Feedback method, feedback device, and program

Abstract

Provided is a method in which: communication is established with a management system that manages work site data for work in a warehouse; an index setting and a setting for an approval condition to determine whether to permit an update of the work site data by automatic or user operation are received; the work site data from the warehouse management system is acquired; the acquired work site data is used to execute a first simulation of work, and the work site data is temporarily updated; a second simulation is executed so as to satisfy the index; and a method for updating the work site data is changed on the basis of the approval condition, the first simulation result, and the second simulation result.

Description

Feedback method, feedback device and program

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a feedback method, a feedback device, and a program.

[0002] Patent Literature 1 discloses a method for enabling the rearrangement of items in a warehouse according to a goal. The method receives information about a warehouse and items in the warehouse, identifies new items expected to be received at the warehouse and forecasted shipments of items in the warehouse, determines an optimal layout of items in the current warehouse based on the forecasted item shipments, and determines the time required to rearrange the items to the optimal layout. The method then determines to rearrange the items in the warehouse based on the time required to rearrange the items being below a threshold time.

[0003] Japan Special Table No. 2019-526513

[0004] Changes to the layout of a warehouse or changes to the inventory placement of items stored in the warehouse may be made based on the experience of a person skilled in the work. For example, a situation may arise in which the inventory placement of items is changed based on the experience of a person skilled in the work in order to achieve an index corresponding to a management goal set for the warehouse. The method disclosed in Patent Document 1 leaves no room for the judgment of a user, such as a warehouse manager, when rearranging items in the warehouse. Therefore, there is room for improvement in making the above changes to achieve the index by utilizing the experience of a skilled user.

[0005] The present disclosure has been devised in view of the above-described conventional situation, and aims to achieve indicators set for warehouses.

[0006] The present disclosure provides a feedback method that communicates with a warehouse management system that manages at least work site data for warehouse work, accepts settings of warehouse indicators and settings of approval conditions that determine whether to allow or disallow automatic or user-operated updates to the work site data, acquires the work site data from the warehouse management system, runs a simulation to calculate a first simulation result of the work using the work site data acquired from the warehouse management system, provisionally updates the work site data, and runs a simulation to calculate a second simulation result to satisfy the indicators, and changes a method for updating the work site data based on the approval conditions, the first simulation result of the work, and the second simulation result of the work.

[0007] The present disclosure also provides a feedback device including a processor and a memory, wherein the processor and the memory work together to communicate with a warehouse management system that manages at least work site data for warehouse work, accept settings of warehouse indicators and settings of approval conditions that determine whether to allow or disallow automatic or user-operated updates to the work site data, acquire the work site data from the warehouse management system, run a simulation to calculate a first simulation result of the work using the work site data acquired from the warehouse management system, tentatively update the work site data, and run a simulation to calculate a second simulation result to satisfy the indicators, and change a method for updating the work site data based on the approval conditions, the first simulation result of the work, and the second simulation result of the work.

[0008] The present disclosure also provides a program for causing a computing device to communicate with a warehouse management system that manages at least work site data for warehouse work, to accept settings for warehouse indicators and settings for approval conditions that determine whether or not to allow the work site data to be updated automatically or by user operation, to acquire the work site data from the warehouse management system, to execute a simulation that calculates a first simulation result of the work using the work site data acquired from the warehouse management system, and to provisionally update the work site data and execute a simulation that calculates a second simulation result so as to satisfy the indicators, and to change a method for updating the work site data based on the approval conditions, the first simulation result of the work, and the second simulation result of the work.

[0009] Any combination of the above components, and conversion of the expression of the present disclosure into a method, device, system, storage medium, computer program, etc., are also valid aspects of the present disclosure.

[0010] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to achieve the indicators set for the warehouse.

[0011] Schematic diagram showing an example of updating of work site data according to the first embodiment. Sequence diagram showing processing of the feedback system according to the first embodiment. Flowchart showing processing of the feedback device according to the first embodiment. Table diagram showing an example of feedback by the feedback device according to the first embodiment. Schematic diagram showing an example of updating of work site data according to the first embodiment. Sequence diagram showing processing of the feedback system according to a modification of the first embodiment. Schematic diagram showing an example of comparison of simulation results according to a modification of the first embodiment. Table diagram for explaining an example of comparison of simulation results according to a modification of the first embodiment. Table diagram showing an example of feedback by the feedback device according to the modification of the first embodiment. Schematic diagram showing an example of updating of work site data according to a modification of the first embodiment.

[0012] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings as appropriate, detailed descriptions will be given of embodiments specifically disclosing the feedback method, feedback device, and program according to the present disclosure. However, unnecessary detailed descriptions may be omitted. For example, detailed descriptions of well-known matters and redundant descriptions of substantially identical configurations may be omitted. This is to avoid unnecessary redundancy in the following description and to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art. Note that the accompanying drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter recited in the claims.

[0013] (Embodiment 1) [Feedback System] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of a feedback system 1 according to embodiment 1. The feedback system 1 includes a feedback device 10, a user terminal 20, and a warehouse management system 30. In the feedback system 1, the feedback device 10 executes a simulation of a warehouse task using worksite data for the task managed by the warehouse management system 30. The feedback device 10 also provisionally updates the worksite data and executes a simulation of the task using the provisionally updated worksite data. The feedback device then updates the worksite data managed by the warehouse management system 30 with the provisionally updated worksite data, either automatically or through user operation via the user terminal, based on preset approval conditions and the results of both simulations. In this way, the feedback system 1 assists in meeting indicators corresponding to warehouse management goals. This will be described in detail below.

[0014] The feedback device 10 is configured using a general-purpose computer device, such as a personal computer or a server computer. The same applies to the user terminal 20 and the warehouse management system 30. The user terminal 20 may also be a terminal that the user can carry around, such as a tablet or smartphone. The feedback device 10 may also be referred to as a computing device.

[0015] The feedback device 10 is connected to a user terminal 20 and a warehouse management system 30 so as to be able to communicate data with each other. The feedback system 1 is used by a user such as a warehouse manager, for example.

[0016] The feedback device 10 accepts optimization instructions, indicator settings, and approval condition settings from a user terminal 20, each of which is operated by a user. In this specification, optimization may be referred to as a provisional update. Indicators may also be called key performance indicators (hereinafter referred to as "KPIs"). Examples of indicators include warehouse work hours and warehouse throughput. Warehouse throughput is one of the indicators used to evaluate the efficiency of a warehouse, and is defined as, for example, the amount of goods shipped from the warehouse in a certain period of time. In this specification, goods include products, materials, parts, or a combination thereof.

[0017] The interim update refers to adjusting the work site data for warehouse work managed by the warehouse management system 30. The work site data includes, for example, the inventory allocation of items stored in the warehouse, an operation list indicating the procedures for warehouse work, equipment data indicating the equipment in the warehouse, and personnel data indicating the workers who perform the warehouse work. Warehouse work includes, for example, picking items stored in the warehouse. The operation list also includes a pick list indicating which items the workers should pick and in what order.

[0018] The feedback device 10 performs the provisional update on the work site data acquired from the warehouse management system 30. When permission is obtained automatically or by user operation, the feedback device 10 rewrites the work site data that was the source of the provisionally updated work site data and that is managed by the warehouse management system 30, with the provisionally updated work site data. In this specification, rewriting the work site data managed by the warehouse management system 30 with the provisionally updated work site data may be referred to as updating the work site data.

[0019] The approval condition is a condition that determines whether the work site data is updated automatically or whether the update must be permitted or denied by a user operation. Examples of the approval condition will be described later.

