Electronic device and information providing method thereof

Abstract

An information providing method of an electronic device is disclosed. The information providing method may comprise the steps of: checking information on a first order including information on one or more items; checking cost information according to a packaging method configured for each of multiple zone groups in multiple fulfillment centers and inventory information of the multiple zone groups; identifying an allocation method for one or more stock keeping units (SKUs) corresponding to the one or more items, the allocation method being determined on the basis of the cost information according to the packaging method configured for each of the multiple zone groups and the inventory information of the multiple zone groups; and on the basis of the allocation method for the one or more SKUs, generating first instruction information for picking the one or more SKUs.

Description

Electronic devices and their methods of providing information

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an electronic device and a control method thereof for more efficiently delivering items to customers based on a zone group in which a logistics center is divided into several zones according to a delivery method, a picking method, a packaging method, etc.

[0002] As internet use becomes more widespread, the e-commerce market is expanding. In particular, interest in e-commerce / online shopping, which allows for contactless product purchases, is rapidly increasing due to the spread of infectious diseases. Items sold through e-commerce are delivered to a logistics center, processed based on customer order information, and then delivered to the customer's shipping address.

[0003] At this time, there is a need to deliver items to customers more efficiently by dividing the logistics center into several zones or areas and setting different delivery methods, picking methods, or packing methods for each zone group containing one or more zones.

[0004] The disclosed embodiments provide an electronic device and an information provision method thereof. More specifically, the present invention aims to provide an electronic device and a control method thereof for more efficiently delivering items to customers based on zone groups, which divide a logistics center into multiple zones based on delivery methods, picking methods, packaging methods, etc.

[0005] The technical tasks to be achieved by this embodiment are not limited to the technical tasks described above, and other technical tasks can be inferred from the following embodiments.

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure may provide an information providing method, including: a step of confirming information regarding a first order including information regarding one or more items; a step of confirming cost information according to a packaging method set for each of a plurality of zone groups within a plurality of fulfillment centers and inventory information of the plurality of zone groups; a step of confirming an allocation method of one or more stock keeping units (SKUs) corresponding to the one or more items, the allocation method being determined based on the cost information according to the packaging method set for each of the plurality of zone groups and the inventory information of the plurality of zone groups; and a step of generating first instruction information for picking the one or more SKUs based on the allocation method of the one or more SKUs.

[0007] In addition, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, the plurality of zone groups may include at least one of a first type of zone group in which picking or loading is performed by a worker; a second type of zone group in which picking or loading is performed by an automated guided vehicle (AGV); a third type of zone group in which SKUs are pre-packaged and displayed; a fourth type of zone group in which SKUs of the first type frequently purchased by users are displayed; a fifth type of zone group in which SKUs of the second type and SKUs of the third type frequently purchased together by the users are displayed; and a sixth type of zone group that is not set as the first type of zone group, the second type of zone group, the third type of zone group, the fourth type of zone group, and the fifth type of zone group.

[0008] In addition, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for providing information may be provided in which cost information according to a packaging method set for each of the plurality of zone groups includes cost information according to a first packaging method for individually packaging SKUs; cost information according to a second packaging method for combining SKUs of the same type; and cost information according to a third packaging method for combining SKUs of different types.

[0009] In addition, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, for the second type of zone group, the cost according to the third packaging method among the first packaging method, the second packaging method, and the third packaging method is set to be the cheapest, for the third type of zone group, the cost according to the first packaging method among the first packaging method, the second packaging method, and the third packaging method is set to be the cheapest, for the fourth type of zone group, the cost according to the second packaging method among the first packaging method, the second packaging method, and the third packaging method is set to be the cheapest, and for the fifth type of zone group, the cost according to the third packaging method among the first packaging method, the second packaging method, and the third packaging method is set to be the cheapest.

[0010] In addition, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, the information providing method may further include the step of providing a first user interface for setting information about a zone group to an administrator; and the step of confirming cost information according to the first packaging method, the second packaging method, and the third packaging method for at least one of the first type of zone group, the second type of zone group, the third type of zone group, the fourth type of zone group, the fifth type of zone group, and the sixth type of zone group based on information input by the administrator through the first user interface.

[0011] In addition, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, the step of checking the allocation method of the one or more SKUs may include the step of checking, based on inventory information of the plurality of zone groups, one or more zone groups among the plurality of zone groups that have inventory of the one or more SKUs; and the step of determining, based on cost information according to a packaging method set for each of the plurality of zone groups, a method of allocating the one or more SKUs to at least one zone group among the one or more zone groups so as to minimize the picking and packaging cost of the one or more SKUs.

[0012] In addition, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, a first SKU among the one or more SKUs is assigned to a first zone group among the at least one zone group, and the information providing method further includes a step of checking information about a processable quantity of the plurality of zone groups, and the step of generating the first instruction information includes a step of checking that the first SKU cannot be processed in the first zone group based on the information about the processable quantity of the plurality of zone groups; and a step of generating instruction information for picking up the first SKU in a zone group of the same type as the first zone group within a logistics center different from the first zone group.

[0013] In addition, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, a second SKU among the one or more SKUs is assigned to a second zone group among the at least one zone group, and the step of generating the first instruction information includes the step of confirming information that the second SKU displayed in the second zone group is damaged; and the step of generating instruction information for picking up the second SKU in a zone group of a different type from the second zone group based on cost information according to a packaging method set for each of the plurality of zone groups and inventory information of the plurality of zone groups. The method may further include:

[0014] In addition, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, a third SKU among the one or more SKUs is assigned to a third zone group among the at least one zone group, and the step of generating the first instruction information includes the step of confirming information that the third SKU is not in stock in the third zone group; and the step of generating instruction information for picking up the third SKU in a zone group of a different type from the third zone group based on cost information according to a packaging method set for each of the plurality of zone groups and inventory information of the plurality of zone groups. The method may further include:

[0015] In addition, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, the information providing method may further include: a step of confirming information about a plurality of SKUs to be delivered to a first logistics center among the plurality of logistics centers; a step of confirming information about the processable quantities of zone groups within the first logistics center; and a step of generating second instruction information for displaying the plurality of SKUs in at least one of the first type of zone group, the second type of zone group, the third type of zone group, the fourth type of zone group, the fifth type of zone group, and the sixth type of zone group, based on the information about the processable quantities of zone groups within the first logistics center.

[0016] In addition, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, the information providing method may further include a step of confirming information about a plurality of SKUs to be delivered to a first logistics center among the plurality of logistics centers; and a step of generating third instruction information for displaying the first type of SKU among the plurality of SKUs in the fourth type of zone group, and the second type of SKU and the third type of SKU in the fifth type of zone group.

[0017] In addition, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, the information providing method may further include a step of confirming, based on inventory information of a plurality of zone groups, that all of the first type SKUs displayed in the fourth type of zone group in a second logistics center among the plurality of logistics centers have been shipped; and a step of generating fourth instruction information for moving the first type SKUs displayed in at least one of the first type of zone group, the second type of zone group, the third type of zone group, the fifth type of zone group, and the sixth type of zone group in the second logistics center to the fourth type of zone group.

[0018] In addition, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, the information providing method may further include a step of confirming, based on inventory information of a plurality of zone groups, that all of the second type SKUs displayed in the fifth type of zone group in a second logistics center among the plurality of logistics centers have been shipped; and a step of generating fifth instruction information for moving the second type SKUs displayed in at least one of the first type of zone group, the second type of zone group, the third type of zone group, the fourth type of zone group, and the sixth type of zone group in the second logistics center to the fifth type of zone group.

