Apparatus, method, and recording medium for managing logistics at fulfillment center

Abstract

An apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may comprise one or more processors, and one or more memories storing instructions to be executed by the one or more processors, wherein, when the instructions are executed, the one or more processors may: acquire a transfer request for a first quantity of a target product stored in a fulfillment center; acquire, in response to acquiring the transfer request, inventory information on the target product stored in one or more first zones and / or one or more second zones in the fulfillment center; determine, from among the one or more first zones or the one or more second zones, one or more target zones from which the target product is to be transferred; and transmit, to a user terminal, information indicating that the first quantity of the target product is to be transferred from the one or more target zones, the one or more first zones being where the target product is stored in a first logistic unit, and the one or more second zones being where the target product is stored in a second logistic unit which includes a smaller number of items than the number of items included in the first logistic unit.

Description

Device, method, and recording medium for managing logistics of a fulfillment center

[0001] The present disclosure relates to technology for managing logistics in a fulfillment center.

[0002] A fulfillment center is a facility that stores goods, processes orders, and performs deliveries under the purview of an e-commerce service, enabling the rapid delivery of ordered products to consumers of the e-commerce service. Fulfillment centers can maintain a certain level of stored goods to ensure rapid delivery. To maintain this level of storage, inventory transfers can be performed to move goods between fulfillment centers.

[0003] At least one embodiment of the present disclosure can determine the area where the transfer of goods is to be performed.

[0004] At least one embodiment of the present disclosure can generate information directing the transfer of goods.

[0005] The technical problems of the present disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned technical problems will be clearly understood by a person skilled in the art from the description in the specification.

[0006] An apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises one or more processors; and one or more memories in which instructions to be executed by the one or more processors are stored. When the instructions are executed, the one or more processors acquire a transfer request for a first quantity of target products stored in a fulfillment center, and in response to the acquisition of the transfer request, acquire inventory information of the target products stored in at least one of one or more first zones or one or more second zones within the fulfillment center, determine one or more target zones among the one or more first zones or one or more second zones where the transfer of the target products is to be performed, and transmit information instructing a user terminal to perform the transfer of the first quantity of target products in the one or more target zones. The one or more first zones may be zones that store the target products in a first logistics unit, and the one or more second zones may be zones that store the target products in a second logistics unit containing a quantity of products less than the quantity of products contained in the first logistics unit.

[0007] In one embodiment, the one or more processors may be configured to determine the quantity of the target product stored in each of the one or more first zones based on the inventory information of the target product when determining the one or more target zones, determine a target first zone among the one or more first zones that stores the target product in a quantity less than or equal to the first quantity, and determine the target first zone as one of the one or more target zones.

[0008] In one embodiment, the one or more processors may determine the target first zone as the target first zone, wherein the target product among the one or more first zones is stored in an amount equal to the first quantity.

[0009] In one embodiment, the one or more processors may determine the target first zone as the target first zone, wherein the target product among the one or more first zones is stored in an amount equal to the first quantity and the target product with the earliest receiving time is stored.

[0010] In one embodiment, the one or more processors may determine the target first zone as the target first zone, wherein the target product among the one or more first zones is stored in an amount equal to the first quantity and the target product has a remaining shelf life of less than or equal to a predetermined period.

[0011] In one embodiment, the predetermined deadline may be a deadline determined based on the type of the target product.

[0012] In one embodiment, the one or more processors may determine the target first zone as the target first zone, wherein the target product among the one or more first zones is stored in an amount less than the first quantity.

[0013] In one embodiment, the one or more processors may store the target product in an amount less than the first quantity among the one or more first zones, and when transferring the target product, determine the first zone where no remaining storage quantity of the target product occurs as the target first zone.

[0014] In one embodiment, the one or more processors may determine the target first zone such that, in determining the target first zone, the second quantity, which is the sum of the quantities of the target products stored in each of the first zones included in the one or more target zones, is less than or equal to the first quantity.

[0015] In one embodiment, the one or more processors may be configured to determine, in determining the one or more target zones, the quantity of the target product stored in each of the one or more second zones based on the inventory information of the target product, determine whether there exists a second zone among the one or more second zones that stores the target product, and, upon the determination that there is no second zone that stores the target product, further determine the first zone among the one or more first zones other than the target first zone that has the largest quantity of the target product stored as one of the one or more target zones.

[0016] In one embodiment, the one or more processors, in determining the one or more target zones, determine the quantity of the target product stored in each of the one or more second zones based on the inventory information of the target product, determine the target second zone among the one or more second zones that stores the target product, and determine the target second zone as one of the one or more target zones.

[0017] In one embodiment, the one or more processors may determine a third quantity which is the difference between the first quantity and the second quantity which is the sum of the quantities of the target products stored in each of the target first zones when determining the target second zone, and determine the second zone among the one or more second zones that stores the target products in an amount equal to the third quantity as the target second zone.

[0018] In one embodiment, the one or more processors may determine the second target zone as the second target zone, wherein the second zone among the one or more second zones has the largest storage quantity of the target product.

[0019] In one embodiment, the first logistics unit is either a pallet unit or a box unit, and the second logistics unit may be either an individual unit of a product or a predetermined quantity less than the number of products included in the first logistics unit.

[0020] A method performed by a device comprising one or more processors and one or more memories for storing instructions to be executed by said one or more processors according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein, at the execution of said instructions, said method comprises: a step in which, when the instructions are executed, said one or more processors obtain a transfer request for a first quantity of target products stored in a fulfillment center; a step in which, in response to the acquisition of said transfer request, the one or more processors obtain inventory information of said target products stored in at least one of one or more first zones or one or more second zones within said fulfillment center; a step in which, among said one or more first zones or one or more second zones, a transfer for said target products is to be performed in one or more target zones; and a step in which information instructing a user terminal to perform a transfer for said target products in said one or more target zones is transmitted to a user terminal, wherein said one or more first zones are zones for storing said target products in a first logistics unit, and said one or more second zones are zones for storing said target products in a second logistics unit containing a number of products less than the number of products contained in said first logistics unit.

[0021] In one embodiment, the step of determining one or more target zones to which the transfer of the target product is to be performed may include: determining the quantity of the target product stored in each of the one or more first zones based on the inventory information of the target product; determining a target first zone among the one or more first zones that stores the target product in a quantity less than or equal to the first quantity; and determining the target first zone as one of the one or more target zones.

[0022] In one embodiment, the step of determining a target first zone among the one or more first zones that stores the target product in a quantity less than or equal to the first quantity may include the step of determining a first zone among the one or more first zones that stores the target product in a quantity equal to the first quantity as the target first zone.

[0023] In one embodiment, the step of determining a target first zone among the one or more first zones for storing the target product in a quantity less than or equal to the first quantity may include the step of determining as the target first zone a first zone among the one or more first zones for storing the target product in a quantity less than the first quantity, such that no remaining quantity of the target product is generated upon transfer of the target product.

