to one embodiment, the electronic device can calculate the processable quantity of items in each AGV zone based on the calculated shipping capacity and add them up to calculate the total processable quantity across all AGV zones. The electronic device can then compare the total processable quantity with the number of ordered first items to perform step S630.

[0099] If the electronic device can process all customer orders for the first item through all AGV zones within multiple logistics centers, the electronic device can divide and allocate the customer orders for the first item to each AGV zone (S640). Meanwhile, if the electronic device cannot process all customer orders for the first item even using all AGV zones within multiple logistics centers, the electronic device can post-process the customer orders for the first item (S650). Since the post-processing method is identical or similar to that described above with reference to FIG. 2, a detailed description will be omitted.

[0100] In step S640, the electronic device may equally allocate orders to each AGV zone, but this is not necessarily the case, and depending on the embodiment, the orders allocated to each AGV zone may be differentiated in consideration of the amount of goods that can be processed by each AGV zone, the location of each logistics center, etc.

[0101] Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of step S650. Specifically, Figure 7 illustrates an example of a post-processing method for a customer order, in which orders are assigned to AGV areas with priority over general areas. In one example, the electronic device may function as a server that manages logistics across multiple logistics centers.

[0102] First, the electronic device can divide and allocate at least some of the orders corresponding to the amount of items that can be processed in all AGV zones within the multiple logistics centers under the control of the electronic device among the customer's orders for the first item to each AGV zone within the multiple logistics centers (S710).

[0103] Next, the electronic device can identify the inventory loaded in each general area within the multiple logistics centers corresponding to items according to the remaining orders, excluding orders corresponding to the processable quantity in all AGV areas within the multiple logistics centers among the customer's orders for the first item (S720).

[0104] Next, the electronic device can compare the number of items according to the remaining orders, excluding orders corresponding to the processable quantity in all AGV zones within the multiple logistics centers, with the inventory loaded in each general zone within the multiple logistics centers (S730).

[0105] If the number of items according to the remaining orders excluding orders corresponding to the processable quantity in all AGV zones is less than or equal to the inventory loaded in each general zone, the electronic device may divide and allocate the remaining orders excluding orders corresponding to the processable quantity in all AGV zones to each general zone (S740). Meanwhile, if the number of items according to the remaining orders excluding orders corresponding to the processable quantity in all AGV zones exceeds the inventory loaded in each general zone, the electronic device may divide and allocate, among the remaining orders excluding orders corresponding to the processable quantity in all AGV zones, orders equivalent to the inventory loaded in each general zone, to each general zone, and orders exceeding the inventory loaded in each general zone may be additionally divided and allocated to each AGV zone (S750).

[0106] Since the detailed embodiments and effects thereof for the embodiment of Fig. 7 are the same or similar to those described above with reference to Fig. 4, redundant descriptions will be omitted.

[0107] Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating another example of step S650. Specifically, Figure 8 illustrates an example of a post-processing method for a customer order, in which orders are assigned to general areas with priority given to AGV areas. In one example, the electronic device may function as a server that manages logistics across multiple logistics centers.

[0108] First, the electronic device can identify at least some of the orders among the customer's orders for the first item to be allocated to each general area within the multiple logistics centers (S810).

[0109] Next, the electronic device can identify the inventory loaded in each general area within the multiple logistics centers corresponding to the first item according to the customer's order (S820).

[0110] Next, the electronic device can compare the number of items according to the order to be allocated to each general area within the multiple logistics centers with the inventory loaded in each general area (S830).

[0111] If the number of items according to the order to be allocated to each general zone is less than or equal to the inventory loaded in each general zone, the electronic device may divide and allocate the orders to be allocated to each general zone to each general zone (S840). On the other hand, if the number of items according to the order to be allocated to each general zone exceeds the inventory loaded in each general zone, the electronic device may divide and allocate to each general zone an amount of orders equal to the inventory loaded in each general zone among the orders to be allocated to each general zone, and divide and allocate to each AGV zone an amount of orders exceeding the inventory loaded in each general zone (S850).

[0112] Since the detailed embodiments and effects thereof for the embodiment of Fig. 8 are the same or similar to those described above with reference to Fig. 5, redundant descriptions will be omitted.

