Management device, management method, and recording medium

Abstract

This management device comprises: a vacant area information acquisition means for acquiring the number of vacant areas, in a warehouse in which articles are placed, for each classification into which the vacant areas are classified according to a predetermined size; an article information acquisition means for acquiring article information including the number of articles newly stored in the vacant areas and the size of the articles; an identification means for identifying a combination of the vacant areas for storing the articles so as to minimize the total surplus when the articles are stored in the respective vacant areas, on the basis of the predetermined size of the vacant areas, the number of the vacant areas for each classification, and the article information; and an output means for outputting the identified combination of the vacant areas for storing the articles.

Description

Management device, management method, and recording medium

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a management device, a management method, and a recording medium.

[0002] There is a technique for determining the location to store an item based on the availability of shelves in a warehouse and the size of the item arriving at the warehouse.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a logistics warehouse management system that uses a location management table that manages the storage capacity, weight, and dimensions of each storage space, and an item management table for the cargo stored in the warehouse, to indicate a space that can store the cargo as the storage location for the cargo based on the volume, weight, and dimensions of the cargo associated with the item name input by an input device.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 10-139116

[0005] However, the logistics warehouse management system described in Patent Document 1 determines that packages should be stored in available storage space, so there are cases where a large amount of excess space is created when packages are stored.

[0006] An example of an objective of the present disclosure is to provide a technology that supports efficient use of space in warehouses.

[0007] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the management device includes: a free space information acquisition means for acquiring the number of free spaces classified into predetermined sizes for each category in a warehouse where items are stored; a product information acquisition means for acquiring product information including the number of items to be newly stored in the free spaces and the sizes of the items; an identification means for identifying a combination of free spaces to store the items based on the predetermined size of the free spaces, the number of free spaces for each category, and the product information, so as to minimize the total surplus when the items are stored in each free space; and an output means for outputting the identified combination of free spaces to store the items.

[0008] A management method in one aspect of the present disclosure involves obtaining the number of free spaces classified into predetermined sizes for each category in a warehouse where items are stored, obtaining item information including the number of items to be newly stored in the free spaces and the sizes of the items, identifying a combination of free spaces to store the items based on the predetermined sizes of the free spaces, the number of free spaces for each category, and the item information, so as to minimize the total surplus when items are stored in each free space, and outputting the identified combination of free spaces to store the items.

[0009] A program in one aspect of the present disclosure causes a computer to perform the following process: in a warehouse where items are stored, obtain the number of free spaces classified into predetermined sizes for each category; obtain item information including the number of items to be newly stored in the free spaces and the sizes of the items; identify a combination of free spaces to store the items based on the predetermined sizes of the free spaces, the number of free spaces for each category, and the item information so as to minimize the total surplus when items are stored in each free space; and output the identified combination of free spaces to store the items.

[0010] Each program may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium.

[0011] One example of the effect of the present disclosure is that it can help make efficient use of space in warehouses.

[0012] Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a system including a management device. Fig. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an application example of the present disclosure. Fig. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the management device. Fig. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the management device. Fig. 5 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration for realizing the management device in the present disclosure with a computer and its peripheral devices.

[0013] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0014] First Embodiment FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system including a management device according to the present disclosure.

[0015] In FIG. 1, a management device 100 is a device that determines a combination of free areas in a warehouse in which to store new items so as to minimize the total surplus when items are stored in each free area.

[0016] Here, an example of application of the management device 100 according to the present disclosure, and free space and surplus space will be described with reference to FIG.

[0017] The management device 100 in the present disclosure is applied to the management of goods in a warehouse where goods are stored on shelves. The warehouse is, for example, a warehouse for logistics, and the goods handled in the warehouse are not particularly limited.

[0018] Shelves in a warehouse are facilities on which items are placed. A plurality of shelves are installed in a warehouse. Referring to FIG. 2, shelf 1 includes shelf levels 1-1, 1-2, and 1-3. Similarly, shelf 2 includes shelf levels 2-1, 2-2, and 2-3. Each shelf level is a space for placing items. Note that the specific number and height of the shelves are not limited to the example in FIG. 2.

[0019] The items are items stored in a warehouse. For example, the items are merchandise stored in a logistics warehouse. The items may be, for example, a package containing multiple items, or individual items unpacked from a package.

[0020] In this disclosure, it is assumed that items are placed at any position on a shelf. Placing items at any position on a shelf in this manner is sometimes referred to as free location. On a shelf, multiple items of the same type are placed together, aligned in at least one direction among the width direction of the shelf, the depth direction of the shelf, and the height direction of the shelf. Also, different types of items may be placed on a shelf with gaps between them to facilitate easy removal and identification of different items. Also, different types of items may be separated on a shelf by L-shaped or other partitions (not shown).

[0021] A shelf generally has a space where an item is placed and a space where no item is placed. Here, the space on a shelf where no item is placed is called an empty area. For example, two items are placed on shelf 1-1 in FIG. 2. On shelf 1-1, the empty areas are the area sandwiched between the areas where items are placed and where no item is placed, and the area sandwiched between the areas where items are placed and the side wall of shelf 1-1 and where no item is placed.

[0022] On a shelf where items are placed at any position, the shape and size of the empty space may change as items are placed on the shelf for arrival, or as some or all of multiple items of the same type that were placed together are removed from the shelf for shipment. Also, on a shelf where items are placed at any position, an empty space of an appropriate size may be created by moving inventory items to store new items that arrive in the warehouse.