[0019] In addition, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, the information providing method may further include the step of providing a second user interface including a list of a plurality of zones within a third logistics center among the plurality of logistics centers to an administrator; and the step of confirming, based on information input by the administrator through the second user interface, the type of a zone group corresponding to each of the plurality of zones as one of the first type, the second type, the third type, the fourth type, the fifth type, and the sixth type.

[0020] In addition, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, the step of providing the second user interface to the manager may include a step of confirming at least one of first information regarding a distance from the plurality of zones to a conveyor belt, second information regarding the number of available picking work platforms in the plurality of zones, third information regarding hourly productivity of available picking work platforms in the plurality of zones, and fourth information regarding the presence or absence of an unmanned transport vehicle in the plurality of zones; a step of determining a type of a zone group corresponding to each of the plurality of zones based on at least one of the first information, the second information, the third information, and the fourth information; and a step of providing the manager with information regarding the type of a zone group corresponding to each of the plurality of zones.

[0021] Another aspect of the present disclosure may provide an electronic device comprising a transceiver, a memory and a processor, wherein the processor verifies information regarding a first order including information regarding one or more items, verifies cost information according to a packing method set for each of a plurality of zone groups in a plurality of fulfillment centers and inventory information of the plurality of zone groups, verifies an allocation method of one or more SKUs (stock keeping units) corresponding to the one or more items, the allocation method being determined based on the cost information according to the packing method set for each of the plurality of zone groups and the inventory information of the plurality of zone groups, and generates first instruction information for picking the one or more SKUs based on the allocation method of the one or more SKUs.

[0022] Another aspect of the present disclosure may provide a computer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon a program for implementing a method performed by an electronic device.

[0023] Specific details of other embodiments are included in the detailed description and drawings.

[0024] According to the proposed embodiment, one or more of the following effects can be expected.

[0025] According to an embodiment of the present specification, by setting the packaging method, the time for ordering items corresponding to displayed SKUs, or whether to pre-pack displayed SKUs differently for each zone group, and by changing the item allocation method performed at the logistics center level to performed at the zone group level, items ordered by users can be delivered more quickly and the cost required for delivery can be reduced.

[0026] The effects of the invention are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the claims.

[0027] Figure 1 illustrates a system according to one embodiment.

[0028] Figures 2a and 2b illustrate an example of a zone group according to one embodiment.

[0029] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a process in which an electronic device allocates an item ordered by a user according to one embodiment.

[0030] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a process for an electronic device to generate instruction information for picking up one or more SKUs according to one embodiment.

[0031] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a process for an electronic device to generate instruction information for displaying one or more SKUs according to one embodiment.

[0032] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a process for an electronic device to generate instruction information for moving one or more SKUs according to one embodiment.

[0033] FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate an example of a user interface provided by an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0034] Figure 8 shows a flowchart of a method for providing information of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0035] Figure 9 shows a block diagram of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0036] The terms used in the embodiments have been selected from widely used and common terms, taking into account the functions of the present disclosure. However, these terms may vary depending on the intentions of those skilled in the art, precedents, the emergence of new technologies, etc. Furthermore, in certain cases, terms may be arbitrarily selected by the applicant, in which case their meanings will be described in detail in the relevant description. Therefore, the terms used in this disclosure should not be defined simply as names of terms, but rather based on the meanings of the terms and the overall content of the present disclosure.

[0037] When a part of a specification is said to "include" a component, this does not mean that it excludes other components, but rather that it may include other components, unless otherwise stated.

[0038] The expression "at least one of a, b, and c" described throughout the specification may encompass 'a alone', 'b alone', 'c alone', 'a and b', 'a and c', 'b and c', or 'all of a, b, and c'.

[0039] The "terminal" mentioned below may be implemented as a computer or portable terminal that can connect to a server or other terminal via a network. Here, the computer includes, for example, a notebook, desktop, laptop, etc. equipped with a web browser, and the portable terminal may include, for example, a wireless communication device that guarantees portability and mobility, and may include all types of handheld-based wireless communication devices such as communication-based terminals such as IMT (International Mobile Telecommunication), CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access), W-CDMA (W-Code Division Multiple Access), LTE (Long Term Evolution), smartphones, tablet PCs, etc.

[0040] Below, embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail with reference to the attached drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the present disclosure. However, the present disclosure may be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0041] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0042] Figure 1 illustrates a system according to one embodiment.

[0043] Referring to FIG. 1, the system may include at least one of an electronic device (100), a user terminal (110), a worker terminal (120), an administrator terminal (130), a database (140), and a network (150). Meanwhile, the system illustrated in FIG. 1 only illustrates components related to the present embodiment. Therefore, those skilled in the art will appreciate that, in addition to the components illustrated in FIG. 1, other general-purpose components may be included.

[0044] An electronic device (100) is a device that configures and provides various types of information. The electronic device (100) may provide the configured information as a web page or application screen, or may provide the information in a form that can be displayed as a web page or application screen on a receiving terminal.

[0045] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (100) may generate instruction information for picking up SKUs corresponding to items ordered by a user. For example, the electronic device (100) may check information regarding a first order including information regarding one or more items, and check cost information based on a packaging method set for each of a plurality of zone groups within a plurality of logistics centers and inventory information of the plurality of zone groups. Thereafter, the electronic device (100) may check an allocation method of one or more SKUs corresponding to one or more items, determined based on the cost information based on the packaging method set for each of the plurality of zone groups and the inventory information of the plurality of zone groups, and generate first instruction information for picking up one or more SKUs based on the allocation method of the one or more SKUs.

[0046] The user terminal (110) is a terminal used by each user, and users can access services provided by the network (150) using their respective terminals (110). For example, the electronic device (100) may provide an application to the user terminal (110) for providing information related to ordering various items, and users can order various items using the application installed on their respective terminals (110). Alternatively, users may check real-time delivery information for item orders using their respective terminals (110). In this case, the user may correspond to the customer who ordered the delivery of the item.

[0047] The worker terminal (120) is a terminal used by each worker, and each worker can perform display, picking, or packaging tasks using their own terminal (120). For example, each worker can use their own terminal (120) to display SKUs in a designated zone group or pick up one or more displayed SKUs. Alternatively, each worker can use their own terminal (120) to individually or collectively package multiple SKUs using designated packaging materials.

[0048] The administrator terminal (130) is a terminal used by the administrator, and the administrator can manage item allocation tasks using an application installed on the administrator terminal (130). For example, the administrator can use the user interface displayed on the administrator terminal (130) to set costs according to the packaging method for each zone group. Alternatively, the administrator can use the user interface displayed on the administrator terminal (130) to add a new zone group to a designated zone group or exclude a zone group included in a designated zone group.

[0049] The database (140) is a data structure implemented in a predetermined storage space, and may include a relational database such as MySQL, Oracle, Mssql, a non-relational database such as Redis, MongoDB, CouchDB, an open source search engine such as Elasticsearch, and a combination thereof. For example, the database (140) may store inventory information of zone groups within a plurality of logistics centers. Alternatively, the database (140) may store cost information according to a packaging method set for each zone group within a plurality of logistics centers. Meanwhile, FIG. 1 illustrates that the database (140) exists outside the electronic device (100), but this is only one embodiment, and the database (140) may be included in the electronic device (100).