[0024] In one embodiment, the method may further include the steps of: determining the quantity of the target product stored in each of the one or more second zones based on the inventory information of the target product; determining the target second zone among the one or more second zones that stores the target product; and determining the target second zone as one of the one or more target zones.

[0025] In a non-transient computer-readable recording medium having instructions to be executed by one or more processors according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the instructions are configured such that, upon execution of the instructions, the one or more processors acquire a transfer request for a first quantity of target products stored in a fulfillment center, and in response to the acquisition of the transfer request, acquire inventory information of the target products stored in at least one of one or more first zones or one or more second zones within the fulfillment center, determine one or more target zones among the one or more first zones or one or more second zones where the transfer of the target products is to be performed, and transmit information instructing a user terminal to perform the transfer of the first quantity of target products in the one or more target zones, wherein the one or more first zones are zones for storing the target products in a first logistics unit, and the one or more second zones are zones for storing the target products in a second logistics unit containing fewer products than the number of products included in the first logistics unit.

[0026] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, an area where the transfer of goods is to be performed may be determined.

[0027] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, information directing the transfer of a product may be generated.

[0028] 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 of the present disclosure from the description in the specification.

[0029] FIG. 1 illustrates an environment in which a device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can be applied.

[0030] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] FIG. 3 schematically illustrates the areas of a fulfillment center according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of steps performed by an apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] FIG. 5 is a detailed flowchart of the step of determining a target area according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] FIG. 6 illustrates a transfer scenario according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] FIG. 7 illustrates a transfer scenario according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] FIG. 8 illustrates a transfer scenario according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] FIG. 9 illustrates a transfer scenario according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] FIG. 10 illustrates a transfer scenario according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] FIG. 11 illustrates a transfer scenario according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] The various embodiments described in this disclosure are illustrative for the purpose of clearly explaining the technical concept of this disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope to specific embodiments. The technical concept of this disclosure includes various modifications, equivalents, alternatives, and embodiments selectively combined from all or part of each embodiment described in this disclosure. Furthermore, the scope of the technical concept of this disclosure is not limited to the various embodiments presented below or the specific descriptions thereof.

[0041] Terms used in this disclosure, including technical or scientific terms, may have the meaning generally understood by those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains, unless otherwise defined.

[0042] Expressions used in this disclosure, such as “comprising,” “may compose,” “possessing,” “possessing,” “having,” and “possessing,” mean that the subject feature (e.g., function, operation, or component, etc.) exists and do not exclude the existence of other additional features. That is, such expressions should be understood as open-ended terms implying the possibility of including other embodiments.

[0043] Singular expressions used in this disclosure may include the meaning of the plural form unless otherwise indicated by the context, and this applies likewise to singular expressions described in the claims.

[0044] Expressions such as "first," "second," or "first," "second," etc., used in this disclosure are used to distinguish one object from another when referring to a plurality of objects of the same kind, unless otherwise indicated in the context, and do not limit the order or importance of the objects.

[0045] Expressions used in the present disclosure, such as “A, B and C,” “A, B or C,” “at least one of A, B and C,” or “at least one of A, B or C,” may mean each of the listed items or all possible combinations of the listed items. For example, “at least one of A or B” may refer to (1) at least one A, (2) at least one B, and (3) at least one A and at least one B.

[0046] The expression “based on” as used in this disclosure is used to describe one or more factors affecting an act or action of a decision or judgment described in the phrase or sentence containing this expression, and this expression does not exclude additional factors affecting said act or action of a decision or judgment.

[0047] As used in the present disclosure, the expression that a certain component (e.g., a first component) is "connected" or "connected" to another component (e.g., a second component) may mean that the said certain component is not only directly connected or connected to the said other component, but is also connected or connected through a new other component (e.g., a third component).

[0048] As used in this disclosure, the expression "configured to" may have meanings such as "set to," "capable of," "modified to," "made to," or "capable of." This expression is not limited to the meaning of "specifically designed in hardware." For example, a processor configured to perform a specific operation may mean a generic-purpose processor capable of performing that specific operation by executing software, or a special-purpose computer structured through programming to perform that specific operation.

[0049] In the present disclosure, a fulfillment center may refer to a logistics center in which at least one of a receiving operation for receiving goods, a shipping operation for shipping received goods, or a transfer operation for moving goods stored to another fulfillment center is performed. For example, the receiving operation may be an operation of acquiring goods from a seller and storing them within the fulfillment center. For example, the receiving operation may include an operation of identifying incoming goods and moving the identified goods to be displayed in a designated area within the fulfillment center. For example, the shipping operation may include a picking operation of picking (or gathering) goods displayed within the fulfillment center and bringing them to a packing workbench upon receipt of an order for goods, and a packing operation of packing the picked goods. For example, the inventory transfer operation may include an operation of determining a target area among one or more areas of the fulfillment center to be transferred, and an operation of shipping goods stored in the target area to another fulfillment center.

[0050] Hereinafter, various embodiments described in this disclosure will be explained with reference to the attached drawings. In the attached drawings and the description thereof, identical or substantially equivalent components may be given the same reference numerals. Furthermore, in the description of the various embodiments below, the description of identical or corresponding components may be omitted, but this does not mean that such components are not included in the embodiments.

[0051] FIG. 1 illustrates an environment in which a device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may be applied. Such an environment may include a device (100) and a user terminal (200). FIG. 1 illustrates only one embodiment for achieving the purpose of the present disclosure, and some components may be added as needed. For example, a transport means (not shown) for moving goods stored in a fulfillment center under the management of the device (100) may be added.

[0052] The device (100) and the user terminal (200) can be connected to each other via a network and communicate. The device (100) may be a server device for managing the inventory of goods stored in a fulfillment center. For example, the device (100) may be a server-side device that operates a Warehouse Management System (WMS) for managing logistics in a fulfillment center. For example, the device (100) may be a device that performs all known operations for managing the entire process of logistics in at least some area within the fulfillment center.

[0053] The device (100) may be a server device for determining a target area where a transfer of goods stored in a fulfillment center is to be performed in response to a transfer request received by the fulfillment center. For example, the device (100) may determine at least one of one or more areas within the fulfillment center as a target area in response to receiving a transfer request for a target product. In this case, goods stored in the target area may be assigned as target products to be transferred to another fulfillment center. The device (100) may be a server device that enables efficient inventory transfer within the fulfillment center by taking into account the inventory situation within the fulfillment center.