[0020] When the feedback device 10 receives an optimization instruction, an index setting, and an approval condition setting from the user terminal 20 through user operation, the feedback device 10 acquires work site data from the warehouse management system 30 .

[0021] The feedback device 10 executes a simulation of warehouse work using a warehouse model for simulating warehouse work and work site data acquired from the warehouse management system 30. The warehouse model may be prepared in advance. For example, the feedback device 10 acquires item inventory placement, a pick list, and personnel data from the warehouse management system 30 and executes a simulation of picking by a worker. The content of the executed simulation, i.e., the warehouse work, may be determined, for example, according to set indicators or may be set in advance by a user, etc. The simulation executed by the feedback device 10 using provisionally updated work site data may be referred to as a first simulation.

[0022] The feedback device 10 performs a provisional update of the work site data acquired from the warehouse management system 30. The feedback device 10 performs the provisional update so as to satisfy an index corresponding to the warehouse management goal. For example, if a reduction in the number of steps required for picking is set as the index, the feedback device 10 adjusts the pick list, the inventory placement of items, etc. so as to reduce the number of steps required for picking. For example, the feedback device 10 may set the travel distance of the worker as an objective function and adjust the pick list, the inventory placement of items, etc. so as to minimize the objective function. For example, the feedback device 10 may adjust the work site data, i.e., perform a provisional update, by repeatedly performing simulations using a warehouse model.

[0023] The feedback device 10 uses the warehouse model and the provisionally updated work site data to perform a simulation of warehouse work. For example, the feedback device 10 uses the provisionally updated inventory location of items, pick lists, and personnel data to perform a simulation of picking by workers. The simulation performed by the feedback device 10 using the provisionally updated work site data may be referred to as a second simulation.

[0024] The feedback device 10 compares the results of the first simulation with the results of the second simulation to obtain a comparison result. An example of the comparison result is a comparison between the distance traveled by the worker when performing the picking work in the first simulation and the distance traveled by the worker when performing the picking work in the second simulation. For example, if a reduction in the man-hours required for picking is set as an indicator, work site data such as a pick list and item inventory location are provisionally updated to satisfy the indicator. Therefore, it is possible that the travel distance obtained as the result of the second simulation is shorter than the travel distance obtained as the result of the first simulation. In other words, in this case, the feedback device 10 obtains a comparison result indicating that the travel distance obtained as the result of the second simulation is shorter than the travel distance obtained as the result of the first simulation. The feedback device 10 further calculates the extent to which the travel distance in the second simulation has been reduced compared to the travel distance in the first simulation, and obtains a calculation result. For example, the feedback device 10 obtains a result indicating that the travel distance in the second simulation is reduced by 40% compared to the travel distance in the first simulation. Alternatively, the feedback device 10 obtains a result that the travel distance in the second simulation is, for example, 1 km shorter than the travel distance in the first simulation.

[0025] For example, if the picklist is provisionally updated to satisfy an index, the results of the second simulation will satisfy that index. In other words, the content of the provisional update of the worksite data, such as the picklist, is an improvement measure for warehouse management based on an index corresponding to the warehouse's management goal. If work is performed in the real warehouse based on the worksite data managed by the warehouse management system 30, the results of the first simulation are likely to be obtained in the real warehouse. However, if an improvement measure is adopted, that is, if work is performed in the real warehouse based on the provisionally updated worksite data, the results of the second simulation are likely to be obtained in the real warehouse. The improvement measure is a measure for obtaining a comparison result between the results of the first simulation and the results of the second simulation. As a specific example, an improvement measure for reducing the travel distance of workers during picking work by 50% may include changing the inventory location of items.

[0026] The feedback device 10 changes the method of updating the work site data based on the approval conditions, the first simulation results, and the second simulation results. The method of updating the work site data is transmitted to the user terminal. As a result, the feedback device 10 notifies the user of the method of updating the work site data. The method of updating the work site data means either that the feedback device 10 automatically updates the work site data, in other words, without obtaining approval from a user operation, or that approval from a user operation is required to update the work site data. Changing the method of updating the work site data means changing whether the feedback device 10 automatically updates the work site data or updates it with approval from a user operation. In this specification, notification may be referred to as feedback.

[0027] Whether or not user approval is required for updating the worksite data is determined based on the approval conditions, the first simulation results, and the second simulation results. More precisely, the determination is based on the approval conditions and the improvement measures. The approval conditions may be set, for example, as follows: "If the improvement measures satisfy the indicators using the warehouse's specified resources, user approval is not required." The warehouse's specified resources include, for example, warehouse equipment and personnel, i.e., workers. Alternatively, the approval conditions may be set, for example, as follows: "If the improvement measures satisfy the indicators by expanding the warehouse's specified resources, user approval is required." Alternatively, the approval conditions may be set, for example, as follows: "If the improvement measures satisfy the indicators using the warehouse's specified resources and the time required for warehouse work exceeds a predetermined time compared to when the improvement measures are not adopted." In this embodiment, the above three approval conditions are set by user operation. Specific examples of when these approval conditions are set will be described later with reference to FIG. 5. Note that these examples of setting approval conditions are merely examples and are not limited to these. The approval conditions may be arbitrarily set by a user, etc.

[0028] When user approval is required for updating the worksite data based on the approval conditions, the first simulation result, and the second simulation result, the feedback device 10 notifies the user terminal 20 of the comparison result between the first simulation result and the second simulation result and an improvement measure based on the indicators. At this time, the feedback device 10 also notifies the user terminal 20 of the method for updating the worksite data, i.e., that user approval is required for updating the worksite data. Simply put, the feedback device 10 causes the user terminal 20 to display an approval screen for updating the worksite data. This allows the user to confirm the benefits to be obtained by updating the worksite data. When user approval is obtained via the user terminal 20, the feedback device 10 updates the worksite data.

[0029] The feedback device 10 updates the work site data if user approval is not required for updating the work site data based on the approval conditions, the first simulation results, and the second simulation results. At this time, the feedback device 10 notifies the user terminal 20 of the method for updating the work site data, i.e., that the feedback device 10 will automatically update the work site data (or that the feedback device 10 has updated the work site data). The feedback device 10 also notifies the user terminal 20 of the comparison results between the first simulation results and the second simulation results and improvement measures. Simply put, the feedback device 10 displays the updated work site data on the user terminal 20. This allows the user to confirm the benefits gained by updating the work site data.

[0030] The processing of the feedback device 10 is performed by cooperation between the processor 11 and the memory 12 (see FIG. 2). An example of the hardware configuration of the feedback device 10 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0031] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the feedback device 10 according to embodiment 1. The feedback device 10 includes a processor 11, a memory 12, an input device 13, an output device 14, a communication device 15, and an external interface device 16. The components included in the feedback device 10 are connected via an internal bus 17 so as to be able to communicate data with each other.

[0032] The processor 11 is configured using, for example, a Central Processing Unit (hereinafter referred to as "CPU"), a Graphics Processing Unit (hereinafter referred to as "GPU"), a Micro Processing Unit (hereinafter referred to as "MPU"), a Digital Signal Processor (hereinafter referred to as "DSP"), or a Field Programmable Gate Array (hereinafter referred to as "FPGA"), etc. The processor 11 realizes the functions of the feedback device 10 by reading and executing various data and programs stored and held in the memory 12.

