Inventory management method and device therefor
The inventory management method and apparatus address inventory imbalances in logistics centers by adjusting incoming quantities, redistributing products, and optimizing order assignment, resulting in balanced storage and improved operational efficiency.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- COUPANG CORP
- Filing Date
- 2025-06-11
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-16
AI Technical Summary
In large-scale logistics or fulfillment centers, inventory depletion in one storage area leads to inefficiencies, excessive work concentration, idle space in other areas, and expiration date issues due to inventory imbalances, necessitating technology to maintain balance across all storage areas and optimize shelf-life management.
An inventory management method and apparatus that determines and adjusts the incoming quantities for each storage area based on existing stock levels, uses product moving devices to redistribute inventory, and assigns orders based on storage thresholds to prevent imbalances and optimize space utilization.
The method ensures balanced inventory distribution, reduces work concentration, minimizes idle space, and prevents expiration date issues, thereby enhancing overall logistics efficiency and customer satisfaction.
Smart Images
Figure KR2025007978_16072026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
Inventory management method and device
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for managing inventory in a logistics center. Specifically, it relates to a method and apparatus for managing inbound and outbound shipments to a logistics center in order to maintain a constant quantity of inventory in the logistics center.
[0002] As a core infrastructure of the modern distribution industry, logistics centers play a pivotal role in efficiently managing the receiving, storage, dispatch, and delivery of goods. Logistics centers occupy a critical position in a company's supply chain management and have a direct impact on customer satisfaction and operational efficiency.
[0003] A fulfillment center is an evolved form of a logistics center that goes beyond simple product storage to provide comprehensive services, including order processing, packaging, and shipping preparation. Fulfillment centers are critical facilities for e-commerce companies, essential for processing the entire process from customer order to delivery quickly and accurately.
[0004] In large-scale logistics or fulfillment centers, inventory storage areas are often divided into multiple sections to ensure efficient space utilization and product management. This enables optimized storage strategies that consider product characteristics, size, and turnover rates.
[0005] However, if inventory is depleted in only one storage area, overall inbound and outbound efficiency can be significantly reduced. Furthermore, such depletion in a single main inventory area can lead to excessive work concentration in specific zones, idle space in other areas, and imbalances in the overall logistics process.
[0006] Furthermore, imbalances in inventory management can lead to additional problems, such as expiration date issues. If products in a specific area are depleted quickly, there is a higher risk that the expiration dates of identical products stored in other areas will be imminent or expire.
[0007] Therefore, technology is required to prevent inventory from being depleted in only one storage area. Such technology must be able to maintain balance across all storage areas, enable efficient inbound and outbound management, and optimize shelf-life management.
[0008] As a core infrastructure of the modern distribution industry, logistics centers play a pivotal role in efficiently managing the receiving, storage, dispatch, and delivery of goods. Logistics centers occupy a critical position in a company's supply chain management and have a direct impact on customer satisfaction and operational efficiency.
[0009] A fulfillment center is an evolved form of a logistics center that goes beyond simple product storage to provide comprehensive services, including order processing, packaging, and shipping preparation. Fulfillment centers are critical facilities for e-commerce companies, essential for processing the entire process from customer order to delivery quickly and accurately.
[0010] In large-scale logistics or fulfillment centers, inventory storage areas are often divided into multiple sections to ensure efficient space utilization and product management. This enables optimized storage strategies that consider product characteristics, size, and turnover rates.
[0011] However, if inventory is depleted in only one storage area, overall inbound and outbound efficiency can be significantly reduced. Furthermore, such depletion in a single main inventory area can lead to excessive work concentration in specific zones, idle space in other areas, and imbalances in the overall logistics process.
[0012] Furthermore, imbalances in inventory management can lead to additional problems, such as expiration date issues. If products in a specific area are depleted quickly, there is a higher risk that the expiration dates of identical products stored in other areas will be imminent or expire.
[0013] Therefore, technology is required to prevent inventory from being depleted in only one storage area. Such technology must be able to maintain balance across all storage areas, enable efficient inbound and outbound management, and optimize shelf-life management.
[0014] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an inventory management method and apparatus may be provided, comprising the steps of: obtaining a total scheduled incoming quantity of a first product for a logistics center; obtaining a storage quantity of the first product allocated to each of a plurality of space modules constituting the logistics center; and determining a first scheduled incoming quantity of the first product for a first space module among the plurality of space modules, and determining a second scheduled incoming quantity of the first product for a second space module among the remaining space modules excluding the first space module. In this case, the first space module may be the space module with the smallest storage quantity of the first product among the plurality of space modules, and the second space module may be the space module with the smallest storage quantity of the first product among the remaining space modules.
[0015] In one embodiment, the first scheduled incoming quantity may be the quantity obtained by subtracting the storage quantity of the first product in the first space module from the storage quantity of the first product in the third space module that stores the most of the first product among the plurality of space modules.