[0054] The device (100) may be implemented as one or more computing devices. For example, all functions of the device (100) may be implemented in a single computing device. As another example, the first function of the device (100) may be implemented in the first computing device, and the second function may be implemented in the second computing device. As a specific example, if the device (100) is a server device for managing logistics, the first function for managing logistics may be implemented in the first computing device, and the second function, which is distinct from the first function, may be implemented in the second computing device. Even if the first computing device and the second computing device exist physically separated, the first computing device and the second computing device may be referred to as the device (100) as an abstract concept that integrates them.

[0055] The aforementioned computing device may be, for example, a desktop computer, a laptop computer, an application server, a proxy server, or a cloud server, but is not limited thereto, and any type of device equipped with computing functions may be a computing device.

[0056] The user terminal (200) may be a terminal device for updating inventory information of a fulfillment center. The user terminal (200) may be a terminal device assigned to a fulfillment center to manage the inventory of goods stored in the fulfillment center and to update the inventory of goods. For example, the user terminal (200) may be a device for transmitting inventory information indicating the inventory of goods to the device (100) when operations such as receiving goods into the fulfillment center, shipping out or transferring goods stored in the fulfillment center are performed.

[0057] The user terminal (200) may be a terminal device used by a user who performs inventory transfer operations at a fulfillment center. For example, the user terminal (200) may be a terminal device used by a user who performs receiving, shipping, or transfer operations of goods within the fulfillment center. As another example, the user terminal (200) may be a terminal device assigned to a fulfillment center and equipped with a logistics warehouse management system for managing the logistics of the fulfillment center. In one embodiment, the user terminal (200) may transmit a request for the transfer of goods to the device (100), which includes information indicating the type of target goods and the quantity of target goods. In one embodiment, the user terminal (200) may obtain information from the device (100) instructing the transfer of goods and display this information on the display (not shown) of the user terminal (200). The user terminal (200) may be implemented as a terminal capable of transmitting and receiving to and from the device (100) via a network. For example, the user terminal (200) may be implemented as a computer, a laptop, a portable communication terminal (such as a smartphone), a portable multimedia device, etc. However, the type of user terminal (200) is not limited thereto, and the user terminal (200) may be any device capable of communicating with the device (100) or other devices or modules through a network, including an input / output interface capable of outputting information.

[0058] The user terminal (200) can provide information obtained from the device (100) to the user, obtain input from the user, or transmit the obtained input to the device (100). Input obtained from the user may include various forms of input, such as clicking with a mouse, touching with a touchpad or touchscreen, voice recognition, and other electronic inputs. The user terminal (200) may communicate with the device (100) or other electronic devices, terminals, or modules through a network. For example, the device (100) and the user terminal (200) may communicate with each other by being connected through a network that provides a connection path to transmit and receive packet data. The network may be implemented as any type of wired or wireless network, such as a Local Area Network (LAN), a Wide Area Network (WAN), a Mobile Radio Communication Network, or a Wireless Broadband Internet (Wibro).

[0059] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The device (100) may include one or more processors (110) and / or one or more memories (120) as components. Additionally, in one embodiment, at least one of the components of the device (100) may be omitted, or other components may be added to the device (100). In one embodiment, additionally or alternatively, some components may be implemented as a single or multiple entities. In the present disclosure, one or more processors (110) may be referred to as processors (110). Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the expression processors (110) may mean a set of one or more processors. In the present disclosure, one or more memories (120) may be referred to as memories (120). Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the expression memories (120) may mean a set of one or more memories. In one embodiment, at least some of the internal / external components of the device (100) may be connected to each other via a bus, GPIO (General Purpose Input / Output), SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface), or MIPI (Mobile Industry Processor Interface), etc., to exchange information (data, signals, etc.).

[0060] In one embodiment, the device (100) may further include a communication circuit (130). The device (100) may communicate with a user terminal (200) through the communication circuit (130). That is, the communication circuit (130) may be configured to perform wireless or wired communication between the device (100) and the user terminal (200). For example, the communication circuit (130) can perform wireless communication according to methods such as eMBB (enhanced Mobile Broadband), URLLC (Ultra Reliable Low-Latency Communications), MMTC (Massive Machine Type Communications), LTE (Long-Term Evolution), LTE-A (LTE Advance), NR (New Radio), UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System), GSM (Global System for Mobile communications), CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access), WCDMA (Wideband CDMA), WiBro (Wireless Broadband), WiFi (Wireless Fidelity), Bluetooth, NFC (Near Field Communication), GPS (Global Positioning System), or GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System). For example, the communication circuit (130) can perform wired communication according to methods such as USB (Universal Serial Bus), HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface), RS-232 (Recommended Standard-232), or POTS (Plain Old Telephone Service). In one embodiment, the device (100) may be implemented by being integrated with another device.In this case, the communication circuit (130) can function as a connection circuit or interface connecting the device (100) and the other device.

[0061] The processor (110) can perform various information processing operations related to the technology of the present disclosure (e.g., decision, operation, judgment, information generation, output, modification, update, control of other components, etc.). The processor (110) can perform the corresponding operations by executing instructions stored in the memory (120). Furthermore, the processor (110) can transmit and receive various information with the user terminal (200) through the communication circuit (130). In one embodiment, the processor (110) can control the communication circuit (130) to transmit various information to the user terminal (200) in various forms. That is, the processor (110) can cause the device (100) to perform each of the embodiments of the present disclosure according to the instructions being executed. In one embodiment, the processor (110) may be configured to acquire a transfer request for a first quantity of target products stored in a fulfillment center, and in response to the acquisition of the transfer request, acquire inventory information of the target products stored in at least one of one or more first zones or one or more second zones within the fulfillment center, determine one or more target zones among one or more first zones or one or more second zones where the transfer of the target products is to be performed, and transmit information instructing a user terminal to perform the transfer of the first quantity of target products in one or more target zones, wherein one or more first zones are zones that store the target products in a first logistics unit, and one or more second zones are zones that store the target products in a second logistics unit containing fewer products than the number of products contained in the first logistics unit.

[0062] In the present disclosure, the processor (110) is hardware configured to perform the operations described above. The processor (110) may be a general-purpose processor capable of performing specific operations by executing instructions, or a special-purpose processor structured to perform said operations through programming. For example, the processor (110) may be a circuit comprising a CPU (Central Processing Unit), GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), NPU (Neural Processing Unit), integrated circuit, microprocessor, ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), conventional circuitry, or a combination thereof. That is, the processor (110) may be implemented as a circuit comprising transistors, integrated circuits, or other circuits.

[0063] The memory (120) can store various information (data). The information stored in the memory (120) is information acquired, processed, or used by at least one component of the device (100), and may include software (e.g., instructions, programs, etc.). The memory (120) may include volatile and / or non-volatile memory. In the present disclosure, instructions or programs are software stored in the memory (120) and may include an operating system for controlling the resources of the device (100), an application, and / or middleware that provides various functions to the application so that the application can utilize the resources of the device (100). In one embodiment, the memory (120) may store instructions that cause the processor (110) to perform calculations when executed by the processor (110). The memory (120) may store at least a portion of information received from the user terminal (200) through the communication circuit (130) and / or information transmitted to the user terminal (200) through the communication circuit (130). For example, the memory (120) may store inventory information of goods stored in each fulfillment center, but is not limited thereto.