[0033] The memory 12 is a storage area for storing and holding various data, programs, etc. The memory 12 is composed of, for example, a read only memory (hereinafter referred to as "ROM"), which is a non-volatile storage area, a hard disk drive (hereinafter referred to as "HDD"), and a random access memory (hereinafter referred to as "RAM"), which is a volatile storage area. The RAM is, for example, a work memory used during operation of the feedback device 10. The ROM stores and holds, for example, programs for controlling the feedback device 10 in advance.

[0034] The input device 13 includes a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, or other input devices, and receives input of various data and the like through user operations.

[0035] The display device 14 is a device that displays information, images, etc. Examples of the display device 14 include a liquid crystal display, an organic electroluminescence (hereinafter referred to as "EL") display, etc.

[0036] The input device 13 and the display device 14 may be configured as an integrated device. An example of the input device 13 and the display device 14 configured as an integrated device is a touch panel display.

[0037] The communication device 15 communicates with external devices such as the warehouse management system 30 and the user terminal 20 via a network (not shown), transmitting and receiving various data and signals. The communication device 15 may support both wired and wireless communication. The communication method used by the communication device 15 may be, for example, a wide area network (hereinafter referred to as "WAN"), a local area network (hereinafter referred to as "LAN"), long term evolution (hereinafter referred to as "LTE"), mobile communication such as 5G, power line communication, short-range wireless communication such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark) and Bluetooth (registered trademark), or a combination thereof.

[0038] The external interface device 16 is an interface for transmitting and receiving data to and from an external device.

[0039] The user terminal 20 and the warehouse management system 30 may also be realized with the same hardware configuration as the feedback device 10.

[0040] The warehouse management system 30 manages at least worksite data for warehouse operations. The warehouse management system 30 may manage worksite data for not only one warehouse but also multiple warehouses. The warehouse management system 30 may be configured to include a warehouse management system, which may also be called a Warehouse Management System (hereinafter referred to as a "WMS"), or a warehouse operations management system, which may also be called a Warehouse Execution System (hereinafter referred to as a "WES"), or may be configured to include the functions of these systems. Therefore, even if there is data that is managed only by either a WMS or a WES, the warehouse management system 30 may be able to manage that data.

[0041] The user terminal 20 accepts optimization instructions, index settings, and approval condition settings through user operations. The user terminal 20 also displays a screen for notifying the user of information, such as an approval screen for updating work site data. The user terminal 20 also accepts permission or denial of work site data update through user operations.

[0042] [Processing Sequence] Data exchange between the devices constituting the feedback system 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a sequence diagram showing the processing of the feedback system 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0043] The user terminal 20 accepts optimization instructions input by user operation, setting of indicators corresponding to warehouse management targets, and setting of approval conditions that determine whether automatic or user-initiated updates of work site data are permitted (step S40).

[0044] The user terminal 20 inputs the optimization instruction, the index setting, and the approval condition setting received in step S40 into the feedback device 10 (step S41).

[0045] In step S41, the user terminal 20 inputs an optimization instruction, an index setting, and an approval condition setting to the feedback device 10, and then notifies the user that optimization has started and that setting of the index and the approval condition has been completed (step S42). For example, the user terminal 20 may display a message indicating that optimization has started and that setting of the index and the approval condition has been completed.

[0046] When the feedback device 10 receives the optimization instructions, the index settings, and the approval condition settings input from the user terminal 20 in step S41, it requests the work site data from the warehouse management system 30 (step S43).

[0047] When the warehouse management system 30 receives the request for work site data from the feedback device 10 in step S43, it transmits the work site data to the feedback device 10 (step S44).

[0048] Although not shown in FIG. 3 , the feedback device 10 executes a simulation using a warehouse model using the current work site data transmitted and acquired from the warehouse management system 30. The feedback device 10 also temporarily updates the work site data and executes a simulation. The feedback device 10 then obtains the results of a first simulation using the current (non-temporarily updated) work site data and the results of a second simulation using the temporarily updated work site data. The feedback device 10 then determines whether user approval is required to update the work site data based on the approval conditions set and accepted in step S41. For ease of explanation, it is assumed that user approval is required to update the work site data.

[0049] The feedback device 10 transmits a request for approval of the update of the work site data to the user terminal 20 (step S45).

[0050] The user terminal 20 notifies the user of the request for approval to update the work site data transmitted from the feedback device 10 in step S45 (step S46). Specifically, the user terminal 20 displays, for example, an approval screen for updating the work site data on a display device (not shown) provided in the user terminal 20. At this time, the user terminal 20 may also notify the user of the comparison result between the first simulation result and the second simulation result and the improvement measures so that the user can confirm the profit to be obtained by updating the work site data or a proposal for expanding the specified resources of the warehouse.

[0051] The user terminal 20 accepts an input of approval or denial of the update of the work site data by a user operation (step S47).

[0052] The user terminal 20 inputs the approval or denial of the update of the work site data, which was received in step S47 and input by the user operation, to the feedback device 10 (step S48). For convenience of explanation, it is assumed that approval was input to the user terminal 20 by the user operation in step S47. In other words, it is assumed that approval was input to the feedback device 10 in step S48.

[0053] When the feedback device 10 receives the input of approval for updating the work site data in step S48, it updates the work site data managed by the warehouse management system 30 (step S49).

[0054] After updating the work site data in step S49, the feedback device 10 notifies the user terminal 20 that the updating of the work site data has been completed (step S50).

[0055] When the user terminal 20 receives the notification that the updating of the work site data has been completed from the feedback device 10 in step S50, the user terminal 20 notifies the user that the updating of the work site data has been completed (step S51). Specifically, for example, the user terminal 20 displays a message indicating that the updating of the work site data has been completed on a display device (not shown) provided in the user terminal 20.

[0056] [Processing Flow] Next, the processing of the feedback device 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing the processing of the feedback device 10 according to the first embodiment. Each process in the flowchart shown in Fig. 4 is performed by cooperation between the processor 11 and memory 12 of the feedback device 10. Note that, for simplicity of explanation, the processing of step S50 shown in Fig. 3 is omitted.

[0057] The processor 11 receives an optimization instruction from a user via the user terminal 20 (step S60).

[0058] The processor 11 accepts the setting of an index by a user operation via the user terminal 20 (step S61).

[0059] The processor 11 accepts the setting of approval conditions by a user operation via the user terminal 20 (step S62).

[0060] The processes of steps S60, S61 and S62 may be performed simultaneously or in reverse order.

[0061] Although not shown in FIG. 4, the processor 11 acquires work site data from the warehouse management system 30.

[0062] The processor 11 determines whether the actual warehouse has achieved the indicators set and accepted in step S61, in other words, whether the indicators are satisfied (step S63), based on the work site data acquired from the warehouse management system 30. The processor 11 may, for example, execute a first simulation using the warehouse model and the work site data acquired from the warehouse management system 30, and make the determination based on the results of the first simulation.

[0063] If the processor 11 determines that the actual warehouse satisfies the index (step S63; YES), the processor 11 ends this processing flow. This is because the index is already satisfied, and therefore there is no need to optimize the work site data.

[0064] If the processor 11 determines that the actual warehouse does not satisfy the index (step S63; NO), it optimizes, i.e., provisionally updates, the work site data acquired from the warehouse management system 30 (step S64). For example, the processor 11 provisionally updates the work site data by repeating the provisional update of the work site data and a simulation using the warehouse model, so that the work site data satisfies the index set and accepted in step S61.