[0023] On a shelf where an item is placed at a desired position, the free space is managed by classifying it into a desired size and at a desired level. For example, each free space on a shelf is managed by classifying it into a predetermined appropriate size based on information indicating the size of the free space. The size of the free space can be obtained, for example, by image recognition of an image of the shelf, by measurement and input by a warehouse worker, or by estimation using item information on the items in stock. The classification levels and the size of each level may be determined appropriately depending on the size and number of items handled in the warehouse, and for example, items may be classified into three levels: small size, medium size, and large size. However, examples of classification are not limited to this.

[0024] Furthermore, free space becomes an area for storing new items. When storing items, the size of the free space needs to be equal to or larger than the area required to store the items. Therefore, when storing items in free space classified into predetermined sizes, space will be generated in the free space of the predetermined size where no items are stored. This space may become wasted space. This space is called surplus space.

[0025] In other words, the surplus is the difference between the size of the stored items and the predetermined size determined for each category of free space when items are stored in a free space of a predetermined size. Here, the size of the items is the size of the number of items to be stored as a single unit.

[0026] A specific example of surplus will be described. For example, assume that free spaces are classified into S, M, and L sizes. In this case, the S-size free space is large enough to store 2.5 items A, the M-size free space is large enough to store 3.5 items A, and the L-size free space is large enough to store 7.5 items A. Therefore, the S-size free space can actually store two items A, and when two items A are stored, there will be a surplus of 0.5 items A. Similarly, the M-size free space can store three items A, and when three items A are stored, there will be a surplus of 0.5 items A. Furthermore, the L-size free space can store seven items A, and when seven items A are stored, there will be a surplus of 0.5 items A. Note that the way in which surplus is expressed is not limited to this example.

[0027] In a warehouse, it is desirable to efficiently use the space available for storing items on shelves in the warehouse by reducing such surplus. Therefore, the management device 100 identifies a combination of free areas for storing items so as to minimize the total surplus.

[0028] A specific example of identifying a combination of free areas for storing items so as to minimize the total surplus will be described. In the specific example of surplus described above, assume that five items A are to be stored. In this case, if five items A are stored in an L-sized free area, the total surplus will be 2.5 items A. Furthermore, if five items A are stored in an S-sized free area and an M-sized free area, the total surplus will be 1.0 item A. Although the total surplus for other combinations that can store five items A will be omitted, in this case, the combination of free areas that minimizes the total surplus is a combination of one S-sized free area and one M-sized free area.

[0029] Note that the above example is an explanation of an application example of the management device 100 in the present disclosure, and the warehouse etc. to which the management device 100 is applied is not limited to this example.

[0030] Referring again to FIG. 1, an example of the configuration of a system including the management device 100 will be described.

[0031] The management device 100 is communicably connected to a terminal device, a free space information database (hereinafter referred to as a free space information DB), and an item information database (hereinafter referred to as an item information DB).

[0032] The terminal device is a device that outputs a combination of free areas for storing items identified by the management device 100. The terminal device is, for example, a terminal device used by a warehouse manager or worker. The terminal device is, for example, a smartphone, a tablet, or a personal computer, but is not limited to these examples.

[0033] The management device 100 may be communicably connected to a robot (not shown) or a control device that controls the robot. In this case, information on the combination of free spaces is output as appropriate to the robot's control unit or control device. In this case, the robot may, for example, store an item in a warehouse based on the output information on the combination of free spaces for storing the item. Also, in this case, robot control information generated based on the information on the combination of free spaces may be output as appropriate to the robot's control unit or control device. Any known method may be used to control the robot and generate the control information.

[0034] The free space information DB is a database that manages at least the number of free spaces classified by predetermined size. The free space information DB may also manage the location of each free space. Furthermore, the free space information DB may manage information indicating the items adjacent to each free space.

[0035] The item information DB is a database that manages item information for items newly stored in a warehouse. The item information includes identification information for identifying the item, the size of the item, and the number of items. In other words, items newly stored in a warehouse are items arriving at the warehouse. In other words, the item information DB manages information on arriving items. The identification information for identifying the item may be the item's identification number or model number. The identification information for identifying the item may also include a lot number.

[0036] The item information DB may further manage item information of items stored in the warehouse. The item information DB may also manage item information of items picked up from the warehouse. In other words, the item information DB may manage at least one of item information of items stocked in the warehouse and item information of items shipped from the warehouse.

[0037] The free space information DB and the product information DB may each be configured from a plurality of DBs. The free space information DB and the product information DB may each be provided inside or outside the management device 100.

[0038] Next, the functional configuration of the management device 100 in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0039] 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the management device 100. Referring to FIG. 3, the management device 100 includes a free space information acquisition unit 101, an item information acquisition unit 102, an identification unit 103, and an output unit 104.

[0040] The free space information acquisition unit 101 is an example of a free space information acquisition means that acquires the number of free spaces classified into predetermined sizes in a warehouse where items are placed. Free spaces in a warehouse are classified into predetermined sizes in advance and managed. The process of specifying the size of free space and the process of classifying and managing free space by size may be performed appropriately using known methods. For example, the free space information acquisition unit 101 acquires the number of free spaces classified into each category from a free space information DB. The free space information acquisition unit 101 acquires the current number of free spaces classified into each category in the warehouse.