[0050] The user terminal (110), the worker terminal (120), the administrator terminal (130), and the database (140) and the electronic device (100) can communicate with each other within the network (150). The network (150) includes a Local Area Network (LAN), a Wide Area Network (WAN), a Value Added Network (VAN), a mobile radio communication network, a satellite communication network, and a combination thereof, and is a comprehensive data communication network that allows each network component illustrated in FIG. 1 to communicate smoothly with each other, and may include wired Internet, wireless Internet, and a mobile radio communication network. Wireless communication may include, but is not limited to, wireless LAN (Wi-Fi), Bluetooth, Bluetooth low energy, Zigbee, Wi-Fi Direct (WFD), ultra wideband (UWB), infrared communication (IrDA, infrared Data Association), NFC (Near Field Communication), etc., for example.

[0051] Figures 2a and 2b illustrate an example of a zone group according to one embodiment.

[0052] According to one embodiment, a fulfillment center (FC) may include multiple zones. For example, referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B , a first floor of a fulfillment center (200) may include ten zones (11A, 11B, 11C, 11D, 11E, 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, and 12E), and a second floor of a fulfillment center (FC) may include ten zones (21A, 21B, 21C, 21D, 21E, 22A, 22B, 22C, 22D, and 22E).

[0053] Here, a zone is a division of the logistics center into several areas to facilitate the management of various types of items loaded in the logistics center. Each zone can display a SKU corresponding to a designated type of item. While Figure 2b depicts each zone as having one display shelf, this is merely an example, and each zone may have multiple display shelves.

[0054] According to one embodiment, there may be one or more zone groups within a logistics center, each of which includes one or more zones. For example, referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B , on the first floor of a logistics center (200), there may be a first type of zone group (210) including five zones (11A, 11B, 11C, 11D, and 11E), a second type of zone group (220) including two zones (12A and 12B), and a third type of zone group (230) including three zones (12C, 12D, and 12E). Additionally, on the second floor of the logistics center (200), there may exist a second type of zone group (220) including three zones (21A, 21B, and 21C), a fourth type of zone group (240) including two zones (21D and 21E), a sixth type of zone group (260) including two zones (22A and 22B), a fourth type of zone group (240) including two zones (22C and 22D), and a fifth type of zone group (250) including one zone (22E).

[0055] At this time, the zone group is a virtual concept for comprehensively managing the included zones, and depending on the type of zone group, cost information according to the packaging method, the entity performing the picking work, the time for ordering items corresponding to the displayed SKU, or whether to pre-pack the displayed SKU can be set differently.

[0056] For example, in zones within the Type 1 zone group or the Manual zone group, workers can directly perform display or picking tasks. Furthermore, for the Type 1 zone group, among the first packaging method, which individually packages SKUs, the second packaging method, which combines SKUs of the same type, and the third packaging method, which combines SKUs of different types, the second packaging method may be set to have the lowest cost.

[0057] For another example, in a zone included in a second type of zone group or an AGV zone group, an automated guided vehicle (AGV) can perform a picking operation while moving at a set speed or route. Furthermore, with respect to the second type of zone group, among the first packaging method of individually packaging SKUs, the second packaging method of combining SKUs of the same type, and the third packaging method of combining SKUs of different types, the cost for the third packaging method may be set to be the lowest.

[0058] For another example, in zones within the third type of zone group or the pre-pack zone group, workers can directly perform display or picking operations, and SKUs can be individually packaged and displayed. Furthermore, regarding the third type of zone group, among the first packaging method of individually packaging SKUs, the second packaging method of combining SKUs of the same type, and the third packaging method of combining SKUs of different types, the cost for the first packaging method may be set to be the lowest.

[0059] For another example, in a zone included in the fourth type of zone group or the Fast Forward zone group, workers can directly perform display work or picking work, and the first type of SKU that users frequently purchase can be displayed. In addition, with respect to the fourth type of zone group, among the first packaging method of individually packaging SKUs, the second packaging method of combining SKUs of the same type, and the third packaging method of combining SKUs of different types, the cost according to the second packaging method can be set to be the lowest. Meanwhile, the orderable period for items corresponding to SKUs displayed in zones included in the fourth type of zone group can be set later than the orderable period for items corresponding to SKUs displayed in zones included in other types of zone groups.

[0060] For another example, in a zone group of the fifth type or a multi-manual zone group, workers can directly perform display or picking tasks, and second and third types of SKUs that users frequently purchase together can be displayed. In addition, with respect to the fifth type of zone group, among the first packaging method of individually packaging SKUs, the second packaging method of combining SKUs of the same type, and the third packaging method of combining SKUs of different types, the cost for the third packaging method can be set to be the lowest.

[0061] For another example, zones that are not set as the first type of zone group, the second type of zone group, the third type of zone group, the fourth type of zone group, and the fifth type of zone group may be included in the sixth type of zone group, which is the default value, or the Unspecified zone group. In the zones included in the sixth type of zone group, workers can directly perform display work or picking work. In addition, with respect to the sixth type of zone group, among the first packaging method of individually packaging SKUs, the second packaging method of combining SKUs of the same type, and the third packaging method of combining SKUs of different types, the cost according to the second packaging method may be set to be the lowest.

[0062] In this way, by setting different cost information for each zone group based on the packaging method, the time for ordering items corresponding to the displayed SKU, or whether to pre-pack the displayed SKU, and by changing the item allocation method that was performed at the logistics center level to be performed at the zone group level, items ordered by users can be delivered more quickly and the cost required for delivery can be reduced.

[0063] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a process in which an electronic device (100) allocates items ordered by a user according to one embodiment. Each of the item allocation module (300), packaging method determination module (305), and warehouse management module (310) illustrated in FIG. 3 may be included in the electronic device (100) or in a server existing outside the electronic device (100).

[0064] In step S320, the item allocation module (300) may receive order information from the user terminal (110) according to one embodiment. For example, the user terminal (110) may transmit order information including information about one or more items ordered by the user and information about a delivery address to the item allocation module (300).

[0065] In step S325, the item allocation module (300) may obtain cost information according to a packaging method set for each of a plurality of zone groups within a plurality of logistics centers and inventory information of the plurality of zone groups from the database (140), according to one embodiment. For example, the item allocation module (300) may obtain cost information according to a packaging method set for each of a plurality of zone groups and inventory information of the plurality of zone groups from the database (140) upon receiving order information from the user terminal (110).

[0066] In step S330, the item allocation module (300) may transmit cost information according to the packing method set for each of the plurality of zone groups and inventory information of the plurality of zone groups to the packing method determination module (305) according to one embodiment. For example, the item allocation module (300) may obtain cost information according to the packing method set for each of the plurality of zone groups and inventory information of the plurality of zone groups, and may transmit a request for a method of allocating items together with the cost information according to the packing method set for each of the plurality of zone groups and the inventory information of the plurality of zone groups to the packing method determination module (305).

[0067] In step S335, the packaging method determination module (305) may determine multiple allocation methods for allocating one or more SKUs and multiple packaging methods for packaging one or more SKUs according to an embodiment. For example, the packaging method determination module (305) may identify multiple zone groups that have inventory of one or more SKUs corresponding to one or more items based on inventory information of the zone groups. Thereafter, the packaging method determination module (305) may determine multiple allocation methods for the one or more SKUs and multiple packaging methods for the one or more SKUs to minimize the picking and packaging costs of the one or more SKUs based on cost information according to the packaging method set for each of the multiple zone groups. In addition, the packaging method determination module (305) may determine packaging materials required for packaging one or more SKUs according to the packaging methods.

[0068] At step S340, the item allocation module (300) may receive information regarding multiple allocation methods from the packaging method determination module (305), according to one embodiment. For example, the packaging method determination module (305) may transmit information regarding multiple allocation methods for allocating one or more SKUs to the item allocation module (300).