[0016] In one embodiment, if the quantity obtained by subtracting the quantity of the first product in the second space module from the quantity of the first product in the third space module is less than the total quantity scheduled for inflow excluding the first quantity scheduled for inflow, the second quantity scheduled for inflow may be the quantity obtained by subtracting the quantity of the first product in the second space module from the quantity of the first product in the third space module.
[0017] In one embodiment, if the quantity obtained by subtracting the storage quantity of the first product in the second space module from the storage quantity of the first product in the third space module is less than the total scheduled quantity for incoming goods excluding the first scheduled quantity for incoming goods, the second scheduled quantity for incoming goods may be the total scheduled quantity for incoming goods excluding the first scheduled quantity for incoming goods.
[0018] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, an inventory management method and apparatus may be provided, comprising the steps of: obtaining a storage quantity of a first product allocated to each of a plurality of space modules constituting a logistics center; and assigning a product moving device containing the first product to the first space module having the smallest storage quantity of the first product among the plurality of space modules. In this case, the product moving device is a device that transports the first product for the dispatch of the first product within the space module, and the step of assigning the product moving device may include the step of moving the first product from a second space module among the plurality of space modules to the first space module using the product moving device, or the step of moving the product moving device from the second space module to the first space module.
[0019] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, an inventory management method and apparatus may be provided, comprising the steps of: receiving a first order including a first product; checking a second order previously assigned to each of a plurality of space modules constituting the logistics center, wherein the second order includes the first product; and assigning the first order to the first space module when the quantity of the first product assigned to the first space module among the plurality of space modules is below a preset threshold. In this case, the first space module may be the space module that stores the largest amount of the first product among the plurality of space modules.
[0020] In one embodiment, the threshold is the average of the maximum quantity of each of the plurality of goods that can be transported by the goods transport device, and the goods transport device may be a device that transports the first goods for the dispatch of the first goods within the space module.
[0021] In one embodiment, the threshold is the maximum quantity of the first product that the product moving device can transport, and the product moving device may be a device that transports the first product for the dispatch of the first product within the space module.
[0022] In one embodiment, the threshold is the average of the maximum quantity of each of the plurality of goods that can be transported by the goods transport device, and the goods transport device may be a device that transports the first goods for the dispatch of the first goods within the space module.
[0023] In one embodiment, the threshold is the maximum quantity of the first product that the product moving device can transport, and the product moving device may be a device that transports the first product for the dispatch of the first product within the space module.
[0024] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing the overall configuration of an inventory management device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0025] FIG. 2 is a flowchart of an inventory management method according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0026] FIGS. 3 to 5 are exemplary diagrams for explaining in detail the method described with reference to FIG. 2.
[0027] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of an inventory management method according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0028] Figures 7 and 8 are example diagrams for explaining in detail the method described with reference to Figure 6.
[0029] FIG. 9 is a flowchart of an inventory management method according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0030] Figure 10 is an example diagram for explaining in detail the method described with reference to Figure 9.
[0031] FIG. 11 is a hardware configuration diagram of a computing device used in some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0032] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. The advantages and features of the embodiments of the present disclosure, and the methods for achieving them, will become clear by referring to the embodiments described below in detail together with the attached drawings. However, the technical concept of the present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments but can be implemented in various different forms. The following embodiments are provided merely to complete the technical concept of the present disclosure and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the present disclosure, and the technical concept of the present disclosure is defined only by the scope of the claims.
[0033] It should be noted that when assigning reference numerals to the components of each drawing, the same components are given the same reference numeral whenever possible, even if they are shown in different drawings. Furthermore, in describing the embodiments of the present disclosure, if it is determined that a detailed description of related known components or functions could obscure the essence of the matter, such detailed description is omitted.
[0034] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used in this disclosure (including technical and scientific terms) may be used in a meaning commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which the embodiments of this disclosure pertain. Additionally, terms defined in commonly used dictionaries are not to be interpreted ideally or excessively unless explicitly and specifically defined otherwise. The terms used in this disclosure are intended to describe the embodiments and are not intended to limit the embodiments of this disclosure. In this disclosure, the singular form includes the plural form unless specifically stated otherwise in the text.
[0035] Additionally, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc., may be used to describe the components of the embodiments of the present disclosure. These terms are intended only to distinguish the components from other components and do not limit the nature, order, or sequence of the components. Where it is stated that a component is "connected," "coupled," or "joined" to another component, it should be understood that the component may be directly connected or joined to the other component, but that another component may also be "connected," "coupled," or "joined" between each component.
[0036] First, prior to describing the embodiments of the present disclosure, the scope of application of the present disclosure will be described. Some embodiments of the present disclosure may be applied to fulfillment centers. Here, a fulfillment center refers to a logistics center capable of providing comprehensive services, such as receiving, product storage, and shipping, as well as order processing, packaging, and preparation for shipment. For the convenience of explanation, some embodiments regarding logistics centers will be described below. However, it should be noted that some embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to logistics centers and may also be applied to the fulfillment centers described above.