[0041] Furthermore, the free space information acquiring unit 101 may further acquire information indicating the position of each free space and information indicating the article to be placed adjacent to each free space.

[0042] The product information acquisition unit 102 is an example of a product information acquisition means that acquires product information including the number of products to be newly stored in the free space and the size of the products. For example, the product information acquisition unit 102 acquires the product information from a product information DB.

[0043] The item information acquisition unit 102 may further acquire item information of items stored in the warehouse and item information of items to be picked up from the warehouse.

[0044] The information acquired by the free space information acquisition unit 101 and the item information acquisition unit 102 may be information about part or all of the warehouse. The free space information acquisition unit 101 and the item information acquisition unit 102 may acquire information about free space and items included in the range managed by the management device 100, respectively.

[0045] The range managed by the management device 100 may be, for example, a predetermined area of ​​a warehouse, a single shelf, or a single shelf level, but is not limited to these examples. The predetermined area of ​​a warehouse may be a storage area predetermined for each category of item, an area divided by temperature ranges such as room temperature, refrigerated, or frozen, an area divided by whether or not humans are working there, an area classified by shelf height, or an area classified by shelf type. The range managed by the management device 100 may be a portion of these areas or multiple areas. Furthermore, when the management device 100 manages multiple areas, the management device 100 may manage each area individually or multiple areas collectively. Note that when it is specified that items are to be managed in a predetermined area, it is assumed that the location where the items are stored in the warehouse is within the predetermined area.

[0046] The specifying unit 103 is an example of a specifying means that specifies a combination of free areas to store items so as to minimize the total surplus when the items are stored in each free area, based on a predetermined size of the free area, the number of free areas for each category, and the item information. In other words, the specifying unit 103 is an example of a means that determines free areas to store items so as to minimize the total surplus when the items are stored in each free area, for each item to be newly stored in the warehouse.

[0047] Furthermore, the identifying unit 103 may identify the positions of the free spaces for storing the items in addition to the combinations of free spaces for storing the items by category. In this case, the identifying unit 103 may identify the combinations of free spaces for storing the items by further using information indicating the positions of the free spaces.

[0048] The combination of free areas with the smallest total surplus may be a combination that is strictly determined to have the smallest surplus, or a combination that can be considered to have the smallest surplus under certain conditions. For example, the identifying unit 103 may strictly identify the combination of free areas with the smallest total surplus, or may identify the combination of free areas with the smallest total surplus that can be considered to have the smallest total surplus under certain conditions.

[0049] Here, the combination of free spaces identified by the identifying unit 103 is a combination of numbers used for each classification of free spaces. The identifying unit 103 may identify a combination in which only free spaces belonging to one classification are used, or may identify one free space as a combination. For example, if free spaces are classified into three sizes: S size, M size, and L size, the combination of free spaces may be three S size free spaces or one L size free space. In these examples, the combination of free spaces may be three S size free spaces, zero M size free spaces, and zero L size free spaces, and zero S size free spaces, zero M size free spaces, and one L size free space, respectively. Note that the combination of free spaces and the classification of free spaces identified by the identifying unit 103 are not limited to these examples.

[0050] The items to be stored in the combination of free areas identified by the identifying unit 103 may be one type of item or multiple types of items. That is, the identifying unit 103 may identify a combination of free areas for storing one type of item, or may identify a combination of free areas for storing multiple types of items.

[0051] As described above, the surplus is the difference between the predetermined size and the size of the stored items when an item is stored in a free space of a predetermined size. In the processing by the identification unit 103, the surplus may be expressed using, for example, at least one of width, depth, and height. The surplus may also be expressed by volume. The method of expressing the surplus is not limited to these examples. The surplus may be expressed in an appropriate manner depending on the operation of the warehouse managed by the management device 100.

[0052] An example of processing by the identification unit 103 will be described. First, the identification unit 103 extracts a combination of the number of free areas per category capable of storing items that minimizes surplus. In this case, the identification unit 103 does not need to consider the number of free areas available per category at the time of processing. Next, the identification unit 103 determines whether the identified combination can be realized with the free areas available per category at the time of processing. More specifically, the identification unit 103 determines whether the number of free areas available per category at the time of processing is equal to or greater than the number of free areas per category included in the identified combination. The identification unit 103 identifies a combination that can be realized with the number of free areas available per category at the time of processing as a combination of free areas for storing items. If the identified combination cannot be realized with the current number of free areas per category, the identification unit 103 identifies a combination of the number of free areas per category capable of storing items that has the next-smallest surplus after the surplus in the combination of free areas that cannot be realized. The identification unit 103 repeats the processing until a combination that can be realized with the current number of free areas per category is identified.

[0053] Another example of the processing of the identification unit 103 will be described. The identification unit 103 may identify a combination of free areas for storing items by taking into consideration the number of free areas available for each category at the time of performing the processing in advance. In this case, for example, the identification unit 103 may identify a combination of free areas for storing items that minimizes surplus by setting the number of free areas available for each category at the time of performing the processing as the upper limit for the number of free areas for each category to be used in the combination.

[0054] The identifying unit 103 may identify a combination of free areas that minimizes the total surplus by identifying a combination of free areas in which the difference between the number of items that can be stored in a free area of ​​a predetermined size and some or all of the number of items is smaller. The identifying unit 103 may also identify a combination of free areas that minimizes the total surplus by selecting the smallest free area among free areas that are large enough to store some or all of the items to be newly stored.