[0069] In step S345, the item allocation module (300) may select a first allocation method among a plurality of allocation methods according to an embodiment. For example, the item allocation module (300) may select a first allocation method that has the lowest expected cost when picking and packing one or more SKUs according to a plurality of allocation methods and a plurality of packing methods. Alternatively, the item allocation module (300) may check the priorities of the logistics centers to which the zone groups to which the SKUs are assigned belong, and select a first allocation method corresponding to the zone group belonging to the logistics center with the highest priority. Alternatively, the item allocation module (300) may select a first allocation method that has the smallest number of corresponding parcels.

[0070] At step S350, the item allocation module (300) may transmit information regarding a first allocation method to the warehouse management module (310) according to one embodiment. For example, the item allocation module (300) may transmit information regarding a first allocation method that has the lowest expected cost when picking and packing one or more SKUs to the warehouse management module (310).

[0071] At step S355, the warehouse management module (310) may transmit a request for a packaging method corresponding to the first allocation method to the packaging method determination module (305) according to one embodiment. For example, upon receiving information regarding the first allocation method from the item allocation module (300), the warehouse management module (310) may transmit a request for a packaging method corresponding to the first allocation method to the packaging method determination module (305).

[0072] At step S360, the packaging method determination module (305) may, according to an embodiment, identify a first packaging method corresponding to a first allocation method among a plurality of packaging methods. For example, upon receiving a request for a packaging method corresponding to the first allocation method from the warehouse management module (310), the packaging method determination module (305) may identify the first packaging method corresponding to the first allocation method and packaging materials required to package one or more SKUs according to the first packaging method.

[0073] At step S365, the warehouse management module (310) may receive information regarding the first packaging method from the packaging method determination module (305) according to one embodiment. For example, the packaging method determination module (305) may transmit information regarding the first packaging method and information regarding packaging materials required to package one or more SKUs according to the first packaging method to the warehouse management module (310).

[0074] At step S370, the warehouse management module (310) may generate instruction information for picking up SKUs displayed in a first type of zone group according to an embodiment. For example, the warehouse management module (310) may generate instruction information for picking up at least one SKU among one or more SKUs from a first type of zone group based on a first allocation method.

[0075] At this time, in the zones included in the first type of zone group, workers can directly perform display work or product picking work, and the cost according to the second packaging method of combining SKUs of the same type can be set at the lowest cost.

[0076] In step S375, the warehouse management module (310) may generate instruction information for picking up SKUs displayed in a second type of zone group according to an embodiment. For example, the warehouse management module (310) may generate instruction information for picking up at least one SKU among one or more SKUs from a second type of zone group based on the first allocation method.

[0077] At this time, in the zone included in the second type of zone group, the unmanned transport vehicle can perform the picking operation while moving according to a set speed or route, and the cost according to the third packaging method of packaging different types of SKUs together can be set at the lowest cost.

[0078] At step S380, the warehouse management module (310) may generate instruction information for picking up SKUs displayed in a third type of zone group according to one embodiment. For example, the warehouse management module (310) may generate instruction information for picking up at least one SKU among one or more SKUs from a third type of zone group based on the first allocation method.

[0079] At this time, workers in zones within the third type of zone group can directly perform display or stock-picking tasks, and SKUs can be individually packaged and displayed. Furthermore, the first packaging method, which individually packages SKUs, can be set to offer the lowest costs.

[0080] In step S385, the warehouse management module (310) may generate instruction information for picking up SKUs displayed in a fourth type of zone group according to an embodiment. For example, the warehouse management module (310) may generate instruction information for picking up at least one SKU among one or more SKUs from a fourth type of zone group based on the first allocation method.

[0081] At this time, in the zones included in the fourth type of zone group, workers can directly perform display or product picking tasks, and the first type of SKUs frequently purchased by users can be displayed. In addition, the cost according to the second packaging method of combining SKUs of the same type can be set to the lowest, and the ordering period for items corresponding to SKUs displayed in zones included in the fourth type of zone group can be set later than the ordering period for items corresponding to SKUs displayed in zones included in other types of zone groups.

[0082] At step S390, the warehouse management module (310) may generate instruction information for picking up SKUs displayed in a fifth type of zone group according to an embodiment. For example, the warehouse management module (310) may generate instruction information for picking up at least one SKU among one or more SKUs from a fifth type of zone group based on the first allocation method.

[0083] At this time, in the zones included in the fifth type of zone group, workers can directly perform display or picking work, and the second type of SKU and the third type of SKU that users frequently purchase together can be displayed. In addition, the cost according to the third packaging method of combining different types of SKUs can be set to the lowest, and the SKUs displayed in the zones included in the fifth type of zone group can be packaged after picking work and the rebin work of gathering the picked SKUs to a designated area are performed.

[0084] In step S395, the warehouse management module (310) may generate instruction information for picking up SKUs displayed in a sixth type of zone group according to an embodiment. For example, the warehouse management module (310) may generate instruction information for picking up at least one SKU among one or more SKUs from a sixth type of zone group based on the first allocation method.

[0085] At this time, zones without a corresponding zone group set can be included in the default zone group, Type 6. In zones included in Type 6, workers can directly perform display or product-picking tasks, and the cost of the second packaging method, which combines SKUs of the same type, can be set to the lowest possible cost.

[0086] Meanwhile, although FIG. 3 illustrates that steps S370 to S395 are performed sequentially, this is only one embodiment, and depending on the selected first allocation method, only some of steps S370 to S395 may be performed, and some of steps S370 to S395 may be performed simultaneously.

[0087] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a process in which an electronic device (100) generates instruction information for picking up one or more SKUs according to one embodiment.

[0088] At step S400, the administrator terminal (130) may provide a first user interface for setting information regarding zone groups, according to an embodiment. For example, the administrator terminal (130) may display a first user interface for setting cost information according to packaging methods for each type of zone group based on information received from the electronic device (100).

[0089] Meanwhile, a specific example of the first user interface for setting information about a zone group will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 7a and 7b.

[0090] In step S410, the electronic device (100) may receive cost information according to a packaging method set for each zone group from the administrator terminal (130) according to an embodiment. For example, the administrator terminal (130) may obtain an input from an administrator who sets cost information according to a first packaging method for individually packaging SKUs, a second packaging method for combining SKUs of the same type, and a third packaging method for combining SKUs of different types for each of the first type of zone group, the second type of zone group, the third type of zone group, the fourth type of zone group, the fifth type of zone group, and the sixth type of zone group through the first user interface. Thereafter, the administrator terminal (130) may transmit cost information according to the packaging method set for each zone group input by the administrator to the electronic device (100).

[0091] At step S420, the electronic device (100) may store cost information according to the packaging method set for each zone group in the database (140) according to one embodiment. For example, upon receiving cost information according to the packaging method set for each zone group from the administrator terminal (130), the electronic device (100) may store cost information according to the packaging method set for each zone group in the database (140).

[0092] In step S430, the electronic device (100) may receive information regarding a first order, including information regarding one or more items, from the user terminal (110), according to one embodiment. For example, the user terminal (110) may transmit order information, including information regarding one or more items ordered by the user and information regarding a delivery address, to the electronic device (100).

[0093] At step S440, the electronic device (100) may obtain, from the database (140), cost information based on the packaging method set for each of the plurality of zone groups within each of the plurality of logistics centers and inventory information for each of the plurality of zone groups, according to one embodiment. For example, upon obtaining information regarding the first order, the electronic device (100) may check cost information based on the packaging method set for each of the plurality of zone groups and inventory information for each of the plurality of zone groups stored in the database (140).

