Information processing device, information processing method, and program

Abstract

The present invention provides an information processing device and the like which can accurately infer a logistics resource that is necessary for receipt or shipment of goods in a prescribed time unit at a logistics base such as a storage site. An information processing device according to the present disclosure comprises: an acquisition means that acquires receipt information and shipment information pertaining to goods received at or shipped from a storage site and master information pertaining to the storage site and the goods; an inference means that infers a logistics resource for the goods at the storage site, on the basis of the receipt information and the shipment information and the master information; and a presentation means that presents a result of the inference performed by the inference means. The logistics resource includes: the number of workers that are necessary for receipt at and shipment from the storage site; an area capacity of the storage site that is necessary for the receipt at and shipment from the storage site; a used area capacity; a vacant area capacity; and a vehicle condition and the number of vehicles that are necessary for the receipt at and shipment from the storage site.

Description

Information processing device, information processing method, and program

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing device, an information processing method, and a program.

[0002] In recent years, there has been a lot of talk about the issue of logistics being disrupted due to labor shortages caused by the cap on overtime work for truck and other vehicle drivers stipulated in the "Act on the Improvement of Related Laws to Promote Work Style Reform," which will come into effect in 2024 (the so-called 2024 logistics problem).

[0003] To solve this problem, it is important to make a plan in advance to efficiently allocate logistics resources such as drivers, vehicles, warehouse space, and workers, and then execute the plan. Patent Document 1 discloses a system for providing an optimal recovery plan in response to changes in the work plan.

[0004] International Publication No. 2023 / 203607

[0005] To efficiently allocate logistics resources as described above, it is necessary to grasp the exact quantity of logistics resources required for operations such as receiving, storing, and shipping goods at a storage location (one of the logistics bases) such as a warehouse. However, there is a problem in that even if only the daily incoming and outgoing quantities are managed, it is not possible to accurately estimate the logistics resources actually required for receiving and shipping goods each day, making it difficult to achieve efficient allocation of logistics resources. The technology described in Patent Document 1 does not anticipate such a problem and does not disclose any method for solving this problem.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made to solve such problems, and its purpose is to provide an information processing device, an information processing method, and a program that can accurately estimate the logistics resources required for the arrival and shipment of goods at a logistics center such as a storage location over a specified period of time.

[0007] An information processing device in one aspect of the present disclosure comprises: an acquisition unit that acquires arrival information and shipping information of items at a storage location and master information regarding the storage location and the items; an estimation unit that estimates logistics resources for the items at the storage location for a specified period of time based on the arrival information, shipping information, and master information; and a presentation unit that presents the estimation results by the estimation unit, wherein the logistics resources include the number of workers required for arrival and shipping at the storage location, the amount of space, used space, and free space at the storage location required for the arrival and shipping at the storage location, and the vehicle conditions and number of vehicles required for the arrival and shipping at the storage location.

[0008] An information processing method in one aspect of the present disclosure includes the steps of: acquiring arrival information and shipping information of items at a storage location and master information regarding the storage location and the items; estimating logistics resources for the items at the storage location for a specified period of time based on the arrival information, shipping information, and master information; and presenting the estimation results, wherein the logistics resources include the number of workers required for arrival and shipping at the storage location, the amount of space, used space, and free space at the storage location required for the arrival and shipping at the storage location, and the vehicle conditions and number of vehicles required for the arrival and shipping at the storage location.

[0009] A program according to one aspect of the present disclosure causes a computer to execute the following processes: acquiring arrival information and shipping information of items at a storage location and master information related to the storage location and the items; estimating logistics resources for the items at the storage location for a predetermined period of time based on the arrival information, the shipping information, and the master information; and presenting an estimation result. Here, the logistics resources include the number of workers required for arrival and shipping at the storage location, the amount of space, used space, and free space at the storage location required for the arrival and shipping at the storage location, and vehicle conditions and the number of vehicles required for the arrival and shipping at the storage location.

[0010] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an information processing device, an information processing method, and a program that can accurately estimate the logistics resources required for the arrival and shipment of goods at a logistics center such as a storage location over a specified period of time.

[0011] 6 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration of an information processing device according to the present disclosure. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing examples of influencing factors that affect the required number of workers and work space. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing examples of influencing factors that affect the amount of storage location space required for receiving and shipping to and from the storage location, and the vehicle conditions and number of vehicles required for receiving and shipping to and from the storage location. FIG. 9 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a display screen presented by a presentation unit. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the information processing device shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration of an information processing device according to the present disclosure. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the information processing device shown in FIG. 6. FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of an information processing device according to the present disclosure.

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the invention according to the claims is not limited to the following embodiments. Furthermore, not all of the configurations described in the present embodiments are necessarily essential means for solving the problems. For clarity of explanation, the following description and drawings have been omitted and simplified as appropriate. In each drawing, the same elements are given the same reference numerals, and duplicate explanations are omitted as necessary.

[0013] Each drawing referenced in the embodiments is merely an example for describing one or more embodiments. Each drawing is not related to only one particular embodiment, but may also be related to one or more other embodiments. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, various features or steps described with reference to any one drawing can be combined with features or steps shown in one or more other drawings to create, for example, an embodiment not explicitly shown or described. Not all features or steps shown in any one drawing are necessarily required to describe an exemplary embodiment, and some features or steps may be omitted. The order of steps described in any drawing may be changed as appropriate.

[0014] <Issues anticipated in this disclosure> As mentioned above, in the future, it is anticipated that there will be a problem in which the logistics resources available to society as a whole (including not only people but also, for example, vehicles and storage space) will be limited due to a shortage of drivers and workers.

[0015] To solve this problem, it is necessary to accurately grasp the types and quantities of logistics resources required for the arrival and shipment of goods in a predetermined unit of time (for example, each day) at each logistics base such as each storage location. However, because the required logistics resources change from moment to moment (including depending on the time of day), it is difficult for shippers of goods and logistics companies to accurately grasp them, and it is thought that estimation processing is necessary.