[0064] A user terminal (200) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may also include one or more processors, one or more memories, and communication circuits as components. At least one of the components of the user terminal may be omitted, or other components may be added to the user terminal. In one embodiment, additionally or substantially, some components may be implemented by being integrated, or implemented as a single or multiple entities. One or more processors of the user terminal may control at least one component of the user terminal connected to the processor by running software (e.g., instructions, programs, etc.). One or more memories of the user terminal may store various information (data). The communication circuit of the user terminal may perform wireless or wired communication between the user terminal and a database or other external device.

[0065] FIG. 3 schematically illustrates the areas of a fulfillment center according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The fulfillment center (300) may include a first area (310) comprising one or more first areas and a second area (320) comprising one or more second areas. In one embodiment, each drawn with a solid line may represent one area. For example, the first area (310) may include eight first areas and the second area (320) may include eight second areas, but is not limited thereto.

[0066] The first area (310) may be a zone for storing goods in first logistics units. In one embodiment, the first area (310) may be a zone for storing goods in first logistics units according to the type of goods. For example, among one or more first zones included in the first area (310), one may be a zone for storing fresh food in first logistics units, and one may be a zone for storing electronic products in first logistics units. In another embodiment, the first area (310) may be a zone for storing goods in first logistics units according to the size of the goods. For example, among one or more first zones included in the first area (310), one may be a zone for storing goods of relatively small size in first logistics units, and one may be a zone for storing goods of relatively large size in first logistics units. In another embodiment, the first area (310) may be a zone for storing goods in first logistics units according to the time of receiving the goods. For example, among one or more first zones included in the first area (310), one may be a zone for storing goods in a first logistics unit that have an entry time in any first section, and one may be a zone for storing goods in a first logistics unit that have an entry time in any second section following the first section.

[0067] The second area (320) may be an area for storing goods in second logistics units. In one embodiment, the second area (320) may be an area for storing goods in second logistics units according to the type of goods. For example, among one or more second areas included in the second area (320), one may be an area for storing fresh food in second logistics units, and one may be an area for storing electronic products in second logistics units. In another embodiment, the second area (320) may be an area for storing goods in second logistics units according to the size of the goods. For example, among one or more second areas included in the second area (320), one may be an area for storing goods of relatively small size in second logistics units, and one may be an area for storing goods of relatively large size in second logistics units. In another embodiment, the second area (320) may be an area for storing goods in second logistics units according to the time of receiving the goods. For example, among one or more second zones included in the second area (320), one may be a zone for storing goods in a first logistics unit that have an entry time in any first section, and one may be a zone for storing goods in a second logistics unit that have an entry time in any second section following the first section.

[0068] In one embodiment, the first area (310) may be collectively referred to as a buffer zone. A fulfillment center needs to store goods sold through e-commerce services in an amount exceeding a predetermined inventory. By securing (storing) goods in an amount exceeding a predetermined inventory, the fulfillment center enables stable logistics processing. In a fulfillment center, the area where goods are stored to maintain the inventory of goods in an amount exceeding a predetermined inventory may be a buffer zone.

[0069] In one embodiment, the second area (320) may be collectively referred to as a picking zone. A fulfillment center may be a center where all operations related to logistics processing, from receiving goods to shipping goods directly to consumers, are performed. In a fulfillment center, the area where shipping operations are performed may be a picking zone. In the picking zone, storage of goods, packaging of goods, and shipping of goods may be performed. In addition to the second area where goods are stored in second logistics units, the second area (320) may further include an area for storing individual goods on shelves, etc. Such an area may be collectively referred to as a bin area.

[0070] As described above, the fulfillment center may include a first area (310) and a second area (320) with different purposes for storing goods. Since the first area (310) and the second area (320) have different purposes for storing goods, goods may be stored in different logistics units. In one embodiment, the first logistics unit may be either a pallet or a box, and the second logistics unit may be a unit containing a quantity of goods smaller than the quantity of goods included in the first logistics unit. For example, if the first logistics unit is a pallet unit, the second logistics unit may be a unit containing a quantity smaller than the quantity of goods included in one pallet. In another example, if the first logistics unit is a box unit, the second logistics unit may be a unit containing a quantity smaller than the quantity of goods included in one box. In one embodiment, the second logistics unit may be a box or an individual packaging (single-package) unit of goods, but is not limited thereto.

[0071] A first area (310) storing goods in a first logistics unit may require disassembling the goods in the first logistics unit to transfer a smaller quantity of goods than the first logistics unit. For example, in a situation where 30 goods need to be transferred when 100 goods are loaded and stored on a single pallet, a situation may arise where the pallet must be disassembled to transfer the 30 goods. On the other hand, in a situation where 100 goods need to be transferred when 100 goods are loaded and stored on a single pallet, if the pallet itself is transferred via a means of transport (e.g., a forklift, etc.), the human resources required for the transfer of goods may be significantly reduced. An apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure enables more efficient transfer of goods based on the inventory information of goods stored in the first area (310) and the inventory information of goods stored in the second area (320).

[0072] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of steps performed by a device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. A method performed by a device (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include steps S410 to S440. Steps S410 to S440 described below may be understood as being performed by a device (100) comprising one or more processors (110) and one or more memories (120) storing instructions to be executed by said one or more processors (110).

[0073] In step S410, the processor (110) of the device (100) may obtain a transfer request for a target product. The processor (110) of the device (100) may obtain a transfer request for a product from a user terminal (200) or other external device. For example, the device (100) may obtain a transfer request for a product from a user terminal (200) managing a first fulfillment center. In this case, the device (100) may transmit information instructing the user terminal (200) managing the first fulfillment center to transfer the product from the second fulfillment center to the first fulfillment center based on the inventory information of the product at the second fulfillment center. In one embodiment, the transfer request for a product may include information for identifying the target product, which is the product to be transferred, and information instructing the quantity to be transferred. For example, a transfer request may include information for identifying a target product, such as the name of the target product or a product ID, and information indicating a transfer quantity, such as a first quantity.