[0065] The processor 11 compares the results of the second simulation performed using the worksite data temporarily updated to satisfy the optimization index with the results of the first simulation performed using the current (non-temporarily updated) worksite data, visualizes the comparison results, and derives improvement measures (step S65). Visualizing the comparison results means representing the difference between the results of the first simulation and the results of the second simulation, for example, the difference in the distance traveled when workers perform warehouse work, using, for example, a graph or text. The visualized comparison results are notified to the user via the user terminal 20, allowing the user to confirm the benefits gained by updating the worksite data.

[0066] The processor 11 determines whether or not approval is required for the update of the work site data by the user operation, based on the approval conditions accepted in step S62 and the improvement measures derived in step S65 (step S66).

[0067] If the processor 11 determines that the update of the work site data does not require user approval (step S66; NO), it updates the work site data managed by the warehouse management system 30 with the provisionally updated work site data (step S69). In this case, the user is not asked for approval to update the work site data, but the user may be notified of the comparison results between the visualized first simulation results and the second simulation results and the improvement measures. Then, the processor 11 ends this processing flow.

[0068] When the processor 11 determines that the update of the work site data requires approval by a user operation (step S66; NO), the processor 11 causes the user terminal 20 to display an approval screen for the update of the work site data (step S67). At this time, the processor 11 may notify the user of the comparison result between the visualized first simulation result and the visualized second simulation result and the improvement measures.

[0069] If approval is input by user operation via the user terminal 20 (step S68; YES), the processor 11 updates the work site data managed in the warehouse management system 30 with the provisionally updated work site data (step S69). Then, the processor 11 ends this processing flow.

[0070] If a denial is input by the user via the user terminal 20 (step S68; NO), the processor 11 ends this processing flow. In this case, the work site data is not updated.

[0071] [Specific example of feedback] The feedback device 10 notifies, or in other words provides feedback to, the user via the user terminal 20 of improvement measures for satisfying the index. An example of feedback based on approval conditions will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a table diagram showing an example of feedback by the feedback device 10 according to the first embodiment. Note that examples 1, 2, and 3 shown in Fig. 5 are examples for explanation.

[0072] First, we will explain Example 1. Based on the comparison between the results of the first simulation and the results of the second simulation, the feedback device 10 calculates that if the content of the provisional update of the work site data, i.e., the improvement measure, is adopted, the travel distance required for worker work will be reduced by 20%. The improvement measure involves changing the inventory allocation and pick list of items managed in the actual warehouse. In other words, the inventory allocation and pick list managed by the warehouse management system 30 are updated with the provisionally updated inventory allocation and pick list. The improvement measure satisfies the indicators set by user operation with the specified resources of the warehouse. In other words, the change in the inventory allocation of items and the change in the pick list can be accommodated within the current warehouse resources. In this case, the feedback device 10 automatically updates the work site data. In other words, the feedback device 10 updates the work site data without user approval. Therefore, the feedback device 10 does not provide feedback requesting approval from the user. However, the feedback device 10 may provide the user with feedback on the comparison results between the first and second simulation results, which visualize a 20% reduction in travel distance, improvement measures for achieving a 20% reduction in travel distance, and, because the improvement measures can be implemented within the resources, automatically updating the work site data.

[0073] Next, we will explain Example 2. Based on the comparison between the results of the first simulation and the results of the second simulation, the feedback device 10 calculates that if the content of the provisional update of the worksite data, i.e., the improvement measure, is adopted, the travel distance required for worker work will be reduced by 40%. The improvement measure involves changing the equipment installed in the actual warehouse and the inventory allocation and pick list of the items managed in the warehouse. In other words, the improvement measure involves updating the equipment data, inventory allocation, and pick list managed by the warehouse management system 30 with the provisionally updated equipment data, inventory allocation, and pick list. The improvement measure also satisfies the indicators set by user operation when the specified warehouse resources are expanded. In other words, the current warehouse resources cannot accommodate the changes to the equipment, inventory allocation, and pick list. In this case, the feedback device 10 determines that user approval is required to update the worksite data. In this case, the feedback device 10 provides the user with feedback indicating the comparison result between the first simulation result and the second simulation result, which visualizes a 40% reduction in travel distance, improvement measures for achieving a 40% reduction in travel distance, and the fact that the improvement measures cannot be implemented with current resources and therefore user approval is required to update the work site data.

[0074] Next, we will explain Example 3. Based on the comparison between the results of the first simulation and the second simulation, the feedback device 10 calculates that if the provisional update of the worksite data, i.e., the improvement measure, is adopted, labor costs will be reduced by 10%. The improvement measure involves changing the inventory allocation, pick list, and number of workers of items managed in the actual warehouse. In other words, the improvement measure involves updating the inventory allocation, pick list, and personnel data managed in the warehouse management system 30 with the provisionally updated inventory allocation, pick list, and personnel data. The improvement measure also satisfies the indicators set by user operation with the specified warehouse resources. However, compared to the time required for warehouse operations without adopting the improvement measure, the time required for the warehouse operations with the improvement measure adopted is one hour longer. In other words, the changes to the inventory allocation, pick list, and number of workers can be accommodated within the current warehouse resources, but these changes increase the time required for the operations. In this case, the feedback device 10 determines that user approval is required to update the worksite data. In this case, the feedback device 10 provides feedback to the user: a comparison result between the first simulation result and the second simulation result, in which a 10% reduction in labor costs is visualized; an improvement measure for achieving the 10% reduction in labor costs; and the fact that adoption of the improvement measure can be handled with the current resources but will increase the time required for warehouse work by one hour, and therefore approval by user operation is required to update the work site data. Note that, although an example has been shown in which adoption of the improvement measure can be handled with the current warehouse resources but adoption of the improvement measure will increase the time required for work by one hour, the feedback device 10 determines that approval by user operation is required, but this is not limited to one hour, and a predetermined time may be set by the user, etc.

[0075] [Example of Updating Worksite Data] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of updating worksite data according to the first embodiment. The worksite data is managed by the warehouse management system 30. The following description focuses on the picklist and personnel data among the worksite data. The picklist before the update indicates that the worker will pick item X, item Y, and item Z in that order. The personnel data before the update indicates that the warehouse workers are worker A and worker B. In the example of FIG. 6, the worksite data is updated, and the picklist and personnel data are rewritten as follows: That is, the updated picklist indicates that the worker will pick item X, item Z, and item Y in that order. The updated personnel data indicates that the warehouse workers are worker A, worker B, and worker C.

[0076] In the first embodiment described above, the user receives various types of feedback from the feedback device 10 via the user terminal 20. In the first embodiment, for example, the user checks improvement measures for achieving the indexes, whether approval is required for updating the work site data, etc., using a display device (not shown) or the like provided in the user terminal 20. However, this is not limited to this, and the user may receive various types of feedback using the display device 14 of the feedback device 10. Furthermore, the user may use the input device 13 of the feedback device 10 to input approval for updating the work site data, as well as to input instructions for optimization, setting of indexes, and setting of approval conditions.

[0077] The feedback device 10 may also repeatedly perform the following steps: provisionally updating the worksite data to satisfy the indicator; notifying the user of the approval conditions; a first simulation result of the warehouse work using the current (non-provisionally updated) worksite data; and a method for updating the worksite data based on the second simulation result of the work using the provisionally updated worksite data. This is because there may be more than one improvement measure that satisfies the indicator. For example, to satisfy the indicator of reducing the man-hours of a certain task by 20%, possible improvements include changing the inventory location of items, changing the picklist, a combination of these improvements, an improvement that can be achieved with current resources, or an improvement that can be achieved by expanding current resources. For example, even if the user adopts a certain improvement measure, i.e., approves the update of the worksite data, the feedback device 10 may continue to repeatedly perform the provisional update of the worksite data, the simulation using the warehouse model, and feedback to the user.