[0094] At step S450, the electronic device (100) may determine an allocation method of one or more SKUs corresponding to one or more items based on cost information according to a packaging method set for each of a plurality of zone groups and inventory information of the plurality of zone groups, according to an embodiment. For example, the electronic device (100) may determine one or more zone groups having inventory of one or more SKUs among the plurality of zone groups based on inventory information of the plurality of zone groups. Thereafter, the electronic device (100) may determine a method of allocating one or more SKUs to at least one zone group among the one or more zone groups to minimize the picking and packaging cost of the one or more SKUs, based on cost information according to a packaging method set for each of the plurality of zone groups.

[0095] At step S460, the electronic device (100) may generate instruction information for picking up one or more SKUs based on an allocation method of one or more SKUs according to an embodiment. For example, the electronic device (100) may generate first instruction information for picking up a first SKU among the one or more SKUs from a first zone group, second instruction information for picking up a second SKU among the one or more SKUs from a second zone group, and third instruction information for picking up a third SKU among the one or more SKUs from a third zone group.

[0096] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (100) may generate instruction information for picking up at least a portion of one or more SKUs based on information regarding the processable quantities of a plurality of zone groups, in a manner different from the allocation method of one or more SKUs. For example, the electronic device (100) may determine that the first SKU cannot be processed in a first zone group based on information regarding the processable quantities of the plurality of zone groups. Accordingly, the electronic device (100) may generate instruction information for picking up the first SKU in a zone group of the same type as the first zone group within a logistics center different from the first zone group.

[0097] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (100) may generate instruction information for picking up at least some of one or more SKUs based on information that the SKU is damaged, in a manner different from the allocation method of one or more SKUs. For example, the electronic device (100) may determine information that a second SKU displayed in a second zone group is damaged. Accordingly, the electronic device (100) may generate instruction information for picking up the second SKU from a zone group of a different type from the second zone group based on cost information according to a packaging method set for each of the plurality of zone groups and inventory information of the plurality of zone groups.

[0098] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (100) may generate instruction information for picking up at least some of one or more SKUs based on information that the SKU is out of stock, in a manner different from the allocation method of one or more SKUs. For example, the electronic device (100) may determine information that the third SKU is out of stock in the third zone group. Accordingly, the electronic device (100) may generate instruction information for picking up the third SKU from a zone group of a different type from the third zone group based on cost information according to the packaging method set for each of the plurality of zone groups and inventory information of the plurality of zone groups.

[0099] At step S470, the electronic device (100) may transmit instruction information to the worker terminal (120) according to one embodiment. For example, the electronic device (100) may transmit instruction information for picking up one or more SKUs to the worker terminal (120) in a form that can be displayed as a web page or application screen.

[0100] At step S480, the worker terminal (120) may provide a second user interface including instruction information according to one embodiment. For example, the worker terminal (120) may display a second user interface including instruction information for picking up one or more SKUs on the display based on information received from the electronic device (100).

[0101] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a process in which an electronic device (100) generates instruction information for displaying one or more SKUs according to one embodiment.

[0102] At step S500, the electronic device (100) may, according to one embodiment, verify information regarding a plurality of SKUs to be delivered to the first logistics center. For example, the electronic device (100) may receive information regarding a plurality of SKUs to be delivered to the first logistics center from the administrator terminal (130).

[0103] At step S520, the electronic device (100) may, according to one embodiment, verify information regarding the processable quantities of the zone groups within the first logistics center. More specifically, the electronic device (100) may verify the processable quantity of the first zone group based on a first point in time, a calculation point in time for the processable quantity of the first zone group, and the delivery capacity of the first zone group.

[0104] For example, the electronic device (100) can obtain the processable quantity in the first zone group by multiplying the difference between the time of calculating the processable quantity in the first time point and the time of calculating the processable quantity in the first zone group by the delivery capacity in the first zone group and the preset scaling value.

[0105] Here, the pre-processing time refers to the time required for pre-processing, such as picking and packing SKUs, before the SKUs are shipped. For example, the pre-processing time may include at least a portion of the picking time required to pick SKUs and the packing time required to pack SKUs. In addition, the shipping capacity refers to the maximum number of SKUs that can be processed in a given time period in the first zone group, and can be obtained by multiplying the number of available picking workstations in the first zone group by a productivity value uniformly set for each picking workstation. Meanwhile, the scaling value is not specifically limited, but can preferably be set within a range of 0.5 to 2.0.

[0106] In step S540, the electronic device (100) may generate instruction information for displaying a plurality of SKUs based on information about the processable quantity of zone groups in the first logistics center and information about the type of SKU, according to one embodiment.

[0107] For example, the electronic device (100) may generate second instruction information for displaying a plurality of SKUs in at least one of a first type of zone group, a second type of zone group, a third type of zone group, a fourth type of zone group, a fifth type of zone group, and a sixth type of zone group, based on information about the processable quantities of zone groups in the first logistics center.

[0108] For another example, the electronic device (100) can generate instruction information to display a first type of SKU frequently purchased by users among a plurality of SKUs in a fourth type of zone group, and to display a second type of SKU and a third type of SKU frequently purchased together by users in a fifth type of zone group.

[0109] At step S560, the electronic device (100) may transmit instruction information to the worker terminal (120) according to one embodiment. For example, the electronic device (100) may transmit instruction information for displaying multiple SKUs to the worker terminal (120) in a form that can be displayed as a web page or application screen.

[0110] At step S580, the worker terminal (120) may provide a user interface including instruction information according to one embodiment. The worker terminal (120) may display a user interface including instruction information for displaying a plurality of SKUs on a display based on information received from the electronic device (100).

[0111] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a process in which an electronic device (100) generates instruction information for moving one or more SKUs according to one embodiment.

[0112] At step S600, the worker terminal (120) may provide a first user interface including first instruction information according to one embodiment. For example, the worker terminal (120) may display a first user interface including first instruction information for picking one or more SKUs within the first logistics center based on information received from the electronic device (100).

[0113] In step S610, the worker terminal (120) may obtain information on the completion of picking according to an embodiment. For example, the worker terminal (120) may obtain an input from the worker indicating that one or more SKUs have been picked according to the first instruction information.

[0114] At step S620, the electronic device (100) may receive, according to an embodiment, information on completion of picking from the worker terminal (120). For example, upon obtaining the information on completion of picking, the worker terminal (120) may transmit information to the electronic device (100) indicating that one or more SKUs have been picked according to the first instruction information.

[0115] At step S630, the electronic device (100) can, according to one embodiment, verify that all SKUs of a specific type displayed in the first zone group have been shipped based on the pick-up completion information. For example, the electronic device (100) can verify that all SKUs of a specific type displayed in the first zone group have been shipped based on information that a worker has picked up SKUs of a specific type displayed in the first zone group and inventory information of the zone groups within the first logistics center.

[0116] At step S640, the electronic device (100) may generate second instruction information for moving a specific type of SKU displayed in a second zone group to a first zone group according to one embodiment. More specifically, the electronic device (100) may generate second instruction information for moving a specific type of SKU based on information regarding priorities between zone groups, which are set differently for each type of SKU.

[0117] For example, a specific type of SKU may be a first type of SKU that users frequently purchase, and the first zone group may be a fourth type of zone group or a Fast Forward zone group in which the first type of SKU is displayed. In this case, the electronic device (100) may determine that the fourth type of zone group has the highest priority with respect to the first type of SKU, and may generate instruction information to move the first type of SKU displayed in at least one of the first type of zone group, the second type of zone group, the third type of zone group, the fifth type of zone group, and the sixth type of zone group within the first logistics center to the first zone group.