[0113] Figure 9 is an exemplary diagram illustrating the process of calculating the amount of items processed in an AGV area. As illustrated in Figure 9, orders A, B, and C for items classified as AGV skew have been received, and the expected shipping times for each order are 11:00, 11:30, and 12:00, respectively. Since the pre-processing time is set to 1 hour, considering the time required for pre-processing, the picking task must be completed by 10:00, 10:30, and 11:00, respectively, to process orders A, B, and C.

[0114] Meanwhile, the items to be shipped for order A are 50 items awaiting pickup and 50 items are being picked up, for a total of 100 items. The items to be shipped for order B are 60 items awaiting pickup and 140 items are being picked up, for a total of 200 items. The items to be shipped for order C are 100 items awaiting pickup and 300 items are being picked up, for a total of 400 items.

[0115] Since the current time is 8:00, and assuming that the picking tasks are evenly distributed over time, all 100 items for order A must be picked, 167 items for order B must be picked, and 267 items for order C must be picked during the two-hour period from 8:00 to 10:00. Adding these up, we can see that a total of 534 items were allocated to the AGV area for orders A, B, and C from 8:00 to 10:00. In other words, since the amount of items processed in the AGV area from 8:00 to 10:00 is 534, we can compare this with the aforementioned possible amount of items to determine the load on the AGV area.

[0116] Figure 10 is an exemplary screen of a view page displaying the status of picking in an AGV area. As illustrated in Figure 10, in addition to the picking status, the view page may additionally display the status of items subject to transfer or holding, items awaiting order assignment and sorting, items requiring replenishment or with sufficient inventory, and items undergoing post-picking processes (tasks).

[0117] Regarding the pick-up status, the view page can display the number of items awaiting pick-up and the number of items currently being picked up. Even items with the same status can be categorized by ExSD, with items displayed in order of impending ExSD. This is to encourage administrators to focus more on the pick-up status of items nearing ExSD, thereby preventing the risk of ExSD escalation.

[0118] Referring to FIG. 10, the number of items in the picking status is biased in a specific ExSD (e.g., 2023-03-31 22:14:00, 2023-03-31 22:15:00, 2023-03-31 23:58:59, 2023-03-31 23:59:59, 2023-04-01 01:49:59, 2023-04-01 04:15:00). The electronic device considers this characteristic and identifies the ExSD where the picking task to be processed is biased, and divides and allocates orders set to the corresponding ExSD to each AGV zone in multiple logistics centers, or allocates orders to a general zone as well as an AGV zone in one logistics center.

[0119] In this regard, the electronic device may input time series data on the number of items in the collection status into a pre-trained artificial intelligence model to obtain a probability that each ExSD is an ExSD with a biased collection task, and identify an ExSD with a probability greater than a threshold probability as an ExSD with a biased collection task. In addition, the electronic device may identify an ExSD as an ExSD with a biased collection task if the number of collection statuses corresponding to a specific ExSD exceeds a preset number without using an artificial intelligence model.

[0120] Figure 11 shows a block diagram of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0121] The electronic device (100) may include, according to one embodiment, a memory (110) and a processor (120). In one embodiment, the electronic device (100) may exchange data with the outside world through an input / output interface.

[0122] The processor (120) can perform at least one of the methods described above with reference to FIGS. 2 to 8. The memory (110) can store information for performing at least one of the methods described above with reference to FIGS. 2 to 8. The memory (110) can be a volatile memory or a non-volatile memory.

[0123] The processor (120) can control the electronic device (100) to execute a program and provide information. The code of the program executed by the processor (120) can be stored in the memory (110).

[0124] In one embodiment, the processor (120) is connected to the memory (110) to identify a customer order for one or more first items, among items classified by AGV SKU, assigned to a first logistics center with an ExSD set to a first point in time, calculate a shipping capacity in an AGV zone within the first logistics center, and determine whether all of the customer's orders for the first items can be processed in the AGV zone based on the shipping capacity, and if all of the customer's orders for the first items can be processed in the AGV zone, assign the customer's orders for the first items to the AGV zone, and if all of the customer's orders for the first items cannot be processed in the AGV zone, post-process the customer's orders for the first items.