[0037] The configuration and operation of an inventory management device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIG. 1.
[0038] The inventory management device (10) of the present disclosure refers to a device for managing the inventory of a logistics center (20) composed of a plurality of space modules. Here, a space module refers to a space within the logistics center capable of independently receiving, storing, processing orders, packaging, preparing for shipment, dispatching, and delivering goods. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the logistics center (20) may be composed of four space modules (e.g., A, B, C, D). As shown in the example (30) illustrated in FIG. 1, goods received into space module A may be stored in inventory storage area A included in space module A. Additionally, goods stored in inventory storage area A may be moved to work area A. Additionally, goods moved to work area A may be packaged and prepared for shipment. Additionally, goods prepared for shipment in work area A may be dispatched and delivered to customers. That is, typically, all procedures up to the dispatch of goods can be performed in a single space module without interaction with other space modules.
[0039] The inventory management device (10) of the present disclosure may include a unit for determining the planned quantity of incoming goods (11), a unit for assigning a product moving device (12), a unit for determining an order assignment (13), and a database (14).
[0040] The incoming quantity determination unit (11) can determine the incoming quantity to be allocated to each space module by dividing the incoming quantity for the logistics center. Here, allocating the incoming quantity to a space module may mean determining the quantity of goods to be received in that space module. For example, if the total incoming quantity of goods is 100, the incoming quantity determination unit (11) can determine the incoming quantity for space module A to be 50, the incoming quantity for space module B to be 30, and the incoming quantity for space module C to be 20. The specific method by which the incoming quantity determination unit (11) determines the incoming quantity for each space module will be explained together with the inventory management method described below.
[0041] The product transfer device assignment unit (12) can determine which space module the product transfer device will perform work in. Here, the product transfer device refers to a device that acquires goods stored in the inventory storage area and transports them to the work area. The goods moved by the product transfer device to the work area can be shipped out after undergoing packaging and preparation for delivery. The product transfer device of the logistics center may be a plurality of product transfer devices, and the space module in which the product transfer device performs work may be changed. For example, the first product transfer device may perform work in space module A, and the second product transfer device may perform work in space module B. Subsequently, the first product transfer device may move to space module B and perform work in space module B. The specific method for the product transfer device assignment unit (12) to determine the quantity of product transfer devices for each space module and to move product transfer devices from one space module to another space module will be explained together in the inventory management method described below.
[0042] The order assignment decision unit (13) can determine orders to be dispatched from space modules. Here, dispatching orders from space modules means assigning orders to space modules, which means taking the goods included in the order from the inventory storage area of the space module and performing packaging and shipping preparations for the order in the work area of the space module so that the goods included in the order can be delivered to customers from the space module. For example, the order assignment decision unit (13) may receive Order #1, Order #2, and Order #3. Subsequently, the order assignment decision unit (13), taking into account the quantity of goods stored in each space module and previously assigned orders, may assign Order #1 to space module A, assign Order #2 to space module B, and assign Order #3 to space module C. The specific method by which the order assignment decision unit (13) assigns orders to each space module will be explained together with the inventory management method described below.
[0043] The database (14) can store data necessary for the operation of each component of the inventory management device (10). Additionally, it can store data generated as a result of the operation of each component of the inventory management device (10). For example, the database (14) may include data regarding the goods stored in each space module and the quantity of those goods. Additionally, the database (14) may include data regarding orders assigned to each space module and the goods included in those orders. Additionally, the database (14) may include data regarding the goods moving devices assigned to each space module and the goods included in those goods moving devices. All data generated or used in the following description may be stored in the database (14).
[0044] It should be noted that the operation of each component of the inventory management device (10) is not limited to the examples described above and may include operations related to an inventory management method according to some embodiments of the present disclosure to be described below. Furthermore, technical concepts that can be understood through some embodiments of the present disclosure to be described below may be incorporated into the inventory management device described above without separate description.
[0045] Additionally, the inventory management device (10) may be composed of a plurality of computing devices. For example, a first operation of the inventory management device (10) may be performed in a first computing device, and a second operation of the inventory management device (10) may be performed in a second computing device. Here, the first computing device and the second computing device are different computing devices, and the first computing device and the second computing device may be located in different places and communicate through a network.
[0046] Up to now, components of an inventory management device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure have been described with reference to FIG. 1. Hereinafter, several embodiments according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 11. In the following description, the subject of a specific step / operation may be omitted, and in this case, it may be understood that the step / operation is performed by a computing device constituting the inventory management device described above.
[0047] First, with reference to FIGS. 2 to 4, an inventory management method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.