[0118] For another example, a specific type of SKU may be a second type SKU or a third type SKU that users frequently purchase together, and the first zone group may be a fifth type zone group or a Multi-Manual zone group in which the second type SKU and the third type SKU are displayed. In this case, the electronic device (100) may determine that the fifth type zone group has the highest priority with respect to the second type SKU or the third type SKU, and may generate instruction information to move the second type SKU or the third type SKU displayed in at least one of the first type zone group, the second type zone group, the third type zone group, the fourth type zone group, and the sixth type zone group within the first logistics center to the first zone group.

[0119] At step S650, the electronic device (100) may transmit second instruction information to the worker terminal (120) according to one embodiment. For example, the electronic device (100) may transmit second instruction information to the worker terminal (120) in a form that can be displayed on a web page or application screen, such as information for moving a specific type of SKU displayed in the second zone group to the first zone group.

[0120] At step S660, the worker terminal (120) may provide a second user interface including second instruction information according to one embodiment. The worker terminal (120) may display a second user interface including second instruction information for moving a specific type of SKU displayed in the second zone group to the first zone group based on information received from the electronic device (100).

[0121] FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate an example of a user interface provided by an electronic device (100) according to one embodiment.

[0122] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (100) may provide a user interface including a list of multiple zones within a first logistics center. For example, the electronic device (100) may transmit information regarding multiple zones within the first logistics center to a worker terminal (120) in a form that can be displayed as a web page or application screen. Referring to FIG. 7A , the worker terminal (120) may display a user interface (700) including an area (710) displaying a list of multiple zones.

[0123] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (100) can check the type of zone group corresponding to each of a plurality of zones based on information input by an administrator through a user interface. For example, referring to FIG. 7A, when the administrator selects a downward icon within an area (720) or positions a cursor within an area (720), the electronic device (100) can provide a pull-down menu or drop-down list including a list of types of zone groups. Thereafter, "Pre-pack" selected by the administrator can be displayed in the area (720), and when the administrator selects one or more zones in the area (710), the type of zone group corresponding to the selected one or more zones can be set to a Pre-pack zone group or a third type.

[0124] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (100) may provide information regarding a recommended type of zone group corresponding to a zone selected by an administrator. For example, referring to FIG. 7A, when the administrator selects the 51D icon within an area (710) or positions the cursor over the 51D icon, a pop-up window (730) may be displayed containing information regarding a Fast Forward zone group and a Pre-pack zone group as zone groups of a type suitable for including the 51D zone.

[0125] Meanwhile, the electronic device (100) can determine a zone suitable for inclusion in a zone group of a type selected by the manager based on at least one of first information regarding the distance from a plurality of zones to a conveyor belt, second information regarding the number of available picking workstations in the plurality of zones, third information regarding the hourly productivity of available picking workstations in the plurality of zones, and fourth information regarding the presence or absence of an unmanned transport vehicle in the plurality of zones.

[0126] For example, the electronic device (100) may determine the recommended type of a zone group corresponding to a zone with a short distance to a conveyor belt as the fourth type or the Fast Forward zone group. Alternatively, the electronic device (100) may determine the recommended type of a zone group corresponding to a zone with a large number of available picking workstations or a zone with high hourly productivity of available picking workstations as the fifth type or the Multi-Manual zone group. The electronic device (100) may determine the recommended type of a zone group corresponding to a zone where an unmanned transport vehicle exists as the second type or the AGV zone group.

[0127] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (100) may recommend a zone corresponding to the type of zone group selected by the administrator. For example, referring to FIG. 7A, when the administrator selects Pre-pack in the area (720), the electronic device (100) may identify zones among a plurality of zones within the first logistics center whose first recommended type in the corresponding zone group is the Pre-pack zone group or the third type. Thereafter, information regarding zones 21D, 21K, 21O, 21P, 21R, 21U, 22D, 22K, 22O, 22P, 43HA, 43HK, 43HLM 43HM, and 43HN, which are suitable for inclusion in the third type of zone group, may be displayed in the area (740).

[0128] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (100) can check cost information according to the packaging method set for each type of zone group based on information input by the administrator through the user interface. For example, referring to FIG. 7B, the user interface (700) may include an area (750) for setting a cost according to the first packaging method, an area (760) for setting a cost according to the second packaging method, and an area (770) for setting a cost according to the third packaging method for a third type of zone group or Pre-pack zone group selected by the administrator. Thereafter, when the administrator selects a cost in the areas (750), (760), and (770), the electronic device (100) can check cost information according to the first packaging method, cost information according to the second packaging method, and cost information according to the third packaging method corresponding to the third type of zone group.

[0129] At this time, cost information according to the packaging method can be expressed as a value from 1 to 10, and a smaller value can indicate a lower cost according to the packaging method. In addition, when the manager selects 10 as the value of cost information according to the first packaging method, the icon corresponding to 10 can be deactivated in area (760) and area (770).

[0130] Meanwhile, the specific examples of the types and zones of the user interface components described above are merely examples, and it is obvious to a person skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains that the present disclosure can be implemented with examples different from the above.

[0131] Figure 8 illustrates a flowchart of a method for providing information in an electronic device according to one embodiment. The above description may apply to overlapping content.

[0132] At step S800, the electronic device can identify information about a first order that includes information about one or more items.

[0133] At step S820, the electronic device can check cost information according to a packaging method set for each of multiple zone groups within multiple fulfillment centers and inventory information for each of multiple zone groups.

[0134] According to one embodiment, the plurality of zone groups may include at least one of a first type of zone group in which picking or loading is performed by a worker, a second type of zone group in which picking or loading is performed by an automated guided vehicle (AGV), a third type of zone group in which SKUs are pre-packaged and displayed, a fourth type of zone group in which SKUs of the first type that users frequently purchase are displayed, a fifth type of zone group in which SKUs of the second type and SKUs of the third type that users frequently purchase together are displayed, and a sixth type of zone group that is not set as a first type of zone group, a second type of zone group, a third type of zone group, a fourth type of zone group, and a fifth type of zone group.

[0135] According to one embodiment, cost information according to a packaging method set for each of a plurality of zone groups may include cost information according to a first packaging method of individually packaging SKUs, cost information according to a second packaging method of combining SKUs of the same type, and cost information according to a third packaging method of combining SKUs of different types.

[0136] According to one embodiment, for a zone group of the second type, the cost according to the third packaging method among the first, second, and third packaging methods may be set to be the lowest, for a zone group of the third type, the cost according to the first packaging method among the first, second, and third packaging methods may be set to be the lowest, for a zone group of the fourth type, the cost according to the second packaging method among the first, second, and third packaging methods may be set to be the lowest, and for a zone group of the fifth type, the cost according to the third packaging method among the first, second, and third packaging methods may be set to be the lowest.

[0137] According to one embodiment, the electronic device provides a first user interface for setting information about a zone group to an administrator, and based on information input by the administrator through the first user interface, cost information according to a first packaging method, a second packaging method, and a third packaging method can be confirmed for at least one of a first type of zone group, a second type of zone group, a third type of zone group, a fourth type of zone group, a fifth type of zone group, and a sixth type of zone group.

[0138] At step S840, the electronic device can determine an allocation method of one or more SKUs (stock keeping units) corresponding to one or more items, determined based on cost information according to a packaging method set for each of the plurality of zone groups and inventory information of the plurality of zone groups.