[0125] In another embodiment, the processor (120) is connected to the memory (110) to identify a customer's order for a plurality of first items, among items classified by AGV SKU, for which ExSD is set as a first point in time, calculate the shipping capacity in each AGV zone in a plurality of logistics centers managed by the electronic device, and determine whether all of the customer's orders for the first items can be processed through all AGV zones in the plurality of logistics centers based on the shipping capacity in each AGV zone, and if all of the customer's orders for the first items can be processed through all AGV zones, divide and allocate the customer's orders for the first items to each AGV zone, and if all of the customer's orders for the first items cannot be processed even if all of the AGV zones are used, post-process the customer's orders for the first items.

[0126] Additionally, the electronic device (100) according to one embodiment may further include an interface capable of providing information to a user of the electronic device (100).

[0127] The electronic device (100) illustrated in FIG. 11 only illustrates components related to the present embodiment. Therefore, those skilled in the art will understand that, in addition to the components illustrated in FIG. 11, other general-purpose components may be included.

[0128] The device according to the above-described embodiments may include a processor, a memory for storing and executing program data, a permanent storage such as a disk drive, a communication port for communicating with an external device, a user 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.

[0129] 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, message 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.

[0130] The above-described embodiments are merely examples, and other embodiments may be implemented within the scope of the claims set forth below.

Claims

1. A method for allocating orders to an Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) area performed by an electronic device, A step of identifying a customer's order for one or more first items, among items classified by AGV skew (Stock Keeping Unit, SKU), with an expected shipping date (Expected Shipping Date, ExSD) set to a first point in time and assigned to a first logistics center; A step of calculating the shipping capacity in the AGV area within the first logistics center; A step of determining whether all customer orders for the first item can be processed in the AGV zone based on the above shipping capacity; If all of the customer's orders for the first item can be processed in the AGV zone, a step of assigning the customer's orders for the first item to the AGV zone; and Including a step of post-processing a customer's order for the first item when the AGV zone cannot process all of the customer's orders for the first item. How to allocate orders.

2. In paragraph 1, The above shipping capacity is, Calculated based on the number of available picking workstations in the above AGV area and the productivity of each picking workstation. How to allocate orders.

3. In paragraph 1, The above judging step is, A step of calculating the amount of material that can be processed in the AGV zone for the first time based on the above delivery capacity; A step of comparing the above processable quantity and the number of the first item according to the customer's order; If the above processable quantity exceeds the number of the first item, a step of determining that all customer orders for the first item can be processed in the AGV zone; and If the above processable quantity is less than or equal to the number of the first item, a step of determining that all customer orders for the first item cannot be processed in the AGV zone is included. How to allocate orders.

4. In paragraph 3, The above processable quantity is, Calculated based on the first point in time, the point in time at which the processable quantity is calculated, and the delivery capacity. How to allocate orders.

5. In paragraph 4, The above processable quantity is, It is calculated by multiplying the difference between the first point in time and the point in time when the processable quantity is calculated by deducting the pre-work time, and the shipment capacity and the preset scaling value. The above pre-work time is, Including at least a portion of the picking time required to pick up the first item or the packing time required to pack the first item, How to allocate orders.

6. In paragraph 1, The above post-processing step is: A step of allocating at least a portion of orders corresponding to the amount of items that can be processed in the AGV zone among the customer's orders for the first item to the AGV zone; A step of identifying inventory loaded in a general area within the first logistics center corresponding to items according to remaining orders excluding at least some of the orders among the customer's orders for the first item; A step of comparing the number of items according to the remaining order with the above inventory; If the number of items according to the remaining order is less than or equal to the stock, a step of allocating the remaining order to the general area; and Including a step of allocating orders in the amount of the remaining orders to the general area when the number of items according to the remaining orders exceeds the inventory, and additionally allocating orders in the amount exceeding the inventory to the AGV area. How to allocate orders.

7. In paragraph 1, The above post-processing step is: A step of identifying at least some of the orders among the customer's orders for the first item to be allocated to a general area within the first logistics center; A step of identifying the inventory loaded in the general area corresponding to the first item according to the customer's order; A step of comparing the number of items according to at least some of the above orders with the above inventory; If the number of items according to at least some of the orders is less than or equal to the stock, allocating at least some of the orders to the general area; and Including a step of allocating orders equal to the inventory among at least some of the orders to the general area and allocating orders equal to the inventory among at least some of the orders to the AGV area, when the number of items according to the orders exceeds the inventory. How to allocate orders.

8. In paragraph 1, The above post-processing step is: A step of providing a message requesting a selection of an option to allocate a customer's order for the first item to a zone within the first logistics center, through an output interface provided in the electronic device. How to allocate orders.