[0016] If such estimation is unclear, it may result in a situation where there is an excess or shortage of logistics resources. If there is an excess of logistics resources, shippers and logistics companies lose the opportunity to transfer logistics resources to other logistics bases, which results in an increase in logistics costs.

[0017] Furthermore, if logistics resources become insufficient, shippers face the risk of increased logistics costs due to the need to urgently arrange vehicles, or worsening delivery lead times due to work delays. Logistics companies face the risk of contract termination due to non-fulfillment of contracts with shippers.

[0018] In particular, when there is an excess or shortage of human resources (number of workers), there is a possibility that the daily work content and working hours of part-time workers, for example, will become unstable. For example, when there is an excess of human resources, workers may be asked to leave work early as work is completed, and when there is a shortage of human resources, they may be asked to work overtime because work is not completed. Such situations can lead to a decrease in employee satisfaction and employment instability.

[0019] The present disclosure provides an information processing device for accurately estimating storage space, number of workers, number of vehicles, etc. by acquiring information on arrival plans and shipping plans, information on items, information on storage locations, information on vehicles, etc. at appropriate times.

[0020] (Embodiment 1) Before describing the information processing device according to this embodiment in detail, the definitions of terms used in this specification are as follows: 1. Shipping refers to taking products or packages (hereinafter also referred to as goods) out of a warehouse (storage location), and specific tasks include picking, sorting, inspection, assembly, packaging, labeling, and confirmation reports. 2. Shipping refers to taking products out and recording sales, and includes the entire commercial flow up to the transportation of the products. Shipping can be considered to be included in the shipping process. Note that multiple shippings may occur for one shipment. 3. Receiving refers to the delivery (coming in) of products or packages from a supplier such as a manufacturer or a logistics base. 4. Putting in the warehouse refers to putting products or packages into a warehouse or storage location (hereinafter typified by storage location) after receiving them.

[0021] In addition, the information processing device of the present disclosure estimates the logistics resources required before and after storage of an item at the storage location by obtaining information (arrival information) regarding an arrival plan for receiving an item at a storage location and information (shipment information) regarding a shipping plan for shipping the item from the storage location.

[0022] In the shipping plan and the receiving plan, information required to estimate the amount of storage space, the amount of used space, and the amount of free space required for receiving and shipping items at the storage location for a specified unit of time includes, for example, the following: Regarding inbound and outbound information, the number of items scheduled to be received and the scheduled receiving date and time, the scheduled receiving area (scheduled receiving volume), the number of items scheduled to be shipped, the scheduled shipping date and time (which can be estimated from the storage status, etc.), the estimated storage area (estimated storage volume), the number of item shipping instructions, the actual number of items received, and the actual number of items shipped. Regarding workers, the number and work capacity of storage location workers (calculated from past work performance), the number and work capacity of inbound and outbound workers (calculated from past work performance), etc. Regarding goods, the information required includes the goods ID, size information of the goods, i.e., information about the length, width, and height (LWH) of the goods, the weight of the goods, the number of goods received and shipped, whether the goods can be stacked during storage, etc. The number of shipping instructions refers to the number of tasks related to shipping, such as the administrative procedures required for shipping. Also, if shelves are installed vertically in tiers in the storage location and items can be placed on each tier, the number of tiers, etc., is also required as volume information.

[0023] Furthermore, in the shipping plan and the receiving plan, information required to estimate the number of vehicles and vehicle conditions required for receiving and shipping to and from storage locations in a specified unit of time includes, for example, the following: Regarding inbound and outbound shipments, the information includes the planned number of items to be received, the planned volume of items to be received, the estimated number of items to be shipped, the estimated storage volume of items, the number of shipping instructions for items, the estimated volume of items to be shipped, the actual number of items to be received, the actual volume of items to be received, the actual number of items to be shipped, and the actual volume of items to be shipped. Regarding workers, the information includes the work capacity of office workers (calculated from past work performance), the work capacity of inbound and outbound workers (calculated from past work performance), and the like. Regarding goods, the information includes LWH information of goods and the number of items to be received and shipped. Note that vehicle conditions include the vehicle class, for example, the load capacity of the vehicle (particularly trucks), whether the loading platform is flatbed or box-shaped, and the like. Here, the number of vehicles and vehicle conditions may be planned and ordered (requested) by the goods carrier at the time of shipment or receipt, and information already stored in the carrier's server may be acquired.

[0024] In the above, information about the actual receipt of goods is stored as receipt record (information about goods that have undergone warehousing and receiving work in the past). The receipt record includes specific information such as the number of workers required for receiving and storing, the work time, and the amount of storage space required for warehousing.

[0025] Furthermore, the information about the actual results at the time of shipping is stored as shipping results (information about items that have been shipped and unshipped in the past). The shipping results include specific information such as the number of workers required for shipping and unshipping, the work time, the amount of storage space reduced by unshipping, and the vehicle conditions and number of vehicles required for shipping.

[0026] In the following, information regarding the "receiving plan" will be referred to as "receiving information," and information regarding the "shipping plan" will be referred to as "shipping information." Receiving information includes information regarding receiving as described above, and shipping information includes information regarding shipping as described above.

[0027] Although not described in detail in this disclosure, specific methods for adjusting the surplus or shortage of logistics resources include, for example, increasing or decreasing the number of vehicles, securing or reducing the storage area (storage volume) of a storage location (warehouse), and increasing or decreasing the number of workers.

[0028] <Configuration of Information Processing Device> The configuration of the information processing device according to this embodiment will be described. Note that this information processing device is associated with the storage location of the above-mentioned items, but the installation location may be within the corresponding storage location or in another location such as on the cloud or at another business location, as long as it can perform the processing described below.

[0029] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an information processing device according to the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 1, the information processing device 1 according to the present disclosure includes an acquisition unit 10, a storage unit 20, an estimation unit 30, and a presentation unit 40. Although not shown, the information processing device 1 is connected via a network such as the Internet to a server at the headquarters or branch office of a shipper of the goods, a server at a supplier of the goods, a server at another logistics base of the goods in a predetermined area including a storage location corresponding to the information processing device 1, a server at a supplier to which the goods are to be shipped, and the like. Here, the term "goods" refers to merchandise, parcels, etc. whose shipping and receiving status is managed by the information processing device 1.