[0055] The identifying unit 103 may identify a combination of free areas that minimizes the total surplus by solving a combinatorial optimization problem. When identifying a combination of free areas by a combinatorial optimization problem, the identifying unit 103 may identify a combination of free areas that minimizes the total surplus, or may identify a combination of free areas that can be considered to minimize the total surplus under certain conditions, such as an approximate solution.

[0056] Next, an example of the processing of the identification unit 103 when there are multiple combinations that minimize the total surplus will be described. In this case, for example, the identification unit 103 may identify the combination based on the number or location of free spaces used in the combination. For example, in this case, the identification unit 103 may identify a combination of free spaces that meets a predetermined condition regarding the number of free spaces that are not designated as storing items. Furthermore, for example, in this case, the identification unit 103 may identify a combination of free spaces that meets a predetermined condition regarding the location of storing items. Note that in this case, the identification unit 103 may identify any one combination from the multiple combinations that minimize the total surplus. The processing of the identification unit 103 when there are multiple combinations that minimize the total surplus is not limited to these examples.

[0057] A case will be described in which the identification unit 103 identifies a combination of free areas that satisfies a predetermined condition regarding the number of free areas that are determined not to store items. Free areas that are determined not to store items are free areas among the current free areas that are not included in the identified combination of free areas. In other words, free areas that are determined not to store items are areas that remain free even after items are stored. In this case, the predetermined condition is set, for example, so that work in the warehouse after storing items will be efficient.

[0058] In this case, the predetermined condition is, for example, to consider storing an item that arrives in the warehouse after the item for which the specifying unit 103 specifies a combination of free areas.

[0059] As another example, the predetermined condition in this case may be a condition to increase the number of free areas that are not designated as storage areas for items. For example, when a large number of small items are received, it may be easier to receive them if there are more free areas remaining.

[0060] As another example, the predetermined condition in this case may be a condition to increase the number of the largest free areas among the predetermined sizes. For example, when large or numerous items are to be received, it may be easier to receive them if there are more large free areas remaining.

[0061] As another example, the specified condition in this case may be a condition that reduces the difference between the number of free spaces per category in which items are not to be stored and the number of free spaces per category required in the warehouse.

[0062] The number of free areas per category required in a warehouse may be set in advance, or may be the number of free areas per category required to store the next items arriving in the warehouse. It is assumed that there is a pattern to the arrival or shipment of items in a warehouse. For example, it is assumed that there is a pattern to the arrival of items depending on the day of the week or date. In such cases, it is considered desirable to reserve free areas based on the pattern even when the items to be arrived cannot be specifically identified. Furthermore, there are cases where it is desirable to operate a warehouse while reserving a certain amount of free area. Therefore, a condition is used as the predetermined condition that minimizes the difference between the number of free areas per category that are not designated to store items and the number of free areas per category required in the warehouse. In such cases, the number of free areas per category required in the warehouse may be set in advance, for example.

[0063] As another example, the predetermined condition in this case may be a condition that reduces the difference between the ratio of the number of free areas for each category that are not designated to store items and the ratio of the number of free areas for each category that are required in the warehouse. The ratio of the number of free areas for each category that are not designated to store items may be set in advance, similar to the above-mentioned number of free areas for each category that are required in the warehouse, or may be set according to the item information of the next item to be received.

[0064] A case will be described in which the identifying unit 103 identifies a combination of free areas that satisfies a predetermined condition regarding the location of an item to be stored. In this case, the identifying unit 103 further identifies the location of the free areas in identifying the combination of free areas. In this case, the predetermined condition is set so that the location of the stored item can enable efficient work in the warehouse.

[0065] In this case, the predetermined condition may be a condition based on the relationship between the location of an empty space for storing items with a high shipping frequency or a large shipping volume among items newly stored in the warehouse and the location of a destination for items picked in the item picking operation. This condition is a condition for improving the efficiency of picking operations for shipping items. In other words, this condition may be a condition for reducing the workload and work time of a worker in the picking operation for shipping items. Note that in this case, the worker may be a human worker or a robot. For example, the predetermined condition regarding the location for storing items may be a condition for minimizing the distance between the location of an empty space for storing items with a high shipping frequency or a large shipping volume and the location of a destination for items picked in the item picking operation.

[0066] In this case, whether an item is shipped frequently or in large volume may be identified by including information indicating the shipping frequency or shipping volume in the item information in advance. Alternatively, whether an item is shipped frequently or in large volume may be identified by using item information of items that have been shipped in the past or item information of items that are scheduled to be shipped.

[0067] As another example, the condition in this case may be a condition for storing the same item in adjacent empty spaces. In other words, the predetermined condition for the location of storing the item is a condition for storing the same item in as few empty spaces as possible. This reduces the need for a worker to pick the item from multiple locations when picking the same item, for example, and contributes to improving the efficiency of the picking work.

[0068] Here, the same item refers to an item that is treated as being identical when distinguishing items at the time of shipping. For example, when items are managed by distinguishing their manufacturing lot numbers, items that have been assigned the same lot number are treated as the same item. Also, when items are managed without distinguishing their manufacturing lot numbers, or when items do not have manufacturing lot numbers, for example, items managed with the same identification information are the same item.

[0069] As another example, the condition in this case may be a condition to reduce the distance between the same items stored in the free spaces of multiple locations, which can reduce the travel distance when a worker picks the same item from multiple locations, for example, and contribute to improving the efficiency of the picking work.