[0078] Furthermore, the improvement measures fed back to the user may include, for example, recommendations from an equipment company, a staffing agency, etc. In this case, the feedback device 10 may calculate, for example, the cost-effectiveness of utilizing an equipment company or a staffing agency, and feed back the calculation result to the user.

[0079] (Variation of First Embodiment) In the following variation of the first embodiment, a case where an index related to a shipping plan is set will be described. In the description of the variation of the first embodiment, the description of the same content as in the first embodiment will be simplified or omitted, and the description will focus on the differences. Note that the variation of the first embodiment is realized by the feedback system 1 shown in FIG. 1.

[0080] [Processing Sequence] First, data exchange between the devices constituting the feedback system 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a sequence diagram showing processing of the feedback system 1 according to the modified example of the first embodiment.

[0081] The user terminal 20 accepts optimization instructions input by user operation, setting of indicators corresponding to warehouse management goals, and setting of approval conditions that determine whether to allow automatic or user-initiated updates to work site data (step S40A). In a variation of the first embodiment, an allowable range for work progress for the shipment plan is set as an indicator. As will be described in detail later, in this variation of the first embodiment, the work progress for the shipment plan is expressed as one of "overachievement," "on track," "caution," "slight delay," "delay," and "urgent" based on the results of the simulation. In step S40A, the allowable range for these work progresses is set by user operation.

[0082] The user terminal 20 inputs the optimization instruction, the index setting, and the approval condition setting received in step S40A into the feedback device 10 (step S41A).

[0083] After inputting the optimization instruction, the setting of the indexes, and the setting of the approval conditions to the feedback device 10 in step S41A, the user terminal 20 notifies the user that optimization has started and that the setting of the indexes and the approval conditions has been completed (step S42A). For example, the user terminal 20 may display a message indicating that optimization has started and that the setting of the indexes and the approval conditions has been completed.

[0084] When the feedback device 10 receives the optimization instructions, the index settings, and the approval condition settings input from the user terminal 20 in step S41A, it requests work site data from the warehouse management system 30 (step S43A). The work site data requested in step S43A includes at least the planned shipping time by shipper destination, remaining task information, personnel data, and task priority. However, the work site data requested in step S43A and transmitted in step S44A (described later) is not limited to these, and for example, data necessary for running a simulation may also be requested.

[0085] The planned shipping time by shipper and destination indicates the planned shipping time by shipper and destination. Specific examples of destinations will be described later. The remaining task information indicates the remaining tasks, i.e., the incomplete tasks, among the tasks that make up the work for the shipping plan. The task priority indicates the priority of the task. For example, if there are multiple tasks, the task with the highest priority may be set to be processed first.

[0086] When the warehouse management system 30 receives a request for work site data from the feedback device 10 in step S43A, the warehouse management system 30 transmits the work site data to the feedback device 10 (step S44A).

[0087] Although not shown in FIG. 7 , the feedback device 10 uses the current work site data transmitted and acquired from the warehouse management system 30 to perform a simulation using a warehouse model. The feedback device 10 also temporarily updates the work site data and performs a simulation. The feedback device 10 then obtains the results of a first simulation using the current (i.e., not temporarily updated) work site data and the results of a second simulation using the temporarily updated work site data. In a variation of the first embodiment, the feedback device 10 obtains the work progress for the shipment plan through simulation. More specifically, the feedback device 10 obtains a predicted shipping time for a certain shipper to a certain destination through a first simulation using the current work site data. As will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. 9 , the feedback device 10 thereby obtains the work progress for the shipment plan. The feedback device 10 also obtains a predicted shipping time for a certain shipper to a certain destination through a second simulation using the temporarily updated work site data. The feedback device 10 then obtains the work progress for the shipment plan when the work site data is updated.

[0088] Then, the feedback device 10 determines whether or not the user's approval is required to update the work site data based on the approval conditions set and accepted in step S41 A. For convenience of explanation, it is assumed that the user's approval is required to update the work site data.

[0089] The feedback device 10 transmits a request for approval to update the work site data to the user terminal 20 (step S45A). In the modification of the first embodiment, the work site data to be updated is described as being task priority or personnel data. However, the work site data to be updated is not limited to these.

[0090] The user terminal 20 notifies the user of the request for approval of the update of the work site data transmitted from the feedback device 10 in step S45A (step S46A). Specifically, the user terminal 20 displays, for example, an approval screen for the update of the work site data on a display device (not shown) provided in the user terminal 20. At this time, the user terminal 20 may also notify the user of the comparison results between the first and second simulation results and improvement measures so that the user can confirm the profits to be obtained by updating the work site data or proposals for expanding the warehouse's specified resources. A specific example of visualization of the comparison results between the first and second simulation results will be described later with reference to FIG. 8. The specific content of the feedback will be described later with reference to FIG. 10.

[0091] The user terminal 20 accepts an input of approval or denial of the update of the work site data by a user operation (step S47A).

[0092] The user terminal 20 inputs the approval or denial of the update of the work site data, which was received in step S47A and input by user operation, to the feedback device 10 (step S48A). For convenience of explanation, it is assumed that approval was input to the user terminal 20 by user operation in step S47A. In other words, it is assumed that approval was input to the feedback device 10 in step S48A.

[0093] When the feedback device 10 receives the input of approval for updating the work site data in step S48A, it updates the work site data managed by the warehouse management system 30 (step S49A).

[0094] After updating the work site data in step S49A, the feedback device 10 notifies the user terminal 20 that the updating of the work site data has been completed (step S50A).

[0095] When the user terminal 20 receives the notification that the updating of the work site data has been completed from the feedback device 10 in step S50, the user terminal 20 notifies the user that the updating of the work site data has been completed (step S51A). Specifically, for example, the user terminal 20 may display a message indicating that the updating of the work site data has been completed on a display device (not shown) provided in the user terminal 20.

[0096] [Visualization Example of Comparison of Simulation Results] Fig. 8 is a schematic diagram showing an example of comparison of simulation results according to a modification of Embodiment 1. Fig. 8 shows two example screens displayed on the user terminal 20.

[0097] First, Example 1 will be described. In Example 1, the progress of work for a shipping plan for shipper P and the progress of work for a shipping plan for shipper Q are displayed for each region on the screen of the user terminal 20. In this embodiment, the region refers to any of "Tohoku," "Kanto," "Hokuriku," "Kyushu," "Tokai," and "Kinki" in Japan.

[0098] The displayed work progress for the shipping plan by shipper and destination includes a "current forecast" calculated by the processor 11 based on the predicted shipping time (hereinafter referred to as "SIM predicted time") obtained by a simulation using current (i.e., not provisionally updated) work site data. The displayed work progress also includes a "post-recommendation forecast" calculated by the processor 11 based on the predicted shipping time (hereinafter referred to as "recommended measure predicted time") obtained by a simulation using provisionally updated work site data.

[0099] The current work progress forecast is calculated based on the planned shipping time for each shipper region and the SIM predicted time obtained from the warehouse management system 30. For example, the current work progress forecast for shipper P is "smooth" for the Tohoku region, "urgent" for the Kanto region, "delayed" for the Hokuriku region, "delayed" for the Kyushu region, "slightly delayed" for the Tokai region, and "slightly delayed" for the Kinki region.