[0030] The acquisition unit 10 is configured to acquire arrival information and shipping information of items at storage locations. The acquisition unit 10 may acquire the above-described arrival information and shipping information by any method. For example, the acquisition unit 10 may acquire the arrival information and shipping information via a network from a server at the head office or branch office of the shipper of the items, a server at a supplier of the items, a server at a supplier to which the items are shipped, a server at a logistics company, etc. The acquisition unit 10 outputs the acquired arrival information and shipping information to the storage unit 20.

[0031] The acquisition unit 10 is also configured to acquire the types and the number of each type of influencing factor that affect the logistics resources of the goods prepared at the storage location, and outputs the acquired types and the number of each type of influencing factor to the storage unit 20.

[0032] The logistics resources of the goods are the targets of estimation by the estimation unit 30, which will be described later. The logistics resources include the number of workers required for receiving and shipping goods to and from the storage location, the amount of storage area required for receiving and shipping goods to and from the storage location, the amount of used area in the storage location, the amount of free area in the storage location, and the vehicle conditions and number of vehicles required for receiving and shipping goods to and from the storage location.

[0033] Here, we will explain the influence factors that affect the logistics resources of goods. Figure 2 is a diagram showing examples of influence factors that affect the required number of workers and work space. Figure 3 is a diagram showing examples of influence factors that affect the amount of storage area required for receiving and shipping goods to and from the storage location, and the vehicle conditions and number of vehicles required for receiving and shipping goods to and from the storage location. Although not shown in Figures 2 and 3, each influence factor has an influence level (influence index) set based on master information related to the storage location and goods, and the number of workers to be reduced, etc. is determined based on the influence level.

[0034] As shown in Figure 2, the number of factors available at a storage location that affect the number of workers includes many items such as forklifts. For example, in the case of labor-saving forklifts, the impact varies depending on the size and weight of the items. Specifically, the impact of forklifts can be set to be particularly high for large or heavy items that require several people to carry. For automated equipment such as picking robots, the number of units and operating hours affect the number of workers, thereby reducing the number of workers. In addition, the presence or absence of warehouse equipment such as elevators and electronic devices such as handheld terminals (handheld terminals) and the number of units also affect the number of workers, thereby reducing the number of workers. In addition, the presence or absence of warehouse equipment such as elevators and the number of units also affect the area of ​​the work space.

[0035] As shown in Figure 3, the number of influencing factors prepared at a storage location affects the space of the storage location (the amount of free space in the storage location (storage capacity)). Storage equipment such as Nestener is an influencing factor. The number of these devices installed affects the storage capacity depending on the master information related to the storage location and the items.

[0036] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, the number of influencing factors prepared at the storage location that affect the number of vehicles required for receiving and shipping includes labor-saving equipment such as automatic packaging machines. The number of such equipment installed affects the required vehicle conditions and number of vehicles depending on the master information related to the storage location and the items.

[0037] The storage unit 20 is configured to store the arrival information and shipping information acquired by the acquisition unit 10. The storage unit 20 is also configured to store master information related to storage locations and items. The storage unit 20 may also be configured to store master information related to vehicle conditions.

[0038] Here, the master information related to the storage location includes the area, length, width, height, and shape of the storage location. It may also include the number of shelves in the storage location and the area of ​​the aisle for vehicles such as forklifts operating within the storage location. The master information related to the goods includes the length, width, height, weight, and shape of the goods. The master information related to the goods may also include information such as whether the goods can be stacked as described above. Furthermore, the master information related to the vehicle conditions includes information such as the loadable volume for each vehicle class.

[0039] The estimation unit 30 is configured to estimate logistics resources for items at a storage location for a predetermined period of time based on the arrival information, shipping information, and master information. Specifically, the estimation unit 30 estimates logistics resources for items for a predetermined period of time based on the types and numbers of influencing factors prepared at the storage location, the master information, and the arrival information and shipping information. The estimation unit 30 then outputs the estimation results to the storage unit 20 and the presentation unit 40. The storage unit 20 may store the estimation results.

[0040] Here, the predetermined unit of time may be half a day, a day, a week, a month, etc. The predetermined unit of time may also be a quarter, a half year, a year, etc. The estimation unit 30 can estimate logistics resources for such a relatively long span (relatively far into the future) as long as the arrival information, shipping information, and master information for the storage location are available.

[0041] In the following description, a case where the predetermined unit of time is mainly one day will be described as an example. That is, in this example, the estimation unit 30 will estimate, on a day-by-day basis, the logistics resources for the items at the storage location for tomorrow (the next day) and the logistics resources for the items at the storage location for the day after tomorrow, etc., for the estimation timing.

[0042] As an estimation result, in the case of the required number of workers, information is output that the number of workers in the storage location for the next day is in excess of the required number of workers or information that the number is insufficient. Furthermore, in the case of the required storage location area amount, information is output that the space in the storage location for the next day is in excess of the storage location area amount required for receiving and shipping or information that the space is insufficient. Furthermore, in the case of the required vehicle conditions and number of vehicles, information is output that the number of vehicles for the next day is in excess of the number of vehicles required for receiving and shipping under the vehicle conditions for the next day or information that the number is insufficient. In practice, the estimation unit 30 outputs to the presentation unit 40, as estimation results, the excessive number of workers, the insufficient number of workers, the excessive amount of storage location area, the insufficient amount of storage location area, a statement that the vehicle conditions are different from the required vehicle conditions, the excessive number of vehicles, the insufficient number of vehicles, etc.

[0043] Here, as described above, the estimation unit 30 estimates the logistics resources for an item for a predetermined period of time based on various information acquired by the acquisition unit 10 or stored in the storage unit 20. However, the estimation method is not limited to this. For example, the estimation unit 30 may estimate the logistics resources for an item for a predetermined period of time using an AI model instead of basing it on various information. Such AI estimation will be briefly described below.