[0139] According to one embodiment, when determining an allocation method of one or more SKUs, the electronic device may determine one or more zone groups having inventory of one or more SKUs among the plurality of zone groups based on inventory information of the plurality of zone groups, and may determine a method of allocating one or more SKUs to at least one zone group among the one or more zone groups to minimize a picking and packing cost of the one or more SKUs based on cost information according to a packaging method set for each of the plurality of zone groups.

[0140] At step S860, the electronic device may generate first instruction information for picking one or more SKUs based on an allocation method of one or more SKUs.

[0141] According to one embodiment, a first SKU among one or more SKUs is assigned to a first zone group among at least one zone group, and when the electronic device generates the first instruction information, it can determine that the first SKU cannot be processed in the first zone group based on information about the processable quantities of the plurality of zone groups, and generate instruction information for picking up the first SKU in a zone group of the same type as the first zone group within a logistics center different from the first zone group.

[0142] According to one embodiment, a second SKU among one or more SKUs is assigned to a second zone group among at least one zone group, and when the electronic device generates the first instruction information, it can confirm information that the second SKU displayed in the second zone group is damaged, and generate instruction information for picking up the second SKU from a zone group of a different type from the second zone group based on cost information according to a packaging method set for each of the plurality of zone groups and inventory information of the plurality of zone groups.

[0143] According to one embodiment, a third SKU among one or more SKUs is assigned to a third zone group among at least one zone group, and when the electronic device generates the first instruction information, it can check information that the third SKU is not in stock in the third zone group, and generate instruction information for picking up the third SKU from a zone group of a different type from the third zone group based on cost information according to a packaging method set for each of the plurality of zone groups and inventory information of the plurality of zone groups.

[0144] According to one embodiment, the electronic device may check information about a plurality of SKUs to be delivered to a first logistics center among a plurality of logistics centers, check information about the processable quantities of zone groups within the first logistics center, and generate second instruction information for displaying the plurality of SKUs in at least one of a first type of zone group, a second type of zone group, a third type of zone group, a fourth type of zone group, a fifth type of zone group, and a sixth type of zone group based on the information about the processable quantities of zone groups within the first logistics center.

[0145] According to one embodiment, the electronic device can check information about a plurality of SKUs to be delivered to a first logistics center among a plurality of logistics centers, and generate third instruction information for displaying a first type of SKU among the plurality of SKUs in a fourth type of zone group, and displaying a second type of SKU and a third type of SKU in a fifth type of zone group.

[0146] According to one embodiment, the electronic device may determine, based on inventory information of a plurality of zone groups, that all of the first type SKUs displayed in a fourth type of zone group in a second logistics center among the plurality of logistics centers have been shipped, and may generate fourth instruction information for moving the first type SKUs displayed in at least one of the first type of zone group, the second type of zone group, the third type of zone group, the fifth type of zone group, and the sixth type of zone group in the second logistics center to the fourth type of zone group.

[0147] According to one embodiment, the electronic device may determine, based on inventory information of a plurality of zone groups, that all of the second type SKUs displayed in a fifth type of zone group within a second logistics center among a plurality of logistics centers have been shipped, and may generate fifth instruction information for moving the second type SKUs displayed in at least one of the first type of zone group, the second type of zone group, the third type of zone group, the fourth type of zone group, and the sixth type of zone group within the second logistics center to the fifth type of zone group.

[0148] According to one embodiment, the electronic device provides a second user interface to an administrator including a list of a plurality of zones within a third logistics center among a plurality of logistics centers, and, based on information input by the administrator through the second user interface, the type of a zone group corresponding to each of the plurality of zones can be identified as one of the first type, the second type, the third type, the fourth type, the fifth type, and the sixth type.

[0149] According to one embodiment, when providing a second user interface to a manager, the electronic device may check at least one of first information regarding a distance from a plurality of zones to a conveyor belt, second information regarding the number of available picking workstations in the plurality of zones, third information regarding an hourly productivity of available picking workstations in the plurality of zones, and fourth information regarding the presence or absence of an unmanned transport vehicle in the plurality of zones, and determine a type of a zone group corresponding to each of the plurality of zones based on at least one of the first information, the second information, the third information, and the fourth information, and provide information regarding the type of the zone group corresponding to each of the plurality of zones to the manager.

[0150] FIG. 9 shows a block diagram of an electronic device (100) according to one embodiment.

[0151] According to an embodiment, the electronic device (100) may include a transceiver (920), a memory (940), and a processor (960). The electronic device (100) illustrated in FIG. 9 only includes components related to the present embodiment. Therefore, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the electronic device (100) may further include general-purpose components in addition to the components illustrated in FIG. 9. In the embodiment, the transceiver (920) may be included in a communication device. Additionally, in the embodiment, the processor (960) may be included in a controller.

[0152] The transceiver (920) is a device for performing wired / wireless communication and can communicate with an external electronic device. The external electronic device may be a terminal or a server. In addition, the communication technologies used by the transceiver (920) may include GSM (Global System for Mobile communication), CDMA (Code Division Multi Access), LTE (Long Term Evolution), 5G, WLAN (Wireless LAN), Wi-Fi (Wireless-Fidelity), Bluetooth (Bluetooth), RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), Infrared Data Association (IrDA), ZigBee, NFC (Near Field Communication), etc.

[0153] The processor (960) can control the overall operation of the electronic device (100) and process data and signals. The processor (960) can be composed of at least one hardware unit. In addition, the processor (960) can operate by one or more software modules generated by executing program codes stored in the memory (940). The processor (960) can include a memory, and the processor (960) can control the overall operation of the electronic device (100) and process data and signals by executing program codes stored in the memory.

[0154] The processor (960) can check information about a first order including information about one or more items, check cost information according to a packing method set for each of a plurality of zone groups in a plurality of fulfillment centers and inventory information of the plurality of zone groups, check allocation methods of one or more SKUs (stock keeping units) corresponding to one or more items determined based on the cost information according to the packing method set for each of the plurality of zone groups and the inventory information of the plurality of zone groups, and generate first instruction information for picking one or more SKUs based on the allocation method of the one or more SKUs.

[0155] The electronic device according to the above-described embodiments may include a processor, a memory for storing and executing program data, permanent storage such as a disk drive, a communication port for communicating with an external device, a user interface device such as a touch panel, a key, a button, etc. The methods implemented as software modules or algorithms may be stored on a computer-readable recording medium as computer-readable codes or program instructions executable on the processor. Here, the computer-readable recording medium includes a magnetic storage medium (e.g., read-only memory (ROM), random-access memory (RAM), floppy disk, hard disk, etc.) and an optical reading medium (e.g., CD-ROM, DVD: Digital Versatile Disc)). The computer-readable recording medium may be distributed to computer systems connected to a network, so that the computer-readable code may be stored and executed in a distributed manner. The medium may be readable by a computer, stored in a memory, and executed by a processor.

[0156] The present embodiment may be represented by functional block configurations and various processing steps. These functional blocks may be implemented by various hardware and / or software configurations that perform specific functions. For example, the embodiment may employ integrated circuit configurations such as memory, processing, logic, look-up tables, etc., which may perform various functions under the control of one or more microprocessors or other control devices. Similarly, the present embodiment may be implemented in a programming or scripting language such as C, C++, Java, assembler, etc., including various algorithms implemented as a combination of data structures, processes, routines, or other programming configurations. Functional aspects may be implemented as algorithms that execute on one or more processors. Furthermore, the present embodiment may employ conventional techniques for electronic configuration, signal processing, and / or data processing. Terms such as "mechanism," "element," "means," and "composition" can be used broadly and are not limited to mechanical or physical structures. These terms can also encompass a series of software routines, such as those associated with a processor.