[0070] Furthermore, the predetermined condition for the locations where items are stored may be, as opposed to the two examples above, a condition that the same item is stored in a distributed manner in empty spaces at a predetermined number of locations or a condition that the distance between multiple locations where the same item is stored is a predetermined value or more. This can contribute to the efficiency of picking work, for example, by reducing the possibility that when multiple workers are picking the same item at the same time, other workers will have to wait to pick the item.

[0071] Note that the predetermined conditions for the identifying unit 103 to identify a combination of free areas when there are multiple combinations that minimize the total surplus are not limited to these examples and may be set appropriately depending on the operation of the warehouse. Furthermore, when there are multiple combinations that minimize the total surplus, the identifying unit 103 may identify a combination of free areas using multiple conditions.

[0072] Furthermore, these conditions may be taken into consideration not only when there are multiple combinations that minimize the total surplus, but also when the identifying unit 103 identifies a free area that minimizes the total surplus.

[0073] Furthermore, in the processing of the identification unit 103, other conditions may be set.

[0074] For example, the conditions set in the processing of the identification unit 103 are conditions related to the target range in the warehouse that is the target of processing by the identification unit 103, i.e., the target range that is the target of management by the management device 100. In this case, the identification unit 103 identifies a combination of free areas for a target range that is predetermined in the warehouse. The target range may be, for example, the predetermined area described above. The target range may be predetermined or may be specified, for example, by the warehouse manager or the like. The target range is not limited to these examples. In this case, the identification unit 103 identifies a combination of free areas in the target range to store items based on the number of free areas for each category in the target range and item information of the items to be stored in the target range.

[0075] Furthermore, in a warehouse, restrictions may be imposed on the placement of items for the sake of inventory management. For example, a restriction may be imposed in a warehouse that certain items should not be placed next to each other. In this case, the identifying unit 103 determines a combination of free areas, including the positions of free areas, for items to be newly stored in the warehouse so that the certain items are not placed next to each other.

[0076] Here, the predetermined items are, for example, items that are easily picked by mistake during picking work. For example, items that are easily picked by mistake are items of the same type but with different manufacturing lot numbers. In this case, the identifying unit 103 determines a combination of free areas including the positions of free areas so that items of the same type but with different manufacturing lot numbers are not adjacent to each other. Note that examples of the predetermined items are not limited to this.

[0077] Furthermore, for example, the condition set in the processing of the identification unit 103 may be an upper limit value for the number of identical items distributed and stored in a case where the same item is distributed and stored across multiple free spaces. In this case, the upper limit value may be set based on, for example, the number of workers who may be picking the same item at the same time. For example, the upper limit value in this case may be the actual number of workers who may be picking the same item at the same time, or the number of workers who may be picking the same item at the same time plus a predetermined number. This, for example, can prevent the number of distributed and stored free spaces from becoming too large. Furthermore, for example, the condition may be a lower limit value for the number of identical items stored in each of the distributed and stored free spaces when the same item is distributed and stored across multiple free spaces. For example, the lower limit value in this case may be set based on a lower limit value for the number of items to be picked in a picking operation for the same item. This, for example, may reduce the occurrence of picking the same item from multiple locations even when the items are distributed and stored. These conditions, for example, can reduce the occurrence of the same item being distributed and stored to an extent that the picking operation can be performed efficiently. For example, these conditions can prevent undesirable distribution of items, such as 100 items being distributed one by one across 100 locations, or 100 items being distributed into 98 and 2 locations. Note that undesirable distribution of items is not limited to these examples.

[0078] The conditions used by the identifying unit 103 to identify a combination of free areas are not limited to these examples and may be set according to warehouse operations. Furthermore, the conditions may be set for each item or for each category of items with the same characteristics. The identifying unit 103 may identify a combination of free areas using one or more conditions.

[0079] Furthermore, if it is possible to replenish the number of items determined to be newly stored when identifying the combination of free spaces, the identifying unit 103 may identify the number of items to be replenished in order to minimize the excess free space. A case in which it is possible to replenish the newly stored items is, for example, when there are additional items that are not currently in stock on the shelf, in addition to the newly stored items, that can be stored on the shelf. For example, a case in which it is possible to replenish the newly stored items may be when, for each item unpacked from a package, multiple identical items packed in a single package can be unpacked and each item can be stored on the shelf. When multiple identical items packed in a single package are unpacked and each item can be stored on the shelf, the number of items to be replenished may be the number of items packed in a single package. For example, if the identifying unit 103 identifies a free space capable of storing eight newly stored items as a free space capable of storing ten items, it may identify one or two items as the number of items to be replenished. When it is possible to replenish newly stored items, the identification unit 103 may identify the number of items to replenish in order to minimize the surplus free space based on the number of items that can be stored in the surplus free space and the number of items that can be replenished.

[0080] The output unit 104 is an example of an output means that outputs the combination of free spaces in which to store the identified items. For example, the output unit 104 outputs to a terminal device used by a worker so that the worker can understand the combination of free spaces in which to store the identified items. Furthermore, for example, the output unit 104 may output to a control means of a robot that is a worker so that the robot can perform the task of storing the items using the combination of free spaces in which to store the identified items. The control means of the robot may be a control unit provided in each robot, or may be a control device provided for controlling the robot. The form of output by the output unit 104 is not particularly limited as long as it allows the worker to store the newly stored item in the combination of free spaces specified.