[0100] The work progress forecast after the recommendation is applied is calculated based on the planned shipping times for each shipper region and the recommended policy forecast obtained from the warehouse management system 30. For example, the work progress forecast after the recommendation is applied for shipper P is "smooth" for the Tohoku region, "caution" for the Kanto region, "caution" for the Hokuriku region, "caution" for the Kyushu region, "slight delay" for the Tokai region, and "slight delay" for the Kinki region. Applying the recommendation means that the contents of the provisional update of the work site data are approved. Therefore, for example, if user approval is required to update the work site data, the user can check the prediction after the recommendation is applied displayed on the screen of the user terminal 20 to understand how the work progress will change if the work site data is updated. The user can then decide whether to update the work site data.

[0101] As described above, work progress is classified into one of "overtime," "on track," "caution," "slight delay," "delay," and "urgent." In this embodiment, an example is described in which, when work progress includes "delay" or "urgent," work site data is updated to achieve a state in which work progress does not include "delay" or "urgent." In other words, an example is described in which the allowable range of work progress includes "overtime," "on track," "caution," and "slight delay." The method of classifying work progress will be described later with reference to FIG. 9.

[0102] The processor 11 can create a time schedule based on the planned shipping times for each shipper destination, the SIM predicted times, and the recommended action predicted times, and display the time schedule on the screen of the user terminal 20. In example 1 shown in FIG. 8 , a time schedule 100 and a time schedule 101 are displayed on the screen of the user terminal 20. The time schedule 100 shows the planned shipping times for each destination, the SIM predicted times, and the recommended action predicted times in the shipping plan for shipper P. The time schedule 101 shows the planned shipping times for each destination, the SIM predicted times, and the recommended action predicted times in the shipping plan for shipper Q. The time schedules 100 and 101 also show the current time and the time axis. This allows a user checking the screen of the user terminal 20 to intuitively understand what the shipping times (SIM predicted times) will be if the work site data is not updated, and what the shipping times (recommended action predicted times) will be if the work site data is updated.

[0103] In Example 1, updating the work site data indicates that, among the work progress in the shipping plan for shipper P, the work progress in the Kanto region will change from "urgent" to "caution," the work progress in the Hokuriku region will change from "delay" to "caution," and the work progress in the Kyushu region will change from "delay" to "caution." Also, in Example 1, updating the work site data indicates that, among the work progress in the shipping plan for shipper Q, the work progress in the Tohoku region will change from "overachieved" to "on track," and the work progress in the Kanto region will change from "overachieved" to "on track." In other words, in Example 1, updating the work site data indicates that "urgent" and "delay" will no longer be included in the work progress in the shipping plan for shipper P and the work progress in the shipping plan for shipper Q.

[0104] It should be noted that user approval is not required in Example 1. Even if user approval is not required, a display such as that in Example 1 is displayed on the screen of the user terminal 20, allowing the user to confirm what effect updating the work site data will have.

[0105] In Example 2, similar to Example 1, the current forecast and the forecast after application of recommendations for each destination of the work progress of the shipping plans for shipper P and shipper Q are displayed on the screen of the user terminal 20. Also displayed is a time schedule 102 showing the planned shipping times for each destination, the predicted SIM times, and the predicted recommended action times in the shipping plan for shipper P. Furthermore, also displayed is a time schedule 103 showing the planned shipping times for each destination, the predicted SIM times, and the predicted recommended action times in the shipping plan for shipper Q.

[0106] In Example 2, a recommendation display section 104, a recommendation display section 105, and an approval button 106 are further displayed. The recommendation display section 104 and the recommendation display section 105 each indicate how to update the work site data. Furthermore, the recommendation display section 104 and the recommendation display section 105 each have a check box. When a check box is checked by a user operation, the content shown in the recommendation display section having the check box is reflected in the predictions and time schedules after the recommendation is applied for shipper P and shipper Q, respectively. A specific explanation will be given below.

[0107] The recommendation display unit 104 shows the updated task priority. Specifically, the recommendation display unit 104 shows that the priority of the tasks for shipping work in the Kanto, Hokuriku, and Kyushu regions for shipper P is to be higher than the priority of the tasks for shipping work in the Tohoku and Kanto regions for shipper Q. In addition, in Example 2, a check mark is added to the check box in the recommendation display unit 104. Therefore, the predictions and time schedules after applying the recommendations shown in Example 2 are predictions and time schedules after applying the recommendations when the above task priority is updated by updating the work site data.

[0108] The recommendation display unit 105 shows the updated personnel data. Specifically, the recommendation display unit 105 shows that a new worker is to be replaced with a veteran worker. However, in Example 2, the checkboxes in the recommendation display unit 105 are not checked. Therefore, if the user checks the checkboxes in the recommendation display unit 105, the predictions and time schedules after applying the recommendations shown in Example 2 will be predictions and time schedules after applying the recommendations when not only the task priorities but also the personnel data are updated.

[0109] In Example 2, as described above, personnel data may be updated. For ease of explanation, it is assumed that a resource expansion is required in this case. That is, approval is required from the user terminal 20. The user can approve the update of the work site data on the user terminal 20 via the approval button 106.

[0110] 9 is a table diagram illustrating an example of a comparison of simulation results according to a variation of the first embodiment. A method for classifying work progress, expressed as one of "overachievement," "on track," "caution," "slight delay," "delay," and "urgent," will be described with reference to FIG. 9. In FIG. 9, the planned shipping time is abbreviated as "planned time."

[0111] The processor 11 determines that the work progress is "overachieved" if the following formula (1) is satisfied.

[0112]

[0113] The processor 11 determines that the work progress is "smooth" if the following formula (2) is satisfied.

[0114]

[0115] The processor 11 determines that the work progress is "caution" if the following formula (3) is satisfied.

[0116]

[0117] The processor 11 determines that the work progress is "slightly delayed" if both of the following formulas (4) and (5) are satisfied.

[0118]

[0119]

[0120] The processor 11 determines that the work progress is "delayed" if both of the following formulas (6) and (7) are satisfied.

[0121]

[0122]

[0123] The processor 11 determines that the work progress is "urgent" if both of the following formulas (8) and (9) are satisfied.

[0124]

[0125]

[0126] When the processor 11 calculates a prediction of work progress after applying recommendations, the SIM predicted times in the above formulas (1), (2), (3), (5), (7), and (9) may be replaced with the recommended action predicted times. In this way, the processor 11 can determine the work progress based on the current time, the planned shipping time, and the SIM predicted time (or the recommended action predicted time). The processor 11 can then classify the work progress into one of "overachieved," "on track," "caution," "slightly behind," "delay," and "urgent."

[0127] [Specific example of feedback] The feedback device 10 notifies the user of improvement measures for satisfying the index, in other words, provides feedback, via the user terminal 20. An example of feedback based on approval conditions will be described with reference to Fig. 10. Fig. 10 is a table diagram showing an example of feedback by the feedback device 10 according to a modification of the first embodiment. Note that the feedback may be provided to the user as in the example screen of the user terminal 20 shown in Fig. 8.

[0128] First, we will explain Example 1. From the comparison result between the first simulation result and the second simulation result, the feedback device 10 calculates that if the contents of the provisional update of the work site data, i.e., the improvement measures, are adopted, the work progress for the shipping plan for shipper P will change from "urgent" to "caution" for the Kanto region, from "delay" to "caution" for the Hokuriku region, and from "delay" to "caution" for the Kyushu region. The feedback device 10 further calculates that the work progress for the shipping plan for shipper Q will change from "overachievement" to "on track" for the Tohoku region and from "overachievement" to "on track" for the Kanto region.