[0044] In estimating the required number of workers, the estimation unit 30 may obtain a trained AI model by training the AI ​​model using the actual receipt and shipment records of items that were previously recorded at the storage location and stored in the memory unit 20 as training data. Then, the estimation unit 30 may use the obtained trained AI model to estimate, for example, the number of workers required for each day from the next day onwards.

[0045] Similarly to estimating the required number of workers, the estimation unit 30 can train an AI model using the actual inventory and shipping records of items recorded in the storage location and stored in the memory unit 20 as training data to obtain a trained AI model. The estimation unit 30 can then use the trained AI model to estimate, for example, the required inventory, used inventory, and free inventory for each day from the next day onward. In this case, for more detailed (accurate) estimation, the estimation unit 30 can also input information about the actual amount of used inventory and free inventory at a given time into the trained AI model. For example, to estimate the amount of used inventory and free inventory for tomorrow and the day after, the estimation unit 30 can input information about the actual amount of used inventory and free inventory for today into the trained AI model.

[0046] Furthermore, in estimating the required vehicle conditions and number of vehicles, similarly to the above two cases, the estimation unit 30 may obtain a trained AI model by training the AI ​​model using the actual receipt and shipment records of goods that were previously recorded at the storage location and stored in the memory unit 20 as training data. Then, the estimation unit 30 may use the obtained trained AI model to estimate, for example, the vehicle conditions and number of vehicles required for each day from the next day onwards.

[0047] The presentation unit 40 is configured to present the estimation result received from the estimation unit 30. The presentation method by the presentation unit 40 is not particularly limited as long as the presented content can be understood. For example, the presentation unit 40 may present the estimation result by displaying the estimation result on a display screen of a display device (not shown).

[0048] 4 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a display screen presented by the presentation unit. In this example, base A is selected as the base, monthly is selected as the display unit, and January to September 2023 is selected as the period. As shown in FIG. 4 , the upper column shows a table of the number of workers required for each month (required worker capacity in the table), the required storage space area (required floor capacity in the table), and the required vehicle conditions and number of vehicles (only required vehicle capacity in the table). The lower column shows graphs of these three physical quantities.

[0049] In each graph below, the capacity of each physical quantity is set to 100 and is shown with a dotted line. For example, the graph of required worker capacity shows that in January, March, and June 2023, a number of workers exceeding normal capacity were required. In addition, the required floor space required showed that in March 2023, more than twice the storage area capacity of normal capacity was required, which meant that measures such as stacking items for storage were necessary. In such cases, the number of required workers can be reduced by preparing labor-saving equipment such as forklifts, which is an influencing factor.

[0050] By displaying the surplus or shortage of logistics resources by item in a graph, as in the graph shown in Figure 4, the storage location manager or shipper viewing the graph can quickly and at a glance grasp which logistics resources are experiencing a surplus or shortage and when (regardless of whether it is in the near future or the relatively distant future) this will occur, allowing the storage location manager or shipper to deal with such surplus or shortage of logistics resources appropriately.

[0051] The presentation unit 40 may present the estimation result via an external display device provided at the head office or branch office of the shipper of the goods, instead of presenting the estimation result by displaying it on a display screen. Alternatively, the presentation unit 40 may transmit information about the estimation result to an external system, thereby being considered to have presented the estimation result.

[0052] <Operation of Information Processing Device> Next, the operation of the information processing device 1 according to this embodiment will be described. Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation (estimation process) of the information processing device 1 shown in Fig. 1. As described above, the estimation unit 30 of the information processing device 1 according to this embodiment estimates logistics resources for items for a predetermined period of time. Therefore, this estimation process may be performed at a predetermined timing (for example, at the start of work each day) or when data for a certain period of time has been collected.

[0053] In the estimation process, the acquisition unit 10 first acquires information on the arrival plan and shipment plan for a specific target period, i.e., arrival information and shipment information (step S11), and also acquires master information from the storage unit 20 (step S12). The acquisition unit 10 may acquire the arrival information and shipment information, for example, from a server at the shipper's head office or branch office. Note that if the acquired arrival information and shipment information include labor-saving equipment that is not included in the master information, the acquisition unit 10 may also acquire information on the labor-saving equipment from the storage unit 20. If information on the labor-saving equipment is not stored in the storage unit 20, the acquisition unit 10 may acquire information on the labor-saving equipment from, for example, a server of the manufacturer or distributor of the labor-saving equipment. The acquisition unit 10 outputs the acquired information to the estimation unit 30.

[0054] Next, the estimation unit 30 estimates logistics resources for items at storage locations for a predetermined period based on the arrival information, shipping information, and master information. Specifically, the estimation unit 30 estimates the number of workers required for the target period based on the arrival information, shipping information, and master information (step S13). Next, the estimation unit 30 estimates the amount of storage space required for the target period, the amount of used space in the storage location at that time, and the amount of free space at that time (step S14). Next, the estimation unit 30 estimates the vehicle conditions and number of vehicles required for the target period (step S15). The estimation unit 30 outputs the estimation results obtained by these estimations to the presentation unit 40.

[0055] Next, the presentation unit 40 presents the estimation result received from the estimation unit 30, for example, on the display screen of the display device (step S16), and the information processing device 1 ends this estimation process.

[0056] It should be noted that the estimation by the estimation unit 30 in steps S13 to S15 does not have to be performed in this order, and therefore the processing in steps S13 to S15 may be performed in a different order as appropriate.

[0057] Although not explicitly shown in the flowchart, the estimation unit 30 outputs the estimation result to the storage unit 20, and the storage unit 20 stores the estimation result. As will be described later, the stored estimation result is used in the determination process by the information processing device of the second embodiment as needed.

