Physical Distribution Management Device for Frequency-Based Storage Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current distribution systems face challenges in efficiently managing warehouse locations and stock levels, leading to reduced operational efficiency, increased costs, and safety risks due to accumulation of low-use frequency items.
Innovation Solution
A physical distribution management device and method that classify articles based on use frequency, storing high-use frequency items in first storages, medium-use frequency items in second storages, and low-use frequency items in third storages, optimizing storage and transportation efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If articles are stored in a single centralized warehouse to cover user needs in a region, then the warehouse can store a variety of items, but the supply speed to marginal regions decreases and transportation costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the centralized warehouse into multiple distributed micro-warehouses (first storages) located in different sub-regions. Each micro-warehouse stores a subset of articles based on local demand patterns, enabling faster supply to marginal regions while maintaining overall item variety across the distributed network.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a hierarchical dimension to the storage system by creating multiple levels: first storages (micro-warehouses) for high-use items, second storages for medium-use items, and third storages for low-use items. This multi-dimensional structure allows simultaneous optimization of supply speed and item variety.
2Adaptability or versatility
If all types of articles are stored in one warehouse to meet complex user demands, then user needs are covered, but the warehouse cost increases and safety risks increase due to stacking of complex item types
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the warehouse system into multiple specialized micro-warehouses, each handling specific subsets of article types. This segmentation reduces the complexity and safety risks associated with storing diverse items in a single location while maintaining overall system versatility through the collective capability of distributed storages.
Solution Approach 2:
Each micro-warehouse is configured with storage conditions and capacities tailored to the specific characteristics of the articles it stores and the local demand patterns. This local optimization allows each storage unit to handle items with appropriate conditions while reducing overall system risk.
3Adaptability or versatility
If warehouses are installed in different supply regions to cover user needs, then supply coverage is improved, but the number of warehouses increases leading to higher operational costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs micro-warehouses with universal functionality to handle multiple types of articles and serve multiple purposes: storing high-frequency items, enabling fast supply to marginal regions, and reducing the need for numerous specialized warehouses. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of storage facilities needed.
4Volume of stationary object
If low use frequency items are stored in the same warehouse as high use frequency items, then storage space is utilized, but the risk of backlog increases and supply efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments articles by use frequency and assigns them to different storage levels: first storages for high-use items, second storages for medium-use items, and third storages for low-use items. This segmentation ensures that high-demand items are readily accessible while low-demand items are stored in less accessible locations, maintaining supply efficiency while utilizing storage space effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary classification of articles by use frequency and pre-positions them in appropriate storage locations. This preliminary action ensures that when supply is needed, high-frequency items are immediately available while low-frequency items are stored in designated areas, preventing backlog risks and maintaining productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
A physical distribution management device manages a physical distribution system using a first storage storing a first type article to be received by a user using an article, a second storage storing a second type article to be transported to a user using the plural first storages, and a third storage storing a third type article to be transported to a user using the plural first storages corresponding to the second storages. The device has an acquisition unit acquiring a use frequency of the article, and a classification unit classifying the article corresponding to a first use frequency as the first type article, the article corresponding to a second use frequency as the second type article, and the article corresponding to a third use frequency as the third type article, based on the use frequency of the user belonging to a transport target region set for the third storage.