[0074] In step S420, the processor (110) of the device (100) may acquire an inventory of target products stored in at least one of the first zone or the second zone within the fulfillment center. The processor (110) of the device (100) may determine the target fulfillment center among the plurality of fulfillment centers to perform product transfer. For example, in step S410, if the device (100) acquires a request for product transfer from a user terminal (200) managing the first fulfillment center, the device (100) may determine the fulfillment center closest to the first fulfillment center as the target fulfillment center. In another example, at step S410, if the device (100) obtains a transfer request for a product from a user terminal (200) managing the first fulfillment center, the device (100) may identify the target product based on the transfer request, obtain inventory information of the target product per fulfillment center from the memory (120), and determine the fulfillment center with the largest storage quantity of the target product as the target fulfillment center. In another example, at step S410, if the device (100) obtains a transfer request for a product from a user terminal (200) managing the first fulfillment center, the device (100) may determine the fulfillment center with the smallest number of orders assigned to the fulfillment center as the target fulfillment center. The device (100) may determine the target fulfillment center and obtain inventory information of the target product stored in at least one of one or more first zones or one or more second zones within the target fulfillment center.

[0075] In step S430, the processor (110) of the device (100) may determine a target area among a first area or a second area. The processor (110) of the device (100) may determine one or more target areas among one or more first areas or one or more second areas of a target fulfillment center where a transfer for the target product is to be performed. The detailed steps of step S430 are described later with reference to FIG. 5.

[0076] In step S440, the processor (110) of the device (100) may transmit information instructing a transfer of a target product in a target area to a user terminal (200). The processor (110) of the device (100) may control a communication circuit (130) to transmit information instructing a transfer of a target product in a target area to a user terminal (200) managing a target fulfillment center. In one embodiment, the information instructing a transfer of a target product in a target area may include, but is not limited to, information instructing the target area where the transfer operation is to be performed, information instructing the quantity of transfer in each target area, etc.

[0077] FIG. 5 is a detailed flowchart of the step of determining a target area according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, the step of determining a target area where the transfer of goods is to be performed may include at least steps S431 to S433.

[0078] In step S431, the processor (110) of the device (100) can determine the quantity of target products stored in the first zone based on inventory information. The processor (110) of the device (100) can obtain inventory information of target products stored in one or more first zones of the target fulfillment center.

[0079] In step S432, the processor (110) of the device (100) may determine a target first zone among the first zones. The processor (110) of the device (100) may determine a first zone among one or more first zones where a transfer operation is to be performed as the target first zone. In one embodiment, the processor (110) of the device (100) may determine a first zone among one or more first zones that stores a target product in a quantity less than or equal to a first quantity as the target first zone. For example, if a transfer request includes information indicating a first quantity (e.g., 160 units) which is the transfer quantity, the processor (110) of the device (100) may determine a first zone among one or more first zones that stores a target product in a quantity less than or equal to the first quantity (160 units or less) as the target first zone. This is because in the case of a first zone that stores a quantity of target product exceeding the first quantity, the product stored in the first logistics unit must inevitably be dismantled.

[0080] In determining the first target zone, the processor (110) of the device (100) may determine the first zone that stores the target product in an amount equal to the first quantity as the first target zone. In this case, the transfer operation for the target product of the first quantity corresponding to the transfer request may be performed in one first zone. In one embodiment, the processor (110) of the device (100) may minimize the human resources required for the transfer operation by preferentially determining the first zone that stores the target product in an amount equal to the first quantity as the first target zone.

[0081] In one embodiment, among one or more first zones within a target fulfillment center, there may be one or more first zones that store target products in an amount equal to the first quantity. In this case, the device (100) may determine the target first zone based on the time when the target products are received in each of the one or more first zones that store target products in an amount equal to the first quantity. Since the product with the earliest receiving time must be processed quickly according to the First In First Out (FIFO) principle, the processor (110) of the device (100) may determine the first zone storing the target product with the earliest receiving time as the target first zone based on the time when the target products are received in each of the one or more first zones. Information indicating the time when the target products are received may be obtained by the device (100) through the user terminal (200) at the time when the target products are received.

[0082] In one embodiment, among one or more first zones within a target fulfillment center, there may be one or more first zones that store a target product in a quantity equal to the first quantity. In this case, the device (100) may determine the target first zone based on the remaining shelf life of the target product stored in each of the one or more first zones that store a quantity equal to the first quantity. In one embodiment, the processor (110) of the device (100) may determine the target first zone as the first zone that stores the target product, the remaining shelf life of which is less than or equal to a predetermined period. Here, the predetermined period may be a period determined according to the type of the target product. For example, in the case of a product delivered through a specific delivery method of an e-commerce service (e.g., fresh food delivery, fresh delivery, etc.), such as fresh food, fast delivery to the consumer may be required. Accordingly, if the type of product is fresh food, the predetermined period may be set relatively short, such as 3 days. As another example, for flagship products with relatively high sales volume in e-commerce services (e.g., daily necessities, popular products, etc.), a predetermined deadline may be set relatively long, such as 14 days. However, the aforementioned deadline is exemplary, and the present disclosure is not limited to such examples.

[0083] In determining the first target zone, the processor (110) of the device (100) may determine the first target zone as the first target zone, which stores a quantity of target products less than the first quantity. In one embodiment, if there is no first zone that stores a quantity of target products equal to the first quantity, the processor (110) of the device (100) may determine the first target zone as the first target zone, which stores a quantity of target products less than the first quantity. The processor (110) of the device (100) may determine the first target zone as the first target zone, which stores a quantity of target products less than the first quantity and allows for the transfer of the entire target products. Here, the statement that the entire target products can be transferred means that the entire target products stored in the first zone can be transferred, and can be understood as a situation where no remaining quantity of target products is generated when the target products stored in the first target zone are transferred. For example, if a transfer request includes information indicating a first quantity (e.g., 160 units) as the transfer quantity, it can be assumed that each of one or more first zones stores 70, 60, and 40 target products. In this case, if the processor (110) of the device (100) determines all of one or more first zones as target first zones, a situation may inevitably arise where the products stored in the first logistics unit must be dismantled. Accordingly, the processor (110) of the device (100) may determine one or more first zones capable of total transfer of target products as target first zones so that no remaining storage quantity of target products occurs among one or more first zones.

[0084] The processor (110) of the device (100) can determine the target first zones such that the second quantity, which is the sum of the quantities of target goods stored in one or more first zones included in each target first zone, is less than or equal to the first quantity.

[0085] In step S433, the processor (110) of the device (100) may determine the target first zone as one of the target zones. That is, the processor (110) of the device (100) may determine the target first zone as one of the target zones where a transfer operation is to be performed. In this case, the processor (110) of the device (100) may generate information instructing to perform the transfer in the target first zone.

[0086] In one embodiment, according to step S432, the second quantity, which is the quantity of target products transferable in the first target zone, may correspond to a value less than or equal to the first quantity. For example, if the second quantity, which is the quantity of target products transferable in the first target zone, is equal to the first quantity, the transfer request can be processed by performing a transfer operation in the first target zone. However, if the second quantity, which is the quantity of target products transferable in the first target zone, is less than the first quantity, transfer of a third quantity of target products corresponding to the difference between the first quantity and the second quantity is required. In one embodiment, if the second quantity corresponds to a quantity smaller than the first quantity, the step of determining the target zone according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may further include steps S434 to S436.