[0048] As shown in FIG. 2, the total scheduled quantity of the first product to be received at the logistics center can be obtained (S10). Here, the total scheduled quantity of the first product to be received may refer to the quantity of the first product to be received at the logistics center. For example, by referring to the table (100) shown in FIG. 3, it can be confirmed that the total scheduled quantity to be received is 60.
[0049] Next, the storage quantity of the first product assigned to each of the plurality of space modules constituting the logistics center can be obtained (S20). Here, the storage quantity of the first product assigned to each space module may refer to the quantity of the first product stored in each space module before the first product is additionally received. For example, referring to the table (101) shown in FIG. 3, the storage quantity of the first product assigned to space module A can be confirmed to be 50, the storage quantity of the first product assigned to space module B can be 40, the storage quantity of the first product assigned to space module C can be 30, and the storage quantity of the first product assigned to space module D can be 20.
[0050] Next, a first space module among a plurality of space modules is determined, and a first scheduled stocking quantity of the first product for the first space module can be determined (S30). Here, the first space module may be the space module with the smallest storage quantity of the first product among the plurality of space modules. Additionally, the third space module may be the space module with the largest storage quantity of the first product among the plurality of space modules.
[0051] In one embodiment, the first scheduled incoming quantity may be the quantity obtained by subtracting the storage quantity of the first product assigned to the first space module from the storage quantity of the first product assigned to the third space module. For example, referring to the table (102) shown in FIG. 3, space module D, which has the smallest storage quantity before incoming, corresponds to the first space module, and space module A, which has the largest storage quantity before incoming, corresponds to the third space module. The first scheduled incoming quantity is 30, which is the storage quantity of space module D (20) subtracted from the storage quantity of space module A (50). Therefore, after incoming, space module D can store 50 first products, just like space module A before incoming.
[0052] Returning to Fig. 2, a second space module is determined among the remaining space modules excluding the first space module, and a second scheduled incoming quantity of the first product for the second space module can be determined (S40). Here, the second space module may be the space module with the smallest storage quantity of the first product among the space modules for which the scheduled incoming quantity has not been determined.
[0053] In one embodiment, the quantity obtained by subtracting the storage quantity of the second space module from the storage quantity of the third space module may be smaller than the total scheduled incoming quantity (hereinafter, the remaining scheduled incoming quantity) excluding the determined scheduled incoming quantity of the space module scheduled for incoming (e.g., the first scheduled incoming quantity). Here, the second scheduled incoming quantity may be the quantity obtained by subtracting the storage quantity of the second space module from the storage quantity of the third space module.
[0054] For example, by referring to the table (103) shown in FIG. 4, it can be confirmed that the quantity obtained by subtracting the first quantity of 30 from the total quantity of 60 is 30.
[0055] Additionally, referring to the table (104) shown in FIG. 4, the second space module corresponds to space module C, which has the smallest storage quantity among the space modules for which the scheduled incoming quantity has not been determined. The quantity obtained by subtracting the storage quantity of the second space module (30 units) from the storage quantity of the third space module (50 units) is 20 units, which may be smaller than the remaining scheduled incoming quantity. Therefore, the second scheduled incoming quantity to be received into space module C may be 20 units, which is the quantity obtained by subtracting the storage quantity of the second space module from the storage quantity of the third space module. That is, the second scheduled incoming quantity may be a quantity that makes the storage quantity of the second space module equal to the storage quantity of the third space module.
[0056] As a result, by referring to the table (105) shown in FIG. 4, it can be confirmed that the planned quantity of space module C to be received is determined to be 20, and the quantity of space module C to be stored after receiving is determined to be 50.
[0057] In one embodiment, the quantity obtained by subtracting the storage quantity of the second space module from the storage quantity of the third space module may be smaller than the remaining scheduled incoming quantity. Here, the second scheduled incoming quantity may be the remaining scheduled incoming quantity.
[0058] For example, referring to the table (106) shown in Fig. 5, the remaining scheduled quantity of incoming goods can be determined to be 10.
[0059] Additionally, referring to the table (107) shown in FIG. 5, the second space module corresponds to space module B, which has the smallest storage quantity of the first product among the space modules for which the scheduled incoming quantity has not been determined. The quantity obtained by subtracting the storage quantity of the second space module (35 units) from the storage quantity of the third space module (50 units) is 15 units, which may be greater than the remaining scheduled incoming quantity. Therefore, the second scheduled incoming quantity to be received into space module B may be the remaining scheduled incoming quantity (10 units). That is, if the remaining scheduled incoming quantity is insufficient and the storage quantity of the second space module cannot be equal to the storage quantity of the third space module, the second scheduled incoming quantity may be determined as the remaining scheduled incoming quantity.
[0060] As a result, by referring to the table (108) shown in FIG. 5, it can be confirmed that the planned quantity of space module B to be received is determined to be 10, and the quantity of space module B to be stored after receiving is determined to be 45.