[0157] The above-described embodiments are merely examples, and other embodiments may be implemented within the scope of the claims set forth below.

Claims

1. In the method of providing information of an electronic device, A step of verifying information about a first order including information about one or more items; A step of checking cost information according to a packaging method set for each of multiple zone groups within multiple fulfillment centers and inventory information of the multiple zone groups; A step of confirming an allocation method of one or more SKUs (stock keeping units) corresponding to one or more items, determined based on cost information according to a packaging method set for each of the plurality of zone groups and inventory information of the plurality of zone groups; and An information providing method comprising the step of generating first instruction information for picking the one or more SKUs based on an allocation method of the one or more SKUs.

2. In the first paragraph, the plurality of zone groups are: A first type of zone group in which picking or loading is performed by workers; A second type of zone group in which picking or loading is performed by an automated guided vehicle (AGV); A third type of zone group where SKUs are pre-packaged and displayed; A fourth type of zone group displays the first type of SKUs that users frequently purchase; A fifth type of zone group displaying the second type of SKU and the third type of SKU that the above users frequently purchase together; and An information providing method comprising at least one of a sixth type of zone group that is not set as a first type of zone group, a second type of zone group, a third type of zone group, a fourth type of zone group, and a fifth type of zone group.

3. In the second paragraph, the cost information according to the packaging method set for each of the plurality of zone groups is Cost information for the first packaging method, which individually packages SKUs; Cost information according to the second packaging method of combining SKUs of the same type; and A method of providing information, including cost information according to a third packaging method that combines different types of SKUs.

4. In paragraph 3, For the above second type of zone group, the cost according to the third packaging method among the first packaging method, the second packaging method, and the third packaging method is set to be the lowest. For the third type of zone group, the cost according to the first packaging method is set to be the lowest among the first packaging method, the second packaging method, and the third packaging method. For the above 4th type of zone group, the cost according to the second packaging method among the first packaging method, the second packaging method, and the third packaging method is set to be the lowest, An information providing method in which, for the above-mentioned fifth type of zone group, the cost according to the third packaging method among the first packaging method, the second packaging method, and the third packaging method is set to be the lowest.

5. In the third paragraph, the method of providing the information is as follows: providing an administrator with a first user interface for setting information about a zone group; and An information providing method further comprising a step of confirming cost information according to the first packaging method, the second packaging method, and the third packaging method for at least one of the first type of zone group, the second type of zone group, the third type of zone group, the fourth type of zone group, the fifth type of zone group, and the sixth type of zone group based on information entered by the administrator through the first user interface.

6. In the first paragraph, the step of confirming the allocation method of one or more SKUs is: A step of identifying one or more zone groups among the plurality of zone groups that have stock of one or more SKUs based on inventory information of the plurality of zone groups; and An information providing method comprising a step of determining a method of assigning one or more SKUs to at least one zone group among the one or more zone groups to minimize the cost of picking and packaging the one or more SKUs, based on cost information according to a packaging method set for each of the plurality of zone groups.

7. In paragraph 6, A first SKU among the one or more SKUs is assigned to a first zone group among the at least one zone group, The above information providing method further includes a step of checking information on the processable quantity of the plurality of zone groups, The step of generating the above first instruction information is: A step of confirming that the first SKU cannot be processed in the first zone group based on information about the processable quantity of the plurality of zone groups; and An information providing method comprising the step of generating instruction information for picking up the first SKU in a zone group of the same type as the first zone group within a logistics center different from the first zone group.

8. In paragraph 6, A second SKU among the one or more SKUs is assigned to a second zone group among the at least one zone group, The step of generating the above first instruction information is: A step of confirming information that the second SKU displayed in the second zone group is damaged; and An information providing method comprising a step of generating instruction information for picking up the second SKU from a zone group of a different type from the second zone group based on cost information according to a packaging method set for each of the plurality of zone groups and inventory information of the plurality of zone groups.

9. In paragraph 6, A third SKU among the one or more SKUs is assigned to a third zone group among the at least one zone group, The step of generating the above first instruction information is: A step of confirming information that the stock of the third SKU is not in the third zone group; and An information providing method comprising a step of generating instruction information for picking up the third SKU from a zone group of a different type from the third zone group based on cost information according to a packaging method set for each of the plurality of zone groups and inventory information of the plurality of zone groups.

10. In the second paragraph, the method of providing the information is as follows: A step of confirming information regarding multiple SKUs to be delivered to a first logistics center among the multiple logistics centers; A step of checking information on the processable quantity of the zone groups within the first logistics center; and An information providing method further comprising a step of generating second instruction information for displaying a plurality of SKUs in at least one of the first type of zone group, the second type of zone group, the third type of zone group, the fourth type of zone group, the fifth type of zone group, and the sixth type of zone group, based on information about the processable quantity of zone groups in the first logistics center.

11. In the second paragraph, the method of providing the information is as follows: A step of checking information on a plurality of SKUs to be delivered to a first logistics center among the plurality of logistics centers; and An information providing method further comprising a step of generating third instruction information for displaying the first type of SKU among the plurality of SKUs in the fourth type of zone group and the second type of SKU and the third type of SKU in the fifth type of zone group.

12. In the second paragraph, the method of providing the information is as follows: A step of confirming that all of the first type SKUs displayed in the fourth type of zone group in the second logistics center among the plurality of logistics centers have been shipped based on the inventory information of the plurality of zone groups; and An information providing method further comprising a step of generating fourth instruction information for moving the first type SKU displayed in at least one of the first type zone group, the second type zone group, the third type zone group, the fifth type zone group, and the sixth type zone group within the second logistics center to the fourth type zone group.

13. In the second paragraph, the method of providing the information is as follows: A step of confirming that all of the second type SKUs displayed in the fifth type of zone group in the second logistics center among the plurality of logistics centers have been shipped based on the inventory information of the plurality of zone groups; and An information providing method further comprising a step of generating fifth instruction information for moving the second type SKU displayed in at least one of the first type zone group, the second type zone group, the third type zone group, the fourth type zone group, and the sixth type zone group within the second logistics center to the fifth type zone group.

14. In the second paragraph, the method of providing the information is as follows: A step of providing a second user interface to an administrator, the second user interface including a list of a plurality of zones within a third logistics center among the plurality of logistics centers; and An information providing method further comprising a step of confirming the type of the zone group corresponding to each of the plurality of zones as one of the first type, the second type, the third type, the fourth type, the fifth type, and the sixth type based on information entered by the administrator through the second user interface.

15. In the 14th paragraph, the step of providing the second user interface to the administrator is: A step of confirming at least one of first information regarding a distance from the plurality of zones to a conveyor belt, second information regarding the number of available picking workstations within the plurality of zones, third information regarding an hourly productivity of available picking workstations within the plurality of zones, and fourth information regarding the presence or absence of an unmanned transport vehicle within the plurality of zones; A step of determining a type of a zone group corresponding to each of the plurality of zones based on at least one of the first information, the second information, the third information, and the fourth information; and An information providing method comprising the step of providing information about the type of a zone group corresponding to each of the plurality of zones to the administrator.

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

17. As an electronic device, transceiver; memory; and A processor comprising: Check the information about the first order, which includes information about one or more items; Check cost information according to the packaging method set for each of the multiple zone groups within the multiple fulfillment centers and inventory information for the multiple zone groups, Check the allocation method of one or more SKUs (stock keeping units) corresponding to one or more items, which is determined based on cost information according to the packaging method set for each of the plurality of zone groups and inventory information of the plurality of zone groups, An electronic device that generates first instruction information for picking one or more SKUs based on an allocation method of the one or more SKUs.

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