[0058] As described above, the information processing device 1 according to the present embodiment is configured to include an acquisition unit 10 that acquires arrival and shipment information of items at a storage location and master information related to the storage location and the items; an estimation unit 30 that estimates logistics resources for items at the storage location for a predetermined period of time based on the arrival and shipment information and the master information; and a presentation unit 40 that presents the estimation results obtained by the estimation unit 30. The logistics resources include the number of workers required for arrival and shipment at the storage location, the amount of storage space, used space, and free space required for arrival and shipment at the storage location, and the vehicle conditions and number of vehicles required for arrival and shipment at the storage location. This configuration of the information processing device 1 according to the present embodiment allows the information processing device 1 to reliably acquire and secure a sufficient amount of information (amount of data) for the estimation unit 30 to make accurate estimations. Therefore, the information processing device 1 according to the present embodiment can accurately estimate the logistics resources required for arrival and shipment of items at a logistics base, such as a storage location, for a predetermined period of time. Then, by presenting the estimation result by the presentation unit 40, the user of the information processing device 1 who sees a bad estimation result can take appropriate measures such as adjusting or adapting logistics resources.

[0059] Furthermore, in the information processing device 1 according to this embodiment, the acquisition unit 10 acquires the types and number of influencing factors that affect the logistics resources of goods prepared at a storage location, and the estimation unit 30 is configured to estimate the logistics resources of goods for a predetermined unit of time based on the acquired types and number of influencing factors, the master information, and the arrival information and shipping information. By configuring the information processing device 1 according to this embodiment in this manner, the impact of the influencing factors on the logistics resources can be accurately grasped. Therefore, the logistics resources required for the arrival and shipment of goods at a logistics base such as a storage location for a predetermined unit of time can be more accurately estimated.

[0060] The information processing method according to the present embodiment includes the steps of acquiring information on the arrival and shipment of goods at a storage location and master information related to the storage location and the goods, estimating logistics resources for goods at the storage location for a predetermined period of time based on the arrival and shipment information and the master information, and presenting the estimation results. The logistics resources include the number of workers required for arrival and shipment at the storage location, the amount of storage space, used space, and free space required for arrival and shipment at the storage location, and the vehicle conditions and number of vehicles required for arrival and shipment at the storage location. Therefore, by configuring the information processing method according to the present embodiment in this way, it is possible to obtain the same effects as those of the information processing device 1.

[0061] (Embodiment 2) <Configuration of Information Processing Device> The configuration of an information processing device according to embodiment 2 will be described. Fig. 6 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an information processing device according to the present disclosure. As shown in Fig. 6, an information processing device 2 according to this embodiment includes an acquisition unit 10, a storage unit 20, an estimation unit 30, a presentation unit 40, a determination unit 50, and a transmission / reception unit 60. Note that the configurations of the acquisition unit 10, the storage unit 20, the estimation unit 30, and the presentation unit 40 in the information processing device 2 have the same functions as the corresponding components of the information processing device 1 according to embodiment 1, and therefore detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted except for functions unique to this embodiment.

[0062] The acquisition unit 10 is configured to acquire resource information (hereinafter referred to as prepared resource information) regarding logistics resources to be prepared for each day (predetermined period) corresponding to a storage location based on an arrival plan and a shipping plan. The acquisition unit 10 may acquire, for example, logistics resources prepared at a storage location for the next day or logistics resources prepared by a carrier for the next day from a server at the head office or branch office of the shipper of the goods or a server at a logistics company. The acquisition unit 10 outputs the acquired prepared resource information to the storage unit 20.

[0063] The preparation resource information includes vehicle information and the number of vehicles prepared by the transport company for each day, the number of workers prepared by the shipper and their skill level, the number of influencing factors prepared by the shipper and their impact level, etc.

[0064] The storage unit 20 is configured to store the preparation resource information received from the acquisition unit 10. Note that the storage unit 20 stores various pieces of information, similar to the configuration of the information processing device 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0065] The determination unit 50 is configured to determine whether there is a surplus or shortage of logistics resources on a target date based on the estimation results and the prepared resource information stored in the storage unit 20. The target date is a specified date on or after the day following the date on which the determination is made by the determination unit 50, and is a date on which prepared resource information corresponding to the specified date can be obtained.

[0066] In addition, as in embodiment 1, the logistics resources to be judged include the number of workers required on the target day, the amount of storage space required on the target day, the amount of used space in the storage space at that time, the amount of free space at that time, and the vehicle conditions and number of vehicles required on the target day.

[0067] The determination unit 50 outputs any one of "no surplus / shortage," "surplus," and "shortage" as the determination result. For example, the determination unit 50 compares the number of workers actually prepared for the target day with the number of workers required for the target day, and outputs the comparison result as the determination result: "no surplus / shortage," "surplus," or "shortage." The determination unit 50 also compares the amount of free space in the storage location actually prepared for the target day with the amount of space in the storage location required for the target day, and outputs the comparison result as the determination result: "no surplus / shortage," "surplus," or "shortage." The determination unit 50 also compares the vehicle conditions and number of vehicles actually prepared for the target day with the vehicle conditions and number of vehicles required for the target day, and outputs the comparison result as the determination result: "no surplus / shortage," "surplus," or "shortage."

[0068] Finally, only when all the determination results are neither excess nor shortage, the determination unit 50 determines that there is neither excess nor shortage. On the other hand, when any of the determination results includes a determination of excess or shortage, the determination unit 50 determines that the respective determination target is excess or shortage. The determination unit 50 outputs the determination result to the storage unit 20 and the presentation unit 40.

[0069] The storage unit 20 is configured to store the determination result by the determination unit 50. The presentation unit 40 is configured to present the determination result by the determination unit 50 as necessary. For example, the presentation unit 40 may display the determination result on a display screen of a display device (not shown), thereby presenting the estimated result. Note that processing according to the determination result will be described later.

[0070] The transmitter / receiver 60 is configured to transmit and receive data to and from a second information processing device (not shown) used at another logistics base within a predetermined area that includes the storage location. The other logistics bases include storage locations similar to the storage location, i.e., storage locations owned by the same shipper. The second information processing devices at the other logistics bases are also assumed to be executing the same or similar processing as the information processing device 2 of this embodiment. In other words, the second information processing device is configured to retain at least information on the surplus or shortage of logistics resources at the logistics base and to be able to present (provide) that information as needed.