[0061] Up to now, with reference to FIGS. 2 to 4, an inventory management method for preventing inventory imbalance in each space module during the receiving process has been described. Through the above-described embodiment, the planned quantity of goods to be received for each space module can be determined so that the storage quantity of goods becomes equal. In addition, goods can be received into each space module according to the determined planned quantity.
[0062] Meanwhile, in order to prevent inventory imbalance in each space module, goods may be moved from the inventory storage area of each space module after the receiving process. Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 6 to 8, an inventory management method according to another embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.
[0063] First, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the storage quantity of the first product allocated to each of the plurality of space modules constituting the logistics center can be obtained (S50).
[0064] For example, referring to the table (109) shown in FIG. 7, the storage quantity of the first product in space module A can be confirmed to be 50, the storage quantity of the first product in space module B to be 35, the storage quantity of the first product in space module A to be 30, and the storage quantity of the first product in space module A to be 20.
[0065] Next, a first space module among a plurality of space modules is determined, and a product transfer device including a first product may be assigned to the first space module (S60). Here, the first space module may be the space module with the smallest storage quantity of the first product among the plurality of space modules. Additionally, the product transfer device may be a device that transports the first product for the dispatch of the first product from within the space module.
[0066] For example, referring to the table (110) illustrated in FIG. 7, space module D, which is the space module with the smallest storage quantity of the first product among the plurality of space modules, may be determined as the first space module. Additionally, space module A, which is the space module with the largest storage quantity of the first product among the plurality of space modules, may be determined as the second space module. Furthermore, the number of product moving devices assigned to the second space module may be reduced by one, and the number of product moving devices assigned to the first space module may be increased by one. Here, the product moving device may include 15 first products. Subsequently, after the assignment of product moving devices, the storage quantity of space module A may be changed to 35, and the storage quantity of space module D may be changed to 35.
[0067] In one embodiment, assigning a product moving device may mean moving a product moving device that is performing a task in one space module to an inventory storage area in another space module. As a result, the product moving device moves products from one space module to another space module, and the product moving device can return to the original space module.
[0068] For example, as illustrated in FIG. 8, if a product moving device is assigned to space module D, the product moving device (202) performing work in space module A can move to the inventory storage area D of space module D. Additionally, the product moving device (202) can place the first product in the inventory storage area D and return to space module A.
[0069] In one embodiment, assigning a product moving device may mean moving a product moving device that is performing a task in one space module to a task area of another space module. As a result, the space module in which the product moving device performs a task may be changed.
[0070] For example, as illustrated in FIG. 8, if a product moving device is assigned to space module D, the product moving device (203) performing work in space module A can move to work zone D of space module D. Additionally, the product moving device (203) can continue to perform work in space module D so that the first product can be released from space module D.
[0071] In one embodiment, the assignment of the above-described product moving device can be performed automatically during a time when receiving and shipping operations of the logistics center are not in progress.
[0072] In one embodiment, the second space module where the product transfer device originally performed the operation may be the space module with the largest storage quantity of the first product among a plurality of space modules. Here, the storage quantity of the first product may refer to a quantity including the quantity of the first product included in the product transfer device and the quantity of the first product stored in the product storage area of the space module.
[0073] Up to now, with reference to FIGS. 6 to 8, an inventory management method for preventing inventory imbalance in each space module through the assignment of a product moving device has been described. Meanwhile, orders may be assigned to each space module by taking into account the imbalance in the inventory storage area of each space module. Below, with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11, an inventory management method according to another embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.
[0074] First, as illustrated in FIG. 9, a first order including a first product can be received (S70). For example, referring to the table (111) illustrated in FIG. 10, if a customer of online commerce orders 30 of the first product, an order including 30 of the first product can be received.
[0075] Next, a second order previously assigned to each of the multiple space modules constituting the logistics center can be verified (S80). Here, the second order may be an order including the first product. Additionally, the quantity of the first product included in the second order can be verified.
[0076] Here, the second order refers to an order that has been assigned to a space module but has not been shipped. For example, if all assigned orders have been shipped, the second order for all space modules may be changed to 0.
[0077] For example, referring to the table (112) illustrated in FIG. 10, it can be confirmed that there are 2 existing orders assigned to space module A, 1 existing order assigned to space module B, and 0 existing orders assigned to the remaining space modules. Additionally, the existing orders assigned to space module A include 40 items, and the existing orders assigned to space module B include 10 items. That is, 40 items are assigned to space module A, and 10 items are assigned to space module B.
[0078] Next, it can be determined whether the quantity of the first product assigned to the first space module is below a preset threshold (S90). Here, the first space module may be the space module with the largest storage quantity of the first product among a plurality of space modules. Here, the quantity of the first product assigned to the first space module may refer to the quantity of the first product included in the second order previously assigned to the first space module.