[0129] Furthermore, the improvement measure in Example 1 is to update the task priorities managed by the warehouse management system 30 with the provisionally updated task priorities. Furthermore, the improvement measure satisfies the indicators set by user operation with the specified warehouse resources. In other words, the change in task priority is possible within the current warehouse resources. In this case, the feedback device 10 automatically updates the work site data (task priorities), in other words, without user approval. Therefore, the feedback device 10 does not provide feedback requesting approval from the user. However, the feedback device 10 may visualize the comparison results between the first simulation results and the second simulation results (e.g., see Example 1 shown in FIG. 8 ), and provide feedback to the user about the content of the improvement measure and that the work site data will be automatically updated because the improvement measure is possible within the resources.

[0130] Next, Example 2 will be described. From the comparison result between the first simulation result and the second simulation result, the feedback device 10 calculates that if the contents of the provisional update of the work site data, i.e., the improvement measures, are adopted, the work progress for the shipping plan for shipper P will change from "urgent" to "smooth" for the Kanto region, from "delay" to "smooth" for the Hokuriku region, and from "delay" to "smooth" for the Kyushu region. The feedback device 10 further calculates that the work progress for the shipping plan for shipper Q will change from "overachieved" to "smooth" for the Tohoku region and from "overachieved" to "smooth" for the Kanto region.

[0131] In addition, the improvement measure in Example 2 is to update the task priority and personnel data managed by the warehouse management system 30 with the provisionally updated task priority and personnel data. Furthermore, the improvement measure satisfies the indicators set by user operation when the warehouse's specified resources are expanded. In other words, the update of the shop floor data (task priority and personnel data) cannot be accommodated with the current warehouse resources. In this case, the feedback device 10 determines that user approval is required to update the shop floor data. In this case, the feedback device 10 may visualize the comparison results between the first simulation result and the second simulation result (e.g., see Example 2 shown in FIG. 8 ) and provide feedback to the user about the improvement measure and the fact that the improvement measure cannot be accommodated with the current resources and therefore user approval is required to update the shop floor data.

[0132] [Example of Updating Worksite Data] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of updating worksite data according to a variation of the first embodiment. The worksite data is managed by the warehouse management system 30. In the example of FIG. 11, an example in which task priority and personnel data are updated among the worksite data will be described. First, the description will focus on task priority. Before the worksite data is updated, the priority of the tasks constituting work for the Kanto region among the work in the shipping plan for shipper P is equal to the priority of the tasks constituting work for the Tohoku region among the work in the shipping plan for shipper Q. As a result of the worksite data being updated, the priority of the tasks constituting work for the Kanto, Hokuriku, and Kyushu regions among the work in the shipping plan for shipper P becomes higher than the priority of the tasks constituting work for the Tohoku and Kanto regions among the work in the shipping plan for shipper Q.

[0133] Next, we will focus on personnel data. The personnel data before the work site data is updated indicates that the warehouse workers are workers A and B. The personnel data after the work site data is updated indicates that the warehouse workers are workers A and C. For example, if worker B is a new worker and worker C is a veteran worker, this update will replace the new worker with the veteran worker.

[0134] (Summary of First Embodiment) The above description of First Embodiment discloses at least the following techniques. Note that, in parentheses, examples of corresponding components in First Embodiment are shown, but the present invention is not limited to these.

[0135] (Technology 1) A feedback method communicates with a warehouse management system that manages at least work site data for warehouse work, accepts settings of warehouse indicators and settings of approval conditions that determine whether to allow automatic or user-operated updates to the work site data, acquires the work site data from the warehouse management system, runs a simulation to calculate a first simulation result of the work using the work site data acquired from the warehouse management system, provisionally updates the work site data, and runs a simulation to calculate a second simulation result to satisfy the indicators, and changes the method of updating the work site data based on the approval conditions, the first simulation result of the work, and the second simulation result of the work.

[0136] As a result, a first simulation of warehouse work is performed using the provisionally unupdated work site data. The work site data is also provisionally updated to satisfy the set indicators. Then, a second simulation of warehouse work is performed using the provisionally updated work site data. The method of updating the work site data to satisfy the indicators is changed based on the results of the first simulation, the results of the second simulation, and the set approval conditions. If user approval is required to update the work site data, the method of update is fed back to the user. As a result, a user, such as a warehouse manager, can confirm the content of the feedback and make a decision as necessary to satisfy the indicators.

[0137] (Technology 2) In the feedback method described in Technology 1, if approval by user operation is required based on the approval conditions, the first simulation result, and the second simulation result, the feedback method notifies a user terminal (e.g., user terminal 20) of the comparison result between the first simulation result and the second simulation result and improvement measures based on the indicators, and if approval by user operation is obtained, updates the work site data.

[0138] This allows users such as warehouse managers to check the improvement measures to meet the indicators and then decide whether or not to update the work site data.

[0139] (Technology 3) In the feedback method described in Technology 1 or 2, the feedback method automatically updates the work site data based on the approval conditions, the first simulation result, and the second simulation result when approval by user operation is not required.

[0140] This allows the work site data to be updated automatically when approval from a user such as a warehouse manager is not required, thereby efficiently updating the work site data to meet the indicators.

[0141] (Technology 4) In the feedback method described in Technology 2, the approval condition is set such that if the improvement measure satisfies the indicators using specified resources including warehouse equipment and personnel, approval by user operation is not required.

[0142] This allows improvement measures to be adopted without the approval of a user such as a warehouse manager if the indicators can be met with the current resources, thereby enabling improvements to be made efficiently to meet the indicators.

[0143] (Technology 5) In the feedback method described in Technology 2 or 4, the approval condition is set such that if the improvement measure satisfies the indicator by expanding specified resources including warehouse equipment and personnel, approval by user operation is required.

[0144] This allows a user, such as a warehouse manager, to make a decision if the metrics can be met by expanding current resources.

[0145] (Technology 6) In the feedback method described in any one of Techniques 2, 4, and 5, the approval condition is set such that approval by user operation is required if the improvement measure satisfies indicators using specified resources including warehouse equipment and personnel, and if the time required for the work exceeds a predetermined time compared to when the improvement measure is not adopted.

[0146] This allows a user, such as a warehouse manager, to make a decision if the current resources can meet the metrics, but the work will take longer.

[0147] (Technology 7) In the feedback method according to any one of Technologies 1 to 6, the work includes picking items in a warehouse, and the work site data includes inventory placement of the items, an operation list of work in the warehouse including a pick list, equipment data and personnel data in the warehouse.

[0148] This allows users such as warehouse managers to simulate picking operations, and to provisionally update and update the inventory allocation of items, the operation list for warehouse work including the pick list, and the equipment and personnel data for the warehouse in order to achieve the target.

[0149] (Technology 8) In the feedback method according to any one of technologies 1 to 7, the indicators include the man-hours of the work and the throughput of the warehouse.

[0150] This allows a user such as a warehouse manager to set indicators relating to, for example, the man-hours of work or the throughput of the warehouse.

[0151] (Technology 9) In the feedback method described in any one of Technologies 1 to 8, the feedback method repeats a provisional update of the work site data to satisfy the index, and a change in the method of updating the work site data based on the approval conditions, the first simulation results of the work using the work site data that has not been provisionally updated, and the second simulation results of the work using the work site data after the provisional update.

[0152] This allows a user, such as a warehouse manager, to check multiple improvement measures that meet a certain index, for example.