[0081] Furthermore, the output unit 104 may output an alert when there is no combination of free areas that can store all of the newly stored items. A case in which there is no combination of free areas that can store all of the newly stored items occurs, for example, when the identification unit 103 cannot identify a combination of free areas that can store all of the newly stored items, or when it identifies that there is no combination of free areas that can store all of the newly stored items. These cases include, for example, when the current amount of free area is insufficient for the newly stored items, or when it is not possible to identify a combination of free areas that satisfies the set conditions.

[0082] In this case, the alert output by the output unit 104 may include information indicating the number of items that cannot be stored among the newly stored items. The alert may also include information indicating the number of free spaces for each category that are insufficient to store all of the newly stored items. Furthermore, the alert may include information indicating which condition in the free space combinations causes no free space combinations to be found. These alerts can suggest to warehouse workers or managers how to deal with the situation when no free space combinations are found. The information included in these alerts may be identified by the identification unit 103. For example, in response to this alert, the warehouse worker or manager may reset the conditions or set items that will not be stored, and then have the management device 100 execute the process of identifying free space combinations again. That is, the alert may include a button for resetting the conditions or setting items that will not be stored, or a button for re-executing the identification of free space combinations.

[0083] Furthermore, if it is possible to replenish the newly stored items, the output unit 104 may output an instruction to replenish the items so as to minimize the total surplus of the free space. In this case, the instruction includes information indicating the number of items to replenish and the free space into which the items are to be replenished. In addition, the instruction may include other information such as the current location of the items to be replenished.

[0084] An example of the operation of the management device 100 configured as above will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0085] The free space information acquisition unit 101 acquires the number of free spaces classified into predetermined sizes in a warehouse where goods are placed (step S101).

[0086] Next, the product information acquisition unit 102 acquires product information including the number of products to be newly stored in the free space and the size of the products (step S102).

[0087] Next, the identification unit 103 identifies a combination of free spaces to store items based on the specified size of the free space, the number of free spaces for each category obtained in step S101, and the item information obtained in step S102, so as to minimize the total surplus when items are stored in each free space (step S103).

[0088] Then, the output unit 104 outputs the combination of free areas for storing the items identified in step S103 (step S104).

[0089] This completes the series of operations of the management device 100. Note that the operations of steps S101 and S102 may be performed simultaneously or in a different order. Furthermore, the operations of steps S101 and S102 may be performed at a predetermined timing, or may be performed in response to an operation by a warehouse manager or worker. Furthermore, the operation of step S104 may be performed in response to the completion of the operation of step S103, or may be performed in response to an operation by a warehouse manager or worker.

[0090] The management device in the above-described embodiment includes a free space information acquisition unit, an item information acquisition unit, an identification unit, and an output unit. The free space information acquisition unit acquires the number of free spaces classified into predetermined sizes for each category in a warehouse where items are placed. The item information acquisition unit acquires item information including the number of items to be newly stored in the free spaces and the sizes of the items. The identification unit identifies a combination of free spaces to store items based on the predetermined size of the free spaces, the number of free spaces for each category, and the item information, so as to minimize the total surplus when items are stored in each free space. Then, the output unit outputs the identified combination of free spaces to store the items.

[0091] As a result, the management device in this embodiment can support efficient use of space in a warehouse.

[0092] [Hardware Configuration] Some or all of the components of each device or system in each embodiment of the present disclosure described above are realized by any combination of an information processing device 1000 and a program, for example, as shown in Fig. 5. The information processing device 1000 includes, as an example, the following configuration.

[0093] - CPU (Central Processing Unit) 1001 - ROM (Read Only Memory) 1002 - RAM (Random Access Memory) 1003 - Program 1004 loaded into RAM 1003 - Storage device 1005 for storing program 1004 - Drive device 1007 for reading and writing from and to recording medium 1006 - Communication I / F 1008 for connecting to communication network 1009 - Input / output I / F 1010 for inputting and outputting data - Bus 1011 for connecting each component. Note that I / F is an abbreviation for Interface.

[0094] Each component of each device or system in each embodiment is realized by the CPU 1001 acquiring and executing a program that realizes the function of that component. The program that realizes the function of each component of each device is stored in the storage device 1005 or RAM 1003 in advance, for example, and is read by the CPU 1001 as needed. The program 1004 may be supplied to the CPU 1001 via a communication network, or may be stored in the recording medium 1006 in advance, and the drive device 1007 may read the program and supply it to the CPU 1001.

[0095] There are various variations in the method of realizing each device. For example, each device or system may be realized by any combination of a separate information processing device 1000 and a program for each component. Furthermore, multiple components included in each device may be realized by any combination of a single information processing device 1000 and a program.

[0096] Furthermore, some or all of the components of each device or system may be realized by general-purpose or dedicated circuits (circuitry) including a processor or the like, or a combination of these. Examples of circuits include a CPU, a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), and an AI (Artificial Intelligence) processing LSI (Large Scale Integration). These may be configured by a single chip or by multiple chips connected via a bus. Some or all of the components of each device may be realized by a combination of the above-mentioned circuits and a program.

[0097] When some or all of the components of each device or system are realized by multiple information processing devices, circuits, etc., the multiple information processing devices, circuits, etc. may be centrally or decentralized. For example, the information processing devices, circuits, etc. may be realized as a client-server system, a cloud computing system, or the like, in which they are connected via a communication network.