[0087] In step S434, the processor (110) of the device (100) can determine the quantity of target products stored in the second zone based on inventory information. The processor (110) of the device (100) can obtain inventory information of target products stored in one or more second zones of the target fulfillment center.

[0088] In step S435, the processor (110) of the device (100) may determine a target second zone among the second zones. The processor (110) of the device (100) may determine a second zone among one or more second zones where a transfer operation is to be performed as the target second zone. In one embodiment, the processor (110) of the device (100) may determine a second zone among one or more second zones that stores the target goods as the target second zone. In one embodiment, the processor (110) of the device (100) may determine a third quantity corresponding to the difference from the first quantity, which is the quantity of target goods transferable from the target first zone.

[0089] The processor (110) of the device (100) can determine whether there exists a second zone among one or more second zones that stores the target product. In one embodiment, the processor (110) of the device (100) can determine the second zone that stores the target product as the target second zone based on the determination that there exists a second zone among one or more second zones that stores the target product. In one embodiment, the processor (110) of the device (100) can further determine the first zone with the largest storage quantity of the target product as the target first zone based on the determination that there does not exist a second zone among one or more second zones that stores the target product among one or more first zones, excluding the target first zone.

[0090] In one embodiment, the processor (110) of the device (100) may determine the target second zone as the target second zone by storing a quantity of target goods equal to the third quantity. In this case, the transfer operation for the third quantity of target goods corresponding to the transfer request may be performed in one second zone. In one embodiment, the processor (110) of the device (100) may determine the target second zone as the second zone with the largest quantity of stored target goods. This enables stable logistics processing in the target second zone. In another embodiment, the processor (110) of the device (100) may determine the target second zone as the second zone with the smallest quantity of stored target goods. This allows for rapid processing of the target goods stored in the target second zone, thereby expanding the available area of ​​the target second zone.

[0091] In step S436, the processor of the device (100) may determine the target second zone as one of the target zones. That is, the processor (110) of the device (100) may determine the target second zone as one of the target zones where the transfer operation is to be performed. In this case, the processor (110) of the device (100) may generate information instructing to perform the transfer in the target first zone determined in step S432 and the target second zone determined in step S435. As another example, the processor (110) of the device (100) may generate information instructing to perform the transfer in the target first zone determined in step S432 and the target first zone additionally determined in step S435.

[0092] In the flowcharts of the present disclosure, the dynamics of the method or algorithm are described in a sequential order, but may be performed in any combination other than sequentially. The description of the flowcharts of the present disclosure does not exclude changes or modifications to the method or algorithm and does not imply that any operation is essential or desirable. In one embodiment, at least some operations may be performed in parallel, iteratively, or heuristically. In another embodiment, at least some operations may be omitted or other operations may be added.

[0093] FIGS. 6 through 11 illustrate a transfer scenario according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The device (100) may determine a target fulfillment center in response to receiving a transfer request. The device (100) may determine at least one of one or more first zones or one or more second zones of the target fulfillment center as the target zone where the transfer operation is to be performed. In the scenario described below, it is assumed that the number of transfers included in the transfer request is 160, but this example is not limited thereto. Additionally, one or more zones indicated by shading in FIGS. 6 through 11 may be zones corresponding to the target zone of the present disclosure.

[0094] The device (100) can determine the quantity of target products stored in each of one or more first zones based on inventory information of target products stored in each of one or more first zones of a target fulfillment center. In one embodiment, the device (100) can determine the first zone among the one or more first zones that stores a quantity of target products less than or equal to the first quantity as the target first zone.

[0095] First, referring to FIG. 6, the first zone (311) stores the target product in a quantity equal to the first quantity (160 units), and the first zone (312) stores the target product in a quantity less than the first quantity (150 units). The device (100) can determine the first zone (311) and the first zone (312) as the target first zone.

[0096] In determining the first target zone, the device (100) may determine the first zone that stores the target product in an amount equal to the first quantity (160 units) as the first target zone. In one embodiment, the device (100) may determine the first zone (311) that stores the target product in an amount equal to the first quantity among the first zone (311) and the first zone (312) as the first target zone. Consequently, the first zone (311) may be determined as the first target zone.

[0097] The device (100) may determine a first target area as the target area. The device (100) may generate information instructing the transfer of a first quantity of target products in the first area (311). In one embodiment, the device (100) may transmit information instructing the transfer of a first quantity of target products in the first area (311) to a user terminal (200) managing logistics of a target fulfillment center.

[0098] Referring to FIG. 7, the first zone (311) stores the target product in a quantity equal to the first quantity (160 units), and the first zone (312) also stores the target product in a quantity equal to the first quantity (160 units). The device (100) can determine the first zone (311) and the first zone (312) as the target first zone.

[0099] In determining the first target zone, the device (100) may determine the first target zone as the first target zone by storing the target product in a quantity equal to the first quantity (160 units) and storing the target product with the earliest arrival time. In one embodiment, the device (100) may determine the first target zone (311) as the first target zone among the first zone (311) and the first zone (312) by storing the target product with an arrival time of January 5, which is earlier than January 10. As a result, the first zone (311) may be determined as the first target zone.

[0100] The device (100) may determine a first target area as the target area. The device (100) may generate information instructing the transfer of a first quantity of target products in the first area (311). In one embodiment, the device (100) may transmit information instructing the transfer of a first quantity of target products in the first area (311) to a user terminal (200) managing logistics of a target fulfillment center.

[0101] Referring to FIG. 8, the first zone (311) stores a quantity of target products less than the first quantity (110 units), the first zone (312) stores a quantity of target products less than the first quantity (70 units), the first zone (313) stores a quantity of target products less than the first quantity (100 units), and the first zone (314) stores a quantity of target products less than the first quantity (80 units). The device (100) can determine the first zone (311) to the first zone (314) as the target first zone.

[0102] In determining the first target zone, the device (100) may determine the first zone where the entire transfer of the target product is possible as the first target zone. In one embodiment, if there are multiple first zones where the entire transfer of the target product is possible, the device (100) may determine the first zone with the largest storage quantity of the target product as the first target zone. In one embodiment, the device (100) may determine the first zone (311) with the largest storage quantity of the target product as the first target zone. In one embodiment, the device (100) may determine whether there are more first zones where the entire transfer of the target product is possible. Since the first zone (311) has been determined as the first target zone, the remaining transfer quantity is 50, but since the storage quantity of the target product in each of the first zones (312, 313, and 314) exceeds 50, the entire transfer is impossible. Accordingly, the device (100) may determine only the first zone (311) as the first target zone.

[0103] The device (100) can determine the difference in quantity (50) between the first quantity (160) and the second quantity (110), which is the sum of the quantity of target products stored in the first target area.