[0071] The transmitting / receiving unit 60 is configured to transmit and receive data to and from a third information processing device used by a business partner. This business partner (not limited to a contractor) may be any company that can provide the necessary personnel, vehicles, labor-saving equipment, etc.

[0072] Here, we will explain the processing according to the determination result of the determination unit 50. First, if the determination unit 50 determines that there is no surplus or shortage of any logistics resources, the presentation unit 40 can present this fact (that there is no surplus or shortage) to the shipper, etc. (the shipper or its employee). After confirming this presentation, the shipper, etc. can determine that there is no need to adjust the number of logistics resources, etc.

[0073] Furthermore, if the determination unit 50 determines that there is an excess of any of the logistics resources on the target day, the presentation unit 40 may present this fact (that there is an excess of logistics resources) to the shipper, etc., and may also present the excess of logistics resources on the target day to the second information processing device via the transmission / reception unit 60. If there is a shortage of the relevant logistics resources at other logistics bases, there is a possibility that the corresponding logistics base will request the lending of those logistics resources.

[0074] Furthermore, if the determination unit 50 determines that there will be a shortage of any of the logistics resources on the target date, the presentation unit 40 may first present this fact (that there are shortages of logistics resources) to the shipper, etc. Then, the acquisition unit 10 may acquire information indicating whether the shortage of logistics resources is available for the storage location from the second information processing device via the transmission / reception unit 60. If there is another logistics base that has available logistics resources, the shipper, etc. may make a separate request for the availability of the resources.

[0075] In this way, by presenting (providing) the judgment results of the judgment unit 50 to other logistics bases, etc. that require the shortage of logistics resources, it is possible to effectively utilize excess logistics resources and efficiently secure the shortage of logistics resources.

[0076] In particular, when there is a shortage of logistics resources, if the acquisition unit 10 acquires from the second information processing device information on availability indicating that the shortage of logistics resources is available for the storage location, the presentation unit 40 can present information to the second information processing device via the transmission / reception unit 60 to request the availability of the shortage of logistics resources on the target day.

[0077] Furthermore, when there is a shortage of logistics resources, if the acquisition unit 10 acquires from the second information processing device information indicating that the shortage of logistics resources is not available for the storage location, the presentation unit 40 can present, via the transmission / reception unit 60, information to request the third information processing device used by the business contractor to lend out the shortage of logistics resources on the target day.

[0078] <Operation of Information Processing Device> Next, the operation of the information processing device 2 according to this embodiment will be described. Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation (determination process) of the information processing device 2 shown in Fig. 6. Note that the information processing device 2 also performs an estimation process and stores the estimation result in the storage unit 20, but since this is the same operation as in embodiment 1, detailed description thereof will be omitted. The determination process may be performed at a predetermined timing (for example, at the start or end of work each day) on the premise that the estimation process is being performed.

[0079] In the determination process, the acquisition unit 10 first acquires the estimated result of the determination date obtained by the estimation process (step S21), and acquires preparation resource information regarding the logistics resources to be prepared on that determination date (step S22).

[0080] The determination unit 50 then determines whether there is a shortage or surplus of logistics resources on the target date based on the estimation result and the prepared resource information (step S23). If the determination unit 50 determines that there is no shortage or surplus of any logistics resources, the presentation unit 40 presents that there is no shortage or surplus (step S24), and the determination process ends.

[0081] Furthermore, if the determination unit 50 determines in step S23 that any of the logistics resources is in excess on the target day, the notification unit 40 notifies other logistics bases in the specified area that there is an excess of logistics resources (step S25).Then, the processing flow waits in step S25 until a predetermined time has elapsed during which a request for accommodation can be received.

[0082] After a predetermined time, the determination unit 50 determines whether or not there has been a request for the use of excess logistics resources from another logistics base in the predetermined area where the storage location corresponding to the information processing device 2 is located (step S26). If it is determined that there has been no request for the use of excess logistics resources, the determination unit 50 ends this determination process.

[0083] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S26 that there is a request from any other logistics base for the allocation of excess logistics resources, the presentation unit 40 presents information indicating that the logistics resources are available to the corresponding logistics base via the transmission / reception unit 60, notifies the same (step S27), and terminates the determination process.

[0084] Also, in step S23, if the determination unit 50 determines that there is a shortage of any of the logistics resources on the target day, the acquisition unit 10 acquires information regarding the availability of the shortage logistics resources from other logistics bases within the specified area (step S28).

[0085] The determination unit 50 then determines whether or not there is a possibility of accommodating the shortage of logistics resources based on the acquired information (step S29). If the determination unit 50 determines that there is a possibility of accommodating the shortage of logistics resources, the presentation unit 40 presents information requesting accommodating the shortage of logistics resources to the second information processing device of the logistics base that can accommodate the shortage of logistics resources via the transmission / reception unit 60 (step S30), and the determination process ends.

[0086] On the other hand, if the judgment unit 50 determines that there is no possibility of lending the missing logistics resources, the presentation unit 40 presents a request for lending the missing logistics resources to the third information processing device used by the business contractor via the transmission / reception unit 60 (step S31), and terminates the judgment process.

[0087] As described above, the information processing device 2 according to the present embodiment is configured to include an acquisition unit 10 that acquires estimation results and preparation resource information; a storage unit 20 that stores the estimation results and the preparation resource information; a determination unit 50 that determines whether there is a surplus or shortage of logistics resources on a target date based on the estimation results and the preparation resource information; and a transceiver unit 60 that transmits and receives information regarding the surplus or shortage of logistics resources to a second information processing device or a third information processing device based on the determination result of the determination unit 50. The presentation unit 40 is configured to present information regarding the excess logistics resources and information regarding the accommodation of the shortage logistics resources to the second information processing device or the third information processing device via the transceiver unit 60. This configuration of the information processing device 2 according to the present embodiment makes it possible to provide information regarding the surplus or shortage of logistics resources to other logistics bases in a predetermined area corresponding to the second information processing device or to outsourcees corresponding to the third information processing device. Therefore, the information processing device 2 according to the present embodiment can accommodate excess logistics resources at its storage location to other physical bases and can request the accommodation of shortage logistics resources at its storage location from other logistics bases or outsourcees. As a result, it is possible to avoid a shortage of necessary logistics resources and to effectively allocate surplus logistics resources, thereby addressing the so-called 2024 logistics problem.