[0153] (Technology 10) In the feedback method described in any one of Technologies 1 to 9, the travel distance for a worker who performs work based on work site data is shortened by provisionally updating the work site data compared to the travel distance when the work site data is not provisionally updated.

[0154] As a result, the work site data managed by the warehouse management system is updated with the provisionally updated work site data, which shortens the distance that workers have to travel when performing work in the actual warehouse, thereby achieving, for example, a reduction in the number of work steps.

[0155] (Technology 11) In the feedback method described in any one of Technologies 1 to 10, the work includes shipping work for each shipper and each destination for planning the shipment of goods from a warehouse, and the work site data includes the planned shipping time for each shipper and each destination, and the priorities of each of the multiple tasks that make up the shipping work.

[0156] This feedback method allows a simulation of the shipping work to be performed, and the user can provisionally update the priorities of the multiple tasks that make up the shipping work, and can also update them in order to achieve the index.

[0157] (Technology 12) In the feedback method according to Technology 11, the indicators include an acceptable range of progress of the shipping work.

[0158] This allows users such as warehouse managers to set indicators for warehouse shipping plans, for example, and by updating work site data to satisfy the indicators, it is possible to avoid, for example, significant delays in the progress of shipping work.

[0159] (Technology 13) A feedback device (e.g., feedback device 10) includes a processor (e.g., processor 11) and a memory (e.g., memory 12), and the processor and memory work together to communicate with a warehouse management system that manages at least work site data for warehouse work, accept settings of warehouse indicators and settings of approval conditions that determine whether or not to allow automatic or user-operated updates to the work site data, acquire the work site data from the warehouse management system, run a simulation to calculate a first simulation result of the work using the work site data acquired from the warehouse management system, tentatively update the work site data, and run a simulation to calculate a second simulation result to satisfy the indicators, and change a method for updating the work site data based on the approval conditions, the first simulation result of the work, and the second simulation result of the work.

[0160] This allows the feedback device to achieve the same effect as Technique 1.

[0161] (Technology 14) A program causes a computing device (e.g., feedback device 10) to communicate with a warehouse management system that manages at least work site data for warehouse work, to accept settings of warehouse indicators and settings of approval conditions that determine whether to allow automatic or user-operated updates to the work site data, to acquire the work site data from the warehouse management system, to execute a simulation that calculates a first simulation result of the work using the work site data acquired from the warehouse management system, and to provisionally update the work site data and execute a simulation that calculates a second simulation result so as to satisfy the indicators, and to change a method of updating the work site data based on the approval conditions, the first simulation result of the work, and the second simulation result of the work.

[0162] This allows the program to achieve the same effect as Technique 1.

[0163] The functions of the above-described embodiments can also be realized by supplying programs and applications for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device using a network or storage medium, etc., and having one or more processors in the computer of that system or device read and execute the programs.

[0164] Furthermore, the functions of the above-described embodiments may be realized by a circuit that realizes one or more functions (for example, an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (hereinafter referred to as "ASIC") or an FPGA).

[0165] Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above with reference to the drawings, it goes without saying that the present disclosure is not limited to such examples. It is clear that a person skilled in the art can conceive of various modifications, alterations, substitutions, additions, deletions, and equivalents within the scope of the claims, and it is understood that these also naturally fall within the technical scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the components of the above-described embodiments may be combined in any manner as long as they do not deviate from the spirit of the invention.

[0166] This application is based on a Japanese patent application (Patent Application No. 2024-017291) filed on February 7, 2024, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0167] The present disclosure is useful as a feedback method, a feedback device, and a program.

[0168] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Feedback system 10 Feedback device 11 Processor 12 Memory 13 Input device 14 Display device 15 Communication device 16 External interface device 17 Internal bus 20 User terminal 30 Warehouse management system

Claims

1. A feedback method comprising: communicating with a warehouse management system that manages at least work site data for warehouse work; accepting settings of warehouse indicators and approval conditions that determine whether or not to allow automatic or user-operated updates to the work site data; acquiring the work site data from the warehouse management system; running a simulation to calculate a first simulation result of the work using the work site data acquired from the warehouse management system, and tentatively updating the work site data and running a simulation to calculate a second simulation result to satisfy the indicators; and changing a method for updating the work site data based on the approval conditions, the first simulation result of the work, and the second simulation result of the work.

2. The feedback method according to claim 1, wherein, when approval by user operation is required based on the approval conditions, the first simulation result, and the second simulation result, a user terminal is notified of the comparison result between the first simulation result and the second simulation result and improvement measures based on the indicators, and when approval by user operation is obtained, the work site data is updated.

3. The feedback method according to claim 1, wherein the work site data is automatically updated if approval by the user operation is not required based on the approval conditions, the first simulation result, and the second simulation result.

4. The feedback method according to claim 2, wherein the approval condition is set such that if the improvement plan satisfies the indicators using specified resources including equipment and personnel in the warehouse, approval by user operation is not required.

5. The feedback method according to claim 2, wherein the approval condition is set such that approval by the user is required if the improvement plan satisfies the indicator by expanding specified resources including equipment and personnel in the warehouse.

6. The feedback method of claim 2, wherein the approval condition is set such that approval by the user is required if the improvement plan satisfies the indicators using specified resources including equipment and personnel in the warehouse and the time required for the work exceeds a predetermined time compared to when the improvement plan is not adopted.

7. The feedback method of claim 1, wherein the work includes picking items in the warehouse, and the work site data includes inventory placement of the items, an operation list of the work in the warehouse including a pick list, equipment data and personnel data in the warehouse.

8. The feedback method according to claim 1, wherein the indicators include the man-hours of the work and the throughput of the warehouse.

9. The feedback method according to claim 1, which repeats the steps of provisionally updating the work site data so as to satisfy the indicators, and changing the method of updating the work site data based on the approval conditions, the results of a first simulation of the work using the work site data that has not been provisionally updated, and the results of a second simulation of the work using the work site data after the provisional update.

10. The feedback method according to claim 1, wherein the travel distance for the work of a worker who performs the work based on the work site data is shortened by provisionally updating the work site data compared to the travel distance when the work site data is not provisionally updated.

11. The feedback method according to claim 1, wherein the work includes shipping work for each shipper and each destination for planning the shipment of goods from the warehouse, and the work site data includes planned shipping times for each shipper and each destination, and the priorities of each of the multiple tasks that make up the shipping work.

12. The feedback method according to claim 11, wherein the indicators include an acceptable range for the progress of the shipping operation.

13. A feedback device comprising a processor and a memory, wherein the processor and the memory cooperate to communicate with a warehouse management system that manages at least work site data for warehouse work, accept settings of warehouse indicators and settings of approval conditions that determine whether to allow automatic or user-operated updates to the work site data, acquire the work site data from the warehouse management system, run a simulation to calculate a first simulation result of the work using the work site data acquired from the warehouse management system, tentatively update the work site data, and run a simulation to calculate a second simulation result so as to satisfy the indicators, and change a method of updating the work site data based on the approval conditions, the first simulation result of the work, and the second simulation result of the work.

14. A program for causing a computing device to communicate with a warehouse management system that manages at least work site data for warehouse work, accept settings of warehouse indicators and settings of approval conditions that determine whether or not to allow the work site data to be updated automatically or by user operation, acquire the work site data from the warehouse management system, run a simulation to calculate a first simulation result of the work using the work site data acquired from the warehouse management system, and tentatively update the work site data and run a simulation to calculate a second simulation result to satisfy the indicators, and change a method of updating the work site data based on the approval conditions, the first simulation result of the work, and the second simulation result of the work.

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