[0079] Next, if the quantity of the first product assigned to the first space module is less than or equal to a preset threshold, the first order may be assigned to the first space module (S100). Conversely, if the quantity of the first product assigned to the first space module exceeds a preset threshold, the first order is not assigned to the first space module.
[0080] For example, referring to the table (113) illustrated in FIG. 10, space module A, which has the largest storage quantity of the first product among the plurality of space modules, can be determined as the first space module. Here, if the preset threshold is 30, the number of products assigned to space module A is 40, which corresponds to a case where the threshold is exceeded. In this way, if the number of products assigned to space module A exceeds the threshold, received orders cannot be assigned to space module A.
[0081] As another example, referring to the table (113) illustrated in FIG. 10, space module B, which has the largest storage quantity of the first product among the multiple modules excluding space module A, can be determined as the first space module. Here, if the preset threshold is 30, the number of products assigned to space module B is 10, which corresponds to a case where the threshold is lower than or equal to the number of products assigned to space module B. In this way, if the number of products assigned to space module B is lower than or equal to the threshold, the received order can be assigned to space module B.
[0082] Consequently, referring to the table (114) illustrated in FIG. 10, an order including 30 first products can be assigned to space module B. That is, the number of products assigned to space module B can be changed to 40.
[0083] In one embodiment, a preset threshold may be the average of the maximum quantities of each of the plurality of goods that the goods transport device can transport. For example, it is assumed that due to the difference in volume of each product, the goods transport device can transport 30 of the first product at once, the goods transport device can transport 50 of the second product at once, and the goods transport device can transport 70 of the third product at once. Here, the average of the maximum quantities of the first to third products that the goods transport device can transport is (30+50+70)÷3=50 (pieces). Therefore, the preset threshold may be set to 50 pieces.
[0084] The threshold in the above-described embodiment is expected to have the advantage of being able to quickly set the threshold without a procedure to verify the types of products included in an order when there is an order requiring space module allocation. In addition, when an order includes multiple types of products, it is also expected to have the advantage of being able to quickly set the threshold using the average value of the maximum quantities without any additional procedures.
[0085] In one embodiment, a preset threshold may be the maximum quantity of the first product that the product transport device can transport. For example, if a product included in an order requiring space module allocation is identified as the first product, and it is confirmed that the maximum quantity of the first product that can be transported is 30, the threshold may be set to 30.
[0086] The threshold in the above-described embodiment can be appropriately set according to the type of product by reflecting the characteristics according to the type of product. For example, the average value of the maximum quantity that a product transport device can carry may be 50, and the maximum quantity of the third product that the product transport device can carry may be 70. Here, the threshold can be determined as 50, which is the average value of the maximum quantity that the product transport device can carry. In this situation, if the received order includes the third product, the third product may actually be carried in a quantity smaller than the maximum quantity that can be carried. That is, the efficiency of the product transport device may be reduced. Therefore, by setting the threshold by reflecting the characteristics according to the type of product, the transport efficiency of the product transport device can be improved.
[0087] Up to this point, with reference to FIGS. 9 and FIGS. 10, an inventory management method for preventing imbalances in each space module during the order allocation process has been described. Some of the embodiments described above allow order allocation to be concentrated in certain space modules within a range where the inventory imbalance between space modules does not increase rapidly. When order allocation is concentrated, work efficiency can be improved compared to when orders are allocated evenly to all space modules. Specifically, in the work area of the space module to which orders are allocated, packaging and preparation for shipment (e.g., attaching invoices, sorting for outbound shipment, safety inspection) of the goods included in the allocated orders can be performed. Unless the number of goods differs significantly, the time required to perform these procedures may not differ significantly. For example, the time required to package 10 goods and prepare for shipment may not differ significantly from the time required to package 20 goods and prepare for shipment. Therefore, when order allocation is concentrated within a range where serious inventory imbalances in each space module do not occur, the efficiency of the distribution process can be improved.
[0088] The effects according to the technical concept of the present disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by a person skilled in the art from the content of the present disclosure.
[0089] Hereinafter, the hardware configuration of an exemplary computing device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIG. 11. The computing device may be a computing device on which the inventory management device of the present disclosure is operated.
[0090] FIG. 11 is an exemplary hardware configuration diagram that can implement a computing device in various embodiments of the present disclosure. A computing device (1000) according to the present embodiment may include one or more processors (1100), a system bus (1600), a communication interface (1200), a memory (1400) for loading a computer program (1500) executed by the processor (1100), and a storage (1300) for storing the computer program (1500). FIG. 11 illustrates only the components related to the embodiments of the present disclosure. Therefore, a person skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains will understand that other general-purpose components may be included in addition to the components illustrated in FIG. 11.