[0088] In the above-described embodiments, the present disclosure has been described as a hardware configuration, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. The present disclosure can also be realized by causing a processor in a computer to execute a computer program to perform the processes of the information processing devices 1 and 2 described in the above-described embodiments.

[0089] Finally, the hardware configuration of the information processing devices 1 and 2 will be described. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the information processing devices 1 and 2 of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 8, the information processing devices 1 and 2 include a network interface 100, a processor 200, and a memory 300. The network interface 100 may be used to communicate with not only the above-mentioned networks but also network nodes. The network interface 100 may include, for example, a network interface card (NIC) compliant with the IEEE 802.3 series. IEEE stands for Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.

[0090] The processor 200 reads and executes software (computer programs) from the memory 300 to perform various processes of the information processing devices 1 and 2 described above. The processor 200 may be, for example, a microprocessor, a microprocessing unit (MPU), or a central processing unit (CPU). The processor 200 may include multiple processors.

[0091] The memory 300 is configured by a combination of volatile memory and non-volatile memory. The memory 300 may include storage located remotely from the processor 200. In this case, the processor 200 may access the memory 300 via an I / O (Input / Output) interface (not shown).

[0092] 8, the memory 300 is used to store a group of software modules. The processor 200 reads and executes these software modules from the memory 300, thereby performing various processes of the information processing devices 1 and 2 described in the above embodiments.

[0093] As explained using Figure 8, each of the processors possessed by the information processing devices 1 and 2 in the above-mentioned embodiments executes one or more programs including a group of instructions for causing a computer to perform the algorithm explained using the drawings.

[0094] Some or all of the processes performed by the information processing devices 1 and 2 described above can be implemented as a computer program. Such programs can be stored on various types of non-transitory computer-readable media and supplied to a computer. Non-transitory computer-readable media include various types of tangible recording media. Examples of non-transitory computer-readable media include magnetic recording media (e.g., flexible disks, magnetic tapes, hard disk drives), magneto-optical recording media (e.g., magneto-optical disks), CD-ROMs (Read Only Memory), CD-Rs, CD-R / Ws, and semiconductor memories (e.g., mask ROMs, PROMs (Programmable ROMs), EPROMs (Erasable PROMs), flash ROMs, and RAMs (Random Access Memory)). The programs may also be supplied to a computer by various types of temporary computer-readable media. Examples of temporary computer-readable media include electrical signals, optical signals, and electromagnetic waves. The temporary computer-readable medium can supply the program to the computer via a wired communication path such as an electric wire or an optical fiber, or via a wireless communication path.

[0095] Although the present invention has been described with reference to the embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can be modified as appropriate within the scope of the invention.

[0096] Some or all of the above embodiments may be described as in the following supplementary notes, but are not limited to the following: (Supplementary Note 1) An information processing device comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires arrival information and shipment information of items at a storage location and master information related to the storage location and the items, an estimation unit that estimates logistics resources for the items at the storage location for a predetermined period of time based on the arrival information, the shipment information, and the master information, and a presentation unit that presents the estimation results by the estimation unit, wherein the logistics resources include the number of workers required for arrival at and shipment from the storage location, the amount of space, used space, and free space at the storage location required for the arrival at and shipment from the storage location, and vehicle conditions and the number of vehicles required for the arrival at and shipment from the storage location. (Supplementary Note 2) The information processing device according to Supplementary Note 1, wherein the acquisition unit acquires the types and the number of each type of influencing factors that affect the logistics resources for the item to be prepared at the storage location, and the estimation unit estimates the logistics resources for the item for the predetermined period based on the acquired types and the number of each type of influencing factors, the master information, the arrival information, and the shipping information. (Supplementary Note 3) The information processing device according to Supplementary Note 2, wherein the influencing factors include equipment or facilities that affect the required number of workers, the required area capacity of the storage location, and the required vehicle conditions and number of vehicles. (Supplementary Note 4) The information processing device according to Supplementary Note 1, wherein the master information includes at least a part of the area, length and width, height, and shape of the storage location, and at least a part of the length and width, height, weight, and shape of the item. (Supplementary Note 5) The information processing device according to Supplementary Note 4, wherein the master information further includes the vehicle conditions. (Supplementary Note 6) The information processing device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 5, further comprising a storage unit that stores the master information and preparation resource information related to logistics resources to be prepared each day at the storage location. (Supplementary Note 7) The information processing device according to Supplementary Note 6, wherein the acquisition unit acquires the preparation resource information, the information processing device further comprises a determination unit that determines whether there is a surplus or shortage of the logistics resources on a target day based on the estimation result and the preparation resource information, and the presentation unit presents the determination result made by the determination unit.(Supplementary Note 8) The information processing device according to Supplementary Note 7, further comprising a transmission / reception unit that transmits and receives data to and from a second information processing device used at another logistics base in a predetermined area including the storage location, wherein if the determination unit determines that there will be an excess of the logistics resources on the target day, the presentation unit presents to the second information processing device via the transmission / reception unit that there will be an excess of the logistics resources on the target day. (Supplementary Note 9) The information processing device according to Supplementary Note 8, wherein if the determination unit determines that there will be a shortage of the logistics resources on the target day, the acquisition unit acquires from the second information processing device via the transmission / reception unit information indicating whether the shortage of the logistics resources is available to the storage location. (Supplementary Note 10) The information processing device according to Supplementary Note 9, wherein if the acquisition unit acquires from the second information processing device flexibility information indicating that the shortage of the logistics resources is available to the storage location, the presentation unit presents to the second information processing device via the transmission / reception unit information for requesting the second information processing device to provide the shortage of the logistics resources on the target day. (Supplementary Note 11) The information processing device according to Supplementary Note 9, wherein, when the acquisition unit acquires from the second information processing device non-acceptance information indicating that the shortage of the shortage of logistics resources is not available for the storage location, the presentation unit presents information for requesting the accommodation of the shortage of logistics resources on the target date to a third information processing device used by a business outsourcing party via the transmission and reception unit. (Supplementary Note 12) An information processing method comprising the steps of: acquiring arrival information and shipment information of items at a storage location and master information related to the storage location and the items; estimating logistics resources for the items at the storage location for a predetermined period of time based on the arrival information and the shipment information and the master information; and presenting an estimation result, wherein the logistics resources include the number of workers required for arrival at and shipment from the storage location, the amount of space, used space, and free space at the storage location required for the arrival at and shipment from the storage location, and vehicle conditions and the number of vehicles required for the arrival at and shipment from the storage location.(Supplementary Note 13) A program that causes a computer to execute the following processes: a process of acquiring arrival information and shipping information of goods at a storage location and master information related to the storage location and the goods; a process of estimating logistics resources for the goods at the storage location for a specified period of time based on the arrival information, shipping information and master information; and a process of presenting the results of the estimation, wherein the logistics resources include the number of workers required for arrival and shipping at the storage location, the amount of space, used space and free space at the storage location required for the arrival and shipping at the storage location, and the vehicle conditions and number of vehicles required for the arrival and shipping at the storage location.