[0104] The device (100) may determine the second zone among one or more second zones that stores the target product as the target second zone. In one embodiment, since the second zone (321) stores the target product (50 items) and the second zone (322) stores the target product (70 items), the device (100) may determine the second zone (321, 322) as the target second zone.

[0105] In determining the target second zone, the device (100) may determine the second zone with the smallest storage quantity of target products in the second zone as the target second zone. In one embodiment, since the storage quantity of target products in the second zone (321) is less than the storage quantity of target products in the second zone (322), the device (100) may determine the second zone (321) as the target second zone. However, this is exemplary, and with reference to FIG. 10, the device (100) may determine the second zone (321) with the largest storage quantity of target products as the target second zone.

[0106] The device (100) may determine a target first zone and a target second zone as target zones. The device (100) may generate information instructing the transfer of 110 target products in the first zone (311) and information instructing the transfer of 50 target products in the second zone (321). In one embodiment, the device (100) may transmit information instructing the transfer of 110 target products in the first zone (311) and 50 target products in the second zone (321) to a user terminal (200) managing logistics of a target fulfillment center.

[0107] Referring to FIG. 9, the quantity of target products stored in each of the second zone (321) and the second zone (322) is the same at 70. Content that overlaps with the explanation with reference to FIG. 8 is omitted.

[0108] In determining the target second zone, the device (100) may determine the second zone where the time of arrival of the target product is earlier as the target second zone. In one embodiment, the device (100) may determine the second zone (321) where the time of arrival of the target product is January 3, which is earlier than January 7, as the target second zone.

[0109] The device (100) may determine a target first zone and a target second zone as target zones. The device (100) may generate information instructing the transfer of 110 target products in the first zone (311) and information instructing the transfer of 50 target products in the second zone (321). In one embodiment, the device (100) may transmit information instructing the transfer of 110 target products in the first zone (311) and 50 target products in the second zone (321) to a user terminal (200) managing logistics of a target fulfillment center.

[0110] Referring to FIG. 11, the first zone (311) stores a target product in a quantity greater than the first quantity (200 units), the first zone (312) stores a target product in a quantity less than the first quantity (70 units), the first zone (313) stores a target product in a quantity less than the first quantity (40 units), and the first zone (314) stores a target product in a quantity less than the first quantity (30 units). The device (100) can determine the first zone (312) to the first zone (315) as the target first zone.

[0111] In determining the first target zone, the device (100) may determine the first zone where the entire target product can be transferred as the first target zone. If there are multiple first zones where the entire target product can be transferred, the device (100) may determine the first zone with the largest storage quantity of the target product as the first target zone. In one embodiment, the device (100) may determine the first zone (312) with the largest storage quantity of the target product among the first zones where the entire target product can be transferred as the first target zone. The device (100) may determine whether there are more first zones where the entire target product can be transferred. Since the first zone (311) has been determined as the first target zone, the remaining transfer quantity is 90. In one embodiment, the device (100) may determine whether there are more first zones where the entire target product can be transferred among the first zones (313) to the first zone (315). Likewise, the device (100) may determine the first zone (313), which has the largest storage quantity of target products among the first zones (313) to (315), as the target first zone. Since the first zone (313) is further determined as the target first zone, the remaining transfer quantity is 50. In one embodiment, the device (100) may determine whether there is another first zone among the first zone (314) and the first zone (315) where the entire transfer of target products is possible. Both the first zone (314) and the first zone (315) are capable of the entire transfer of target products, but if all target products stored in the first zone (314) and the first zone (315) are transferred, the transfer quantity is 60, which exceeds the remaining transfer quantity of 50. Accordingly, the device (100) can determine one of the first zones (314) and (315) as the target first zone.In one embodiment, the device (100) may determine the first target zone as the first target zone, wherein the time of arrival of the target product is January 5, which is earlier than January 9. Accordingly, the second quantity, which is the sum of the quantities of the target products stored in the first target zone, is 140, and the third quantity, which is the difference between the first quantity and the second quantity, is 20.

[0112] The device (100) may determine a second zone among one or more second zones that stores target products as the target second zone. In one embodiment, since the second zone (321) stores target products (200) and the second zone (322) stores target products (110), the device (100) may determine the second zone (321, 322) as the target second zone.

[0113] In determining the target second zone, the device (100) may determine the second zone with the largest storage quantity of target products in the second zone as the target second zone. In one embodiment, since the storage quantity of target products in the second zone (321) is greater than the storage quantity of target products in the second zone (322), the device (100) may determine the second zone (321) as the target second zone. However, this is exemplary, and the device (100) may determine the second zone (322) with the smallest storage quantity of target products as the target second zone.

[0114] The device (100) may determine the target first zone and the target second zone as target zones. The device (100) may generate information instructing the transfer of 70 target products in the first zone (312), instructing the transfer of 40 target products in the first zone (313), instructing the transfer of 30 target products in the first zone (315), and instructing the transfer of 20 target products in the second zone (321). In one embodiment, the device (100) may transmit information instructing the transfer of 70 target products in the first zone (312), 40 target products in the first zone (313), 30 target products in the first zone (315), and 20 target products in the second zone (321) to a user terminal (200) managing logistics of the target fulfillment center.

[0115] Various embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented as software on a machine-readable storage medium (MRSM). The software may be software for implementing various embodiments of the present disclosure. The software may be inferred from the various embodiments of the present disclosure by programmers in the art to which the present disclosure belongs. For example, the software may be a computer program containing instructions that can be read by a computing device. A computing device is a device capable of operating according to instructions called from a storage medium, and may be referred to interchangeably with, for example, an electronic device. In one embodiment, a processor (110) of a computing device may execute a called instruction to cause components of the computing device to perform functions corresponding to the instruction. A storage medium may refer to any type of recording medium in which information is stored that can be read by a device. A storage medium may include, for example, ROM, RAM, CD-ROM, magnetic tape, floppy disk, or optical information storage device. In one embodiment, the storage medium may be implemented in a distributed form in a computer system connected by a network, etc. In this case, the software may be stored and executed in a distributed manner in a computer system, etc. In another embodiment, the storage medium may be a non-transitory storage medium. A non-transitory storage medium refers to a medium that exists regardless of whether information is stored semi-permanently or temporarily, and does not include signals that are transmitted transitorily.