9. In paragraph 1, The above post-processing step is: A step of providing a message requesting adjustment of at least a portion of the delivery capacity or the amount of material that can be processed in the AGV area through an output interface provided in the electronic device, How to allocate orders.

10. In paragraph 1, Further comprising a step of providing a view page in which the status of picking up items in the AGV area is sorted by ExSD through an output interface provided in the electronic device. How to allocate orders.

11. A method for allocating orders to an Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) area performed by an electronic device, A step of identifying a customer's order for a plurality of first items, among items classified by AGV skew (Stock Keeping Unit, SKU), for which an expected shipping date (ExSD) is set to a first point in time; A step of calculating the shipping capacity in each AGV area within a plurality of logistics centers under the jurisdiction of the electronic device; A step of determining whether all customer orders for the first item can be processed through all AGV zones within the plurality of logistics centers based on the shipping capacity in each AGV zone; If all of the customer's orders for the first item can be processed through all of the AGV zones, a step of dividing and allocating the customer's orders for the first item to each of the AGV zones; and In case that all of the customer's orders for the first item cannot be processed even if all of the AGV zones are used, a step of post-processing the customer's order for the first item is included. How to allocate orders.

12. In paragraph 11, The above post-processing step is: A step of dividing and allocating, among the customer's orders for the first item, at least some orders corresponding to the amount that can be processed in all the AGV zones to each of the AGV zones; A step of identifying inventory loaded in each general area within the plurality of logistics centers corresponding to items according to remaining orders excluding at least some of the orders among the customer's orders for the first item; A step of comparing the number of items according to the remaining order with the above inventory; If the number of items according to the remaining order is less than or equal to the stock, a step of dividing and allocating the remaining order to each general area; and In the case where the number of items according to the remaining orders exceeds the stock, a step of dividing and allocating orders equal to the stock among the remaining orders to each general zone and additionally allocating orders equal to the stock to each AGV zone is included. How to allocate orders.

13. In paragraph 11, The above post-processing step is: A step of identifying at least some of the orders among the customer's orders for the first item to be allocated to each general area within the plurality of logistics centers; A step of identifying the inventory loaded in the general area corresponding to the first item according to the customer's order; A step of comparing the number of items according to at least some of the above orders with the above inventory; If the number of items according to at least some of the orders is less than or equal to the stock, a step of dividing and allocating at least some of the orders to each of the general areas; and Including a step of dividing and allocating orders equal to the inventory among at least some of the orders to each general zone, and dividing and allocating orders equal to the inventory among at least some of the orders to each AGV zone, when the number of items according to the orders exceeds the inventory. How to allocate orders.

14. A non-transitory computer-readable recording medium recording a program for executing the method of paragraph 1 on a computer.

15. An electronic device for assigning orders to an automated guided vehicle (AGV) area. Includes a memory and a processor that stores instructions, The above processor is connected to the above memory, Among the items classified by AGV skew (Stock Keeping Unit, SKU), identify a customer's order for one or more first items assigned to the first logistics center with the expected shipping date (ExSD) set to the first point in time, and Calculate the shipping capacity in the AGV area within the above first logistics center, Based on the above shipping capacity, it is determined whether all customer orders for the first item can be processed in the AGV zone, If all of the customer's orders for the first item can be processed in the AGV zone, assign the customer's orders for the first item to the AGV zone, An electronic device that post-processes a customer's order for the first item when the AGV zone cannot process all of the customer's orders for the first item.

16. An electronic device for assigning orders to an automated guided vehicle (AGV) area, Includes a memory and a processor that stores instructions, The above processor is connected to the above memory, Identify a customer's order for multiple first items, among items classified by AGV skew (Stock Keeping Unit, SKU), for which the Expected Shipping Date (ExSD) is set to the first point in time, Calculate the shipping capacity in each AGV area within multiple logistics centers managed by the above electronic device, Based on the shipping capacity in each of the above AGV zones, it is determined whether all customer orders for the first item can be processed through all AGV zones within the plurality of logistics centers, If all of the customer's orders for the first item can be processed through all of the above AGV zones, the customer's orders for the first item are divided and allocated to each of the above AGV zones, An electronic device that post-processes a customer's order for the first item when all of the above AGV zones are used and not all of the customer's orders for the first item can be processed.

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