[0097] Some or all of the elements (e.g., configurations and functions) described in Supplementary Notes 2 to 11 that are dependent on Supplementary Note 1 may also be dependent on Supplementary Notes 12 and 13 in the same dependency relationship as Supplementary Notes 2 to 11. Some or all of the elements described in any Supplementary Note may be applied to various hardware, software, recording means for recording software, systems, and methods.

[0098] Although the present disclosure has been described above with reference to the embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described 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. Furthermore, each embodiment can be combined with other embodiments as appropriate.

[0099] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-51034, filed March 27, 2024, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

[0100] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1, 2 Information processing device 10 Acquisition unit 20 Storage unit 30 Estimation unit 40 Presentation unit 50 Determination unit 60 Transmission / reception unit 100 Network interface 200 Processor 300 Memory

Claims

1. An information processing device comprising: an acquisition means for acquiring arrival information and shipping information of goods at a storage location and master information regarding the storage location and the goods; an estimation means for estimating logistics resources for the goods at the storage location for a specified period of time based on the arrival information, shipping information and master information; and a presentation means for presenting the estimation results by the estimation means, wherein the logistics resources include the number of workers required for arrival and shipping at the storage location, the amount of space, used space and free space at the storage location required for the arrival and shipping at the storage location, and the vehicle conditions and number of vehicles required for the arrival and shipping at the storage location.

2. The information processing device described in claim 1, wherein the acquisition means acquires the types and number of each type of influencing factors that affect the logistics resources of the item prepared at the storage location, and the estimation means estimates the logistics resources of the item for the specified period based on the acquired types and number of each type of influencing factors, the master information, the arrival information, and the shipping information.

3. The information processing device according to claim 2, wherein the influencing factors include equipment or facilities that affect any of the required number of workers, the required amount of storage space, and the required vehicle conditions and number of vehicles.

4. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the master information includes at least part of the area, length, width, height, and shape of the storage location, and at least part of the length, width, height, weight, and shape of the item.

5. The information processing device according to claim 4, wherein the master information further includes the vehicle conditions.

6. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising storage means for storing prepared resource information relating to logistics resources prepared each day at said storage location and said master information.

7. The information processing device according to claim 6, wherein the acquisition means acquires the preparation resource information, the information processing device further comprises a determination means for determining whether there is a surplus or shortage of logistics resources on a target date based on the estimation result and the preparation resource information, and the presentation means presents the determination result made by the determination means.

8. An information processing device as described in claim 7, further comprising a transmission / reception means for transmitting and receiving data with a second information processing device used at another logistics base within a specified area including the storage location, and when the determination means determines that there is an excess of the logistics resources on the target day, the presentation means presents to the second information processing device via the transmission / reception means that there is an excess of the logistics resources on the target day.

9. An information processing device as described in claim 8, wherein, when the determination means determines that there will be a shortage of logistics resources on the target date, the acquisition means acquires from the second information processing device via the transmission / reception means information indicating whether the shortage of logistics resources is available to the storage location.

10. An information processing device as described in claim 9, wherein, when the acquisition means acquires from the second information processing device information indicating that the shortage of logistics resources is available for the storage location, the presentation means presents to the second information processing device via the transmission / reception means information for requesting the shortage of logistics resources on the target date.

11. An information processing device as described in claim 9, wherein, when the acquisition means acquires from the second information processing device information indicating that the shortage of logistics resources is not available for the storage location, the presentation means presents, via the transmission / reception means, information to request the availability of the shortage of logistics resources on the target date to a third information processing device used by a business partner.

12. An information processing method comprising the steps of: acquiring information on the arrival and shipment of goods at a storage location and master information relating to the storage location and the goods; estimating logistics resources for the goods at the storage location for a specified period of time based on the arrival information, the shipment information and the master information; and presenting the results of the estimation, wherein the logistics resources include the number of workers required for arrival and shipment at the storage location, the amount of space, used space and free space at the storage location required for the arrival and shipment at the storage location, and the vehicle conditions and number of vehicles required for the arrival and shipment at the storage location.

13. A program that causes a computer to execute the following processes: a process of acquiring information on the arrival and shipment of goods at a storage location and master information related to the storage location and the goods; a process of estimating logistics resources for the goods at the storage location for a specified period of time based on the arrival information, the shipment information and the master information; and a process of presenting the results of the estimation, wherein the logistics resources include the number of workers required for arrival and shipment at the storage location, the amount of space, used space and free space at the storage location required for the arrival and shipment at the storage location, and the vehicle conditions and number of vehicles required for the arrival and shipment at the storage location.

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