[0098] Although the present disclosure has been described above with reference to the embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments. Various modifications that can be understood by those skilled in the art can be made to the configuration and details of the present disclosure within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0099] Furthermore, although the operations are described in a sequential order in the form of a flowchart, the order of description does not limit the order in which the operations are performed. Therefore, when implementing each embodiment, the order of the operations may be changed as long as it does not affect the content.

[0100] Some or all of the above-described embodiments can be described as, but are not limited to, the following supplementary notes.

[0101] [Supplementary Note 1] A management device comprising: a free space information acquisition means for acquiring the number of free spaces classified into predetermined sizes for each category in a warehouse where items are placed; a product information acquisition means for acquiring product information including the number of items to be newly stored in the free spaces and the sizes of the items; a specification means for specifying a combination of free spaces to store the items based on the predetermined sizes of the free spaces, the number of free spaces for each category, and the product information, so as to minimize the total surplus when the items are stored in each free space; and an output means for outputting the specified combination of free spaces to store the items.

[0102] [Supplementary Note 2] The management device according to Supplementary Note 1, wherein the surplus is a difference between the predetermined size and the size of the stored item when the item is stored in a free area of ​​the predetermined size.

[0103] [Supplementary Note 3] The management device according to Supplementary Note 1 or 2, wherein, when there are multiple combinations that minimize the total surplus, the specifying means specifies the combination that satisfies a predetermined condition regarding the number of free spaces that are not designated as being free to store the item.

[0104] [Supplementary Note 4] The management device according to Supplementary Note 3, wherein the predetermined condition regarding the number of free areas designated not to store the item is a condition for increasing the number of free areas designated not to store the item.

[0105] [Supplementary Note 5] The management device according to Supplementary Note 3 or 4, wherein the predetermined condition regarding the number of free areas in which the items are not to be stored is a condition that increases the number of the largest free areas among the predetermined sizes.

[0106] [Supplementary Note 6] The management device described in any one of Supplementary Notes 3 to 5, wherein the predetermined condition regarding the number of free areas designated not to store the items is a condition that reduces the difference between the number of free areas for each category designated not to store the items and the number of free areas for each category required in the warehouse.

[0107] [Supplementary Note 7] The management device according to Supplementary Note 6, wherein the number of free areas for each category required in the warehouse is the number of free areas for each category required to store the next items arriving in the warehouse.

[0108] [Appendix 8] The management device described in any one of Appendices 3 to 7, wherein the predetermined condition regarding the number of free areas designated not to store the items is a condition that reduces the difference between the ratio of the number of free areas for each category designated not to store the items and the ratio of the number of free areas for each category required in the warehouse.

[0109] [Supplementary Note 9] The management device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 8, wherein, when there are a plurality of combinations that minimize the total of the surpluses, the specifying unit specifies the combination that satisfies a predetermined condition regarding the location where the items are stored.

[0110] [Supplementary Note 10] The management device according to Supplementary Note 9, wherein the predetermined condition regarding the location where the items are stored is a condition based on the relationship between the location of an empty area for storing items with a high shipping frequency or large shipping volume among the items, and the location of a destination to which the items picked in the item picking operation are transported.

[0111] [Supplementary Note 11] The management device according to Supplementary Note 9 or 10, wherein the predetermined condition regarding the location where the item is to be stored is a condition that the same item is to be stored in an adjacent empty space.

[0112] [Supplementary Note 12] The management device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 9 to 11, wherein the predetermined condition regarding the location at which the item is stored is a condition that reduces the distance between the same items stored in a distributed manner in empty areas of a plurality of locations.

[0113] [Supplementary Note 13] The management device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 12, wherein the output unit outputs an alert when there is no combination of the free areas that can store all of the items.

[0114] [Supplementary Note 14] The management device according to Supplementary Note 13, wherein the alert includes information indicating the number of the items that cannot be stored.

[0115] [Supplementary Note 15] The management device according to Supplementary Note 13 or 14, wherein the alert includes information indicating the number of free areas for each category that are insufficient for storing the item.

[0116] [Supplementary Note 16] The management device described in any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 15, wherein the specifying means, when it is possible to replenish the newly stored items, specifies the number of items to replenish in order to minimize the total surplus of the free space, and the output means outputs an instruction to replenish the items.

[0117] [Supplementary Note 17] The management device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 16, wherein the specifying means specifies a combination of free areas in which the difference between the number of the items that can be stored in the free area of ​​the predetermined size and some or all of the number of the items is smaller.

[0118] [Supplementary Note 18] The management device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 17, wherein the specifying means specifies the combination of free areas by selecting the smallest free area among free areas large enough to store some or all of the items to be newly stored.

[0119] [Supplementary Note 19] A management method comprising: obtaining the number of free areas classified into predetermined sizes for each category in a warehouse where items are stored; obtaining item information including the number of items to be newly stored in the free areas and the sizes of the items; identifying a combination of free areas to store the items based on the predetermined sizes of the free areas, the number of free areas for each category, and the item information, so as to minimize the total surplus when the items are stored in each free area; and outputting the identified combination of free areas to store the items.