[0091] The processor (1100) controls the overall operation of each component of the computing device (1000). The processor (1100) may be configured to include at least one of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), MPU (Micro Processor Unit), MCU (Micro Controller Unit), GPU (Graphic Processing Unit), or any form of processor well known in the art of the present disclosure. Additionally, the processor (1100) may perform operations for at least one application or program for executing a method / operation according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. The computing device (1000) may have two or more processors.
[0092] The memory (1400) stores various contents, commands and / or information. The memory (1400) may load one or more programs (1500) from the storage (1300) to execute methods / operations according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. An example of the memory (1400) may be RAM, but is not limited thereto. The system bus (1600) provides communication functions between components of the computing device (1000).
[0093] The system bus (1600) can be implemented as various types of buses, such as an address bus, a data bus, and a control bus. The communication interface (1200) supports wired and wireless internet communication of the computing device (1000). The communication interface (1200) may also support various communication methods other than internet communication. To this end, the communication interface (1200) may be configured to include a communication module well known in the art of the present disclosure. The storage (1300) may store one or more computer programs (1500) non-temporarily. The storage (1300) may be configured to include non-volatile memory such as flash memory, a hard disk, a removable disk, or any type of computer-readable recording medium well known in the art to which the present disclosure belongs.
[0094] A computer program (1500) may include one or more instructions in which methods / operations according to various embodiments of the present disclosure are implemented. When the computer program (1500) is loaded into memory (1400), a processor (1100) may perform methods / operations according to various embodiments of the present disclosure by executing the one or more instructions.
[0095] For example, a computer program (1500) may include instructions for performing operations to obtain the total scheduled quantity of a first product to be received in a logistics center, to obtain the storage quantity of the first product allocated to each of a plurality of space modules constituting the logistics center, to determine the first scheduled quantity of the first product to be received in a first space module among the plurality of space modules, and to determine the second scheduled quantity of the first product to be received in a second space module among the remaining space modules excluding the first space module.
[0096] As another example, a computer program (1500) may include instructions for performing operations to obtain a storage quantity of a first product assigned to each of a plurality of space modules constituting a logistics center, and to assign a product moving device containing the first product to the first space module among the plurality of space modules that has the smallest storage quantity of the first product.
[0097] As another example, a computer program (1500) may include instructions for performing the operation of receiving a first order including a first product, checking a second order already assigned to each of a plurality of space modules constituting the logistics center, wherein the second order includes the first product, and, if the quantity of the first product assigned to the first space module among the plurality of space modules is below a preset threshold, assigning the first order to the first space module.
[0098] Although operations are depicted in a specific order in the drawings, it should not be understood that the operations must necessarily be executed in the specific order depicted or in a sequential order, or that all depicted operations must be executed to obtain the desired result. In certain situations, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Furthermore, the separation of various configurations in the embodiments described above should not be understood as a necessary separation, and it should be understood that the described program components and systems can generally be integrated together into a single software product or packaged into multiple software products.
[0099] Although embodiments of this specification have been described above with reference to the attached drawings, those skilled in the art will understand that the embodiments of this specification may be implemented in other specific forms without altering the technical concept or essential features. Therefore, the embodiments described above should be understood as illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of protection of this disclosure shall be interpreted by the claims below, and all technical concepts within the equivalent scope shall be interpreted as being included within the scope of rights of the technical concepts defined by this disclosure.
Claims
1. In a method performed by a computing device, A step of obtaining the total scheduled incoming quantity of the first product for the logistics center; A step of obtaining the storage quantity of the first product allocated to each of the plurality of space modules constituting the logistics center; and Determining the first scheduled stocking quantity of the first product for the first space module among the plurality of space modules, and The method includes the step of determining the second scheduled stocking quantity of the first product for the second space module among the remaining space modules excluding the first space module, wherein The first space module is the space module among the plurality of space modules with the smallest storage quantity of the first product, and The second space module is the space module among the remaining space modules that has the smallest storage quantity of the first product, Inventory management methods.
2. In Paragraph 1, The above first scheduled incoming quantity is, A quantity obtained by subtracting the storage quantity of the first product in the first space module from the storage quantity of the first product in the third space module that stores the most of the first product among the plurality of space modules above. Inventory management methods.
3. In Paragraph 2, If the quantity obtained by subtracting the storage quantity of the first product in the second space module from the storage quantity of the first product in the third space module is less than the total scheduled incoming quantity excluding the first scheduled incoming quantity, the second scheduled incoming quantity is the quantity obtained by subtracting the storage quantity of the first product in the second space module from the storage quantity of the first product in the third space module, Inventory management methods.
4. In Paragraph 2, If the quantity obtained by subtracting the storage quantity of the first product in the second space module from the storage quantity of the first product in the third space module is less than the total scheduled incoming quantity excluding the first scheduled incoming quantity, the second scheduled incoming quantity is the total scheduled incoming quantity excluding the first scheduled incoming quantity, Inventory management methods.