[0116] Although the technical concept according to the present disclosure has been described by various embodiments above, the technical concept according to the present disclosure includes various substitutions, modifications, and changes that can be made within the scope of understanding of a person skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains. Furthermore, it should be understood that such substitutions, modifications, and changes may be included within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. One or more processors; and It includes one or more memories in which instructions to be executed by the above one or more processors are stored, and When executing the above instructions, the one or more processors, Obtain a transfer request for a first quantity of target products stored in a fulfillment center, and In response to the above transfer request, the inventory information of the target product stored in at least one of one or more first zones or one or more second zones within the fulfillment center is obtained, and Among the above one or more first zones or the above one or more second zones, determine one or more target zones where the transfer of the target product is to be performed, and It is configured to transmit information to a user terminal instructing to perform the transfer of the target product of the first quantity in the one or more target areas, and The above one or more first zones are zones for storing the target product in a first logistics unit, and The device, wherein one or more of the above second zones are zones for storing the target product in a second logistics unit containing a quantity of product less than the quantity of product contained in the first logistics unit.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above one or more processors, in determining the above one or more target areas, Based on the inventory information of the above-mentioned target product, the quantity of the above-mentioned target product stored in each of the one or more first zones is determined, and Among the above one or more first zones, determine a target first zone that stores the target product in a quantity less than or equal to the first quantity, and A device configured to determine the above-mentioned target first zone as one of the above-mentioned one or more target zones.

3. In Paragraph 2, The above one or more processors, in determining the above target first zone, A device for determining, among the above one or more first zones, a first zone that stores the above target product in an amount equal to the above first quantity as the above target first zone.

4. In Paragraph 3, The above one or more processors, in determining the above target first zone, A device that stores the target product in an amount equal to the first quantity among the above one or more first zones, and determines the first zone storing the target product with the earliest receiving time as the target first zone.

5. In Paragraph 3, The above one or more processors, in determining the above target first zone, A device for determining the first target zone as the target first zone, wherein the target product is stored in a quantity equal to the first quantity among the above one or more first zones, and the target product is stored with a remaining shelf life less than or equal to a predetermined period.

6. In Paragraph 5, A device in which the above-mentioned predetermined deadline is a deadline determined based on the type of the above-mentioned target product.

7. In Paragraph 2, The above one or more processors, in determining the above target first zone, A device for determining, among the above one or more first zones, a first zone that stores the above target product in an amount less than the above first quantity as the above target first zone.

8. In Paragraph 7, The above one or more processors, A device that stores a quantity of the target product less than the first quantity among one or more first zones, and determines the first zone where no remaining quantity of the target product is generated upon transfer of the target product as the target first zone.

9. In Paragraph 8, The above one or more processors, in determining the above target first zone, A device for determining a first target area such that a second quantity, which is the sum of the quantities of the target products stored in each of the first areas included in the above one or more target areas, is less than or equal to the first quantity.

10. In Paragraph 9, The above one or more processors, in determining the above one or more target areas, Based on the inventory information of the above-mentioned target product, the quantity of the above-mentioned target product stored in each of the one or more second zones is determined, and Determining whether there exists a second zone among the above one or more second zones that stores the target product, and Based on the decision that there is no second zone storing the above-mentioned target product, A device configured to further determine, among the one or more first zones other than the first zone, the first zone with the largest storage quantity of the target product as one of the one or more target zones.

11. In Paragraph 7, The above one or more processors, in determining the above one or more target areas, Based on the inventory information of the above-mentioned target product, the quantity of the above-mentioned target product stored in each of the one or more second zones is determined, and Determine the target second zone among the above one or more second zones for storing the target product, and A device for determining the above-mentioned target second zone as one of the above-mentioned one or more target zones.

12. In Paragraph 11, The above one or more processors, in determining the above target second zone, Determining a third quantity which is the difference between the first quantity and the second quantity, which is the sum of the quantities of the target products stored in each of the first target zones, and A device for determining, among the above one or more second zones, a second zone that stores the above target product in an amount equal to the above third quantity as the above target second zone.

13. In Paragraph 11, The above one or more processors, in determining the above target second zone, A device for determining the second zone with the largest storage quantity of the target product among the one or more second zones above as the target second zone.

14. In Paragraph 1, The above-mentioned first logistics unit is, It is either a pallet unit or a box unit, and The above second logistics unit is, A device having a unit of quantity that is smaller than the number of goods included in the first logistics unit, or a unit of quantity.

15. A method performed by a device comprising one or more processors and one or more memories storing instructions to be executed by said one or more processors, wherein When executing the above instructions, the above one or more processors, A step of obtaining a transfer request for a first quantity of target products stored in a fulfillment center; A step of obtaining inventory information of the target product stored in at least one of one or more first zones or one or more second zones within the fulfillment center in response to the above transfer request; A step of determining one or more target zones among the one or more first zones or the one or more second zones where the transfer of the target product is to be performed; and The method includes the step of transmitting information to a user terminal instructing to perform the transfer of the target product of the first quantity in the one or more target zones. The above one or more first zones are zones for storing the target product in a first logistics unit, and A method in which one or more of the above second zones are zones that store the above target product in a second logistics unit containing fewer products than the number of products contained in the first logistics unit.

16. In Paragraph 15, The step of determining the one or more target zones where the transfer of the above-mentioned target product will be performed is: A step of determining the quantity of the target product stored in each of the one or more first zones based on the inventory information of the target product; A step of determining the target first zone among the above one or more first zones, wherein the target product is stored in a quantity less than or equal to the first quantity; and A method comprising the step of determining the above-mentioned target first zone as one of the above-mentioned one or more target zones.

17. In Paragraph 16, The step of determining the target first zone among the above one or more first zones, wherein the target product is stored in a quantity less than or equal to the first quantity, is: A method comprising the step of determining, among the above one or more first zones, a first zone that stores the target product in an amount equal to the first quantity as the target first zone.

18. In Paragraph 16, The step of determining the target first zone among the above one or more first zones, wherein the target product is stored in a quantity less than or equal to the first quantity, is: A method comprising the step of storing a target product in a quantity less than the first quantity among one or more first zones, and determining a first zone where no remaining quantity of the target product is generated upon transfer of the target product as the target first zone.

19. In Paragraph 16, A step of determining the quantity of the target product stored in each of the one or more second zones based on the inventory information of the target product; A step of determining a target second zone among the above one or more second zones for storing the target product; and A method further comprising the step of determining the second target zone as one of the one or more target zones.

20. A non-transient computer-readable recording medium storing instructions to be executed by one or more processors, The above instructions, when executed, the above one or more processors, Obtain a transfer request for a first quantity of target products stored in a fulfillment center, and In response to the above transfer request, the inventory information of the target product stored in at least one of one or more first zones or one or more second zones within the fulfillment center is obtained, and Among the above one or more first zones or the above one or more second zones, determine one or more target zones where the transfer of the target product is to be performed, and It is configured to transmit information to a user terminal instructing to perform the transfer of the target product of the first quantity in the one or more target areas, and The above one or more first zones are zones for storing the target product in a first logistics unit, and A non-transient computer-readable recording medium, wherein one or more of the above second zones are zones for storing the above target goods in second logistics units containing fewer goods than the number of goods contained in the first logistics unit.

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