[0120] [Supplementary Note 20] A recording medium storing a program that causes a computer to execute the following processes: in a warehouse where items are placed, acquire the number of free areas classified into predetermined sizes for each category; acquire item information including the number of items to be newly stored in the free areas and the sizes of the items; identify a combination of free areas to store the items based on the predetermined sizes of the free areas, the number of free areas for each category, and the item information, so as to minimize the total surplus when the items are stored in each free area; and output the identified combination of free areas to store the items.

[0121] Furthermore, some or all of the configurations described in Supplementary Notes 2 to 18 that are subordinate to Supplementary Note 1 (management device) described above may also be subordinate to Supplementary Note 19 (management method) and Supplementary Note 20 (program) in the same subordinate relationship as Supplementary Note 2 to 19. Furthermore, not limited to Supplementary Note 1, Supplementary Note 19, and Supplementary Note 20, some or all of the configurations described as Supplements may be subordinate to various hardware, software, various recording means for recording software, or systems in the same manner, within the scope of each of the above-described embodiments.

[0122] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 100 Management device 101 Free space information acquisition unit 102 Item information acquisition unit 103 Identification unit 104 Output unit 1000 Information processing device 1001 CPU 1002 ROM 1003 RAM 1004 Program 1005 Storage device 1006 Recording medium 1007 Drive device 1008 Communication I / F 1009 Communication network 1010 Input / output I / F 1011 Bus

Claims

1. In a warehouse for placing articles, there is provided a management device comprising: an empty space information acquisition means for acquiring the number of empty spaces classified into a predetermined size for each classification; an article information acquisition means for acquiring article information including the number of articles newly stored in the empty space and the size of the articles; a specifying means for specifying a combination of empty spaces for storing the articles so as to minimize the total surplus when the articles are stored in each empty space based on the predetermined size of the empty space, the number of the empty spaces for each classification, and the article information; and an output means for outputting the specified combination of empty spaces for storing the articles.

2. The surplus according to claim 1 is the difference between the predetermined size of the empty space and the size of the stored articles when the articles are stored in the empty space of the predetermined size.

3. The specifying means according to claim 1 or 2 specifies the combination that satisfies a predetermined condition regarding the number of empty spaces where the articles are not to be stored when there are a plurality of combinations that minimize the total surplus.

4. The predetermined condition regarding the number of empty spaces where the articles are not to be stored according to claim 3 is a condition for increasing the number of empty spaces where the articles are not to be stored.

5. The predetermined condition regarding the number of empty spaces where the articles are not to be stored according to claim 3 or 4 is a condition for increasing the number of the largest empty spaces among the predetermined sizes.

6. The predetermined condition regarding the number of empty spaces where the articles are not to be stored according to any one of claims 3 to 5 is a condition for reducing the difference between the number of empty spaces for each classification where the articles are not to be stored and the number of empty spaces for each classification required in the warehouse.

7. The number of empty spaces for each classification required in the warehouse according to claim 6 is the number of empty spaces for each classification required for storing articles to be received next time in the warehouse.

8. The predetermined condition regarding the number of empty spaces where the articles are not to be stored according to any one of claims 3 to 7 is a condition for reducing the difference between the ratio of the number of empty spaces for each classification where the articles are not to be stored and the ratio of the number of empty spaces for each classification required in the warehouse.

9. The management device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the identification means, when there are a plurality of combinations that minimize the sum of the surpluses, identifies the combination that satisfies a predetermined condition regarding the location for storing the items.

10. The management device of claim 9, wherein the specified condition regarding the location for storing the items is a condition based on a relationship between the location of an empty space for storing items among the items that are shipped frequently or in large quantities, and the location of a destination to which the items picked in a picking operation are transported.

11. The management device according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the predetermined condition regarding the location where the item is to be stored is a condition that the same item is to be stored in an adjacent free space.

12. A management device according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the predetermined condition regarding the location at which the items are stored is a condition for reducing the distance between the same items stored in a distributed manner in free space at a plurality of locations.

13. The management device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the output means outputs an alert when there is no combination of free areas that can store all of the items.

14. The management device according to claim 13, wherein the alert includes information indicating the number of items that cannot be stored.

15. The management device according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the alert includes information indicating the amount of free space for each category that is insufficient for storing the item.

16. A management device as described in any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the identification means, when it is possible to replenish the newly stored items, identifies the number of items to be replenished in order to minimize the total surplus of the free space, and the output means outputs an instruction to replenish the items.

17. A management device according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the identification means identifies a combination of free areas in which the difference between the number of items that can be stored in the free area of ​​the specified size and some or all of the number of the items is smaller.

18. A management device as described in any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the identification means identifies the combination of free areas by selecting the smallest free area among free areas large enough to store some or all of the items to be newly stored.

19. In a warehouse for placing articles, obtain the number of free spaces classified by a predetermined size for each classification, obtain article information including the number of articles newly stored in the free spaces and the size of the articles, and based on the predetermined size of the free spaces, the number of the free spaces for each classification, and the article information, identify a combination of free spaces for storing the articles so as to minimize the total surplus when the articles are stored in each free space, and output the identified combination of free spaces for storing the articles. A management method.

20. In a warehouse for placing articles, obtain the number of free spaces classified by a predetermined size for each classification, obtain article information including the number of articles newly stored in the free spaces and the size of the articles, and based on the predetermined size of the free spaces, the number of the free spaces for each classification, and the article information, identify a combination of free spaces for storing the articles so as to minimize the total surplus when the articles are stored in each free space, and output the identified combination of free spaces for storing the articles. A recording medium storing a program for causing a computer to execute the process.

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