5. In a method performed by a computing device, A step of obtaining the storage quantity of a first product allocated to each of a plurality of space modules constituting a logistics center; and The method includes the step of assigning a product transfer device containing the first product to the first space module having the smallest storage quantity of the first product among the plurality of space modules, wherein The above product transfer device is, A device for transporting the first product for shipment of the first product within the space module above, and The step of assigning the above-mentioned product transfer device is, A step of moving the first product from the second space module among the plurality of space modules to the first space module using the product moving device; or A method comprising the step of moving the product transfer device from the second space module to the first space module. Inventory management methods.
6. In a method performed by a computing device, A step of receiving a first order including a first product; A step of verifying a second order already assigned to each of a plurality of space modules constituting the logistics center, wherein the second order includes the first product; and If the quantity of the first product assigned to the first space module among the plurality of space modules is less than or equal to a preset threshold, the method includes the step of assigning the first order to the first space module. The above-mentioned first space module is, Among the plurality of space modules above, the space module that stores the most first product, Inventory management methods.
7. In Paragraph 6, The above threshold is, It is the average of the maximum quantity of each of the multiple goods that can be transported by the goods conveying device, and The above product transfer device is, A device for transporting the first product for shipment of the first product within the space module, Inventory management methods.
8. In Paragraph 6, The above threshold is, The maximum quantity of the first product that can be transported by the product transfer device is, and The above product transfer device is, A device for transporting the first product for shipment of the first product within the space module, Inventory management methods.
9. Communication interface; Memory where a computer program is loaded; and The computer program described above includes one or more processors on which it is executed, The above computer program is, The operation of obtaining the total scheduled incoming quantity of the first product for the logistics center; The operation of obtaining the storage quantity of the first product allocated to each of the plurality of space modules constituting the logistics center; and Determining the first scheduled stocking quantity of the first product for the first space module among the plurality of space modules, and Includes an instruction for performing an operation to determine the second scheduled stocking quantity of the first product for the second space module among the remaining space modules excluding the first space module, wherein The first space module is the space module among the plurality of space modules with the smallest storage quantity of the first product, and The second space module is the space module among the remaining space modules that has the smallest storage quantity of the first product, Inventory management device.
10. In Paragraph 9, The above first scheduled incoming quantity is, A quantity obtained by subtracting the storage quantity of the first product in the first space module from the storage quantity of the first product in the third space module that stores the most of the first product among the plurality of space modules above. Inventory management device.
11. In Paragraph 10, If the quantity obtained by subtracting the storage quantity of the first product in the second space module from the storage quantity of the first product in the third space module is less than the total scheduled incoming quantity excluding the first scheduled incoming quantity, the second scheduled incoming quantity is the quantity obtained by subtracting the storage quantity of the first product in the second space module from the storage quantity of the first product in the third space module, Inventory management device.
12. In Paragraph 10, If the quantity obtained by subtracting the storage quantity of the first product in the second space module from the storage quantity of the first product in the third space module is less than the total scheduled incoming quantity excluding the first scheduled incoming quantity, the second scheduled incoming quantity is the total scheduled incoming quantity excluding the first scheduled incoming quantity, Inventory management device.
13. Communication interface; Memory where a computer program is loaded; and The computer program described above includes one or more processors on which it is executed, The above computer program is, An operation to obtain the storage quantity of a first product allocated to each of a plurality of space modules constituting a logistics center; and The method includes an instruction for performing an operation of assigning a product transfer device containing the first product to the first space module having the smallest storage quantity of the first product among the plurality of space modules, wherein The above product transfer device is, A device for transporting the first product for shipment of the first product within the space module above, and The operation of assigning the above-mentioned product transfer device is, The operation of moving the first product from the second space module among the plurality of space modules to the first space module using the product moving device; or A method comprising moving the product transfer device from the second space module to the first space module. Inventory management device.
14. Communication interface; Memory where a computer program is loaded; and The computer program described above includes one or more processors on which it is executed, The above computer program is, The action of receiving a first order including a first product; Checking a second order already assigned to each of the plurality of space modules constituting the logistics center, wherein the second order includes the first product; and If the quantity of the first product assigned to the first space module among the plurality of space modules is less than or equal to a preset threshold, the operation of assigning the first order to the first space module is included. The above-mentioned first space module is, Among the plurality of space modules above, the space module that stores the most first product, Inventory management device.
15. In Paragraph 14, The above threshold is, It is the average of the maximum quantity of each of the multiple goods that can be transported by the goods conveying device, and The above product transfer device is, A device for transporting the first product for shipment of the first product within the space module, Inventory management device.
16. In Paragraph 14, The above threshold is, The maximum quantity of the first product that can be transported by the product transfer device is, and The above product transfer device is, A device for transporting the first product for shipment of the first product within the space module, Inventory management device.