Logistic Unit Abstraction for Warehouse Software Complexity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current software solutions for logistic environments are complex and inflexible, requiring specific processing methods for each product, which increases complexity and makes them difficult to maintain and learn, and lack flexibility in handling stock operations.
Innovation Solution
The system introduces 'Logistic Units' (LUs) that abstract stock items based on common attributes, allowing for simplified handling and processing by associating stock items or receptacles with LUs that define how they should be handled, independent of specific identifiers, enabling dynamic resource allocation and efficient operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If specific processing methods are defined for each product based on GTIN or STID, then product handling accuracy is improved, but software complexity increases and flexibility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary classification layer between product identifiers (GTIN/STID) and processing methods. Instead of directly mapping each product ID to its processing method, the system first classifies products into categories based on their attributes, then applies processing methods to categories. This intermediary classification mechanism reduces the number of direct mappings needed while maintaining handling accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates universal processing methods that can handle multiple product types through classification. A single processing method can be applied to entire categories of products sharing common attributes, rather than requiring separate methods for each individual product. This multi-functionality reduces software complexity while preserving the ability to accurately handle different products.
2Reliability
If separate processing methods are created for each product, then product-specific requirements are met, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in maintenance and learning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the processing system into two distinct layers: a classification layer that groups products by common attributes, and a processing layer that defines methods for each category. This segmentation allows users to learn and maintain processing methods at the category level rather than at the individual product level, significantly improving ease of operation while still meeting product-specific requirements through the classification mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses template-based classification where common product attributes and processing methods are defined once as templates or patterns. Once a classification structure is established for a category of products, it can be copied or replicated for similar product groups, reducing the effort required to maintain and learn the system while ensuring consistent handling of products with similar characteristics.
3Measurement precision
If the system processes each product individually based on its identifier, then processing accuracy is maintained, but productivity decreases due to increased complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple individual product processing operations into category-level processing. By classifying products into groups with shared attributes and applying processing methods to entire categories simultaneously, the system maintains the accuracy required for individual product handling while achieving the efficiency gains of batch processing. This merging of operations at the classification level directly improves productivity without sacrificing processing accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to abstract product descriptions and methods. In a first general aspect, a method comprises a computer program product tangibly embodied in an information carrier, the computer program product including instructions that, when executed, perform operations for configuring a logistic unit for planning and processing in a logistic environment. The method may comprise accessing a template database object that may be compatible with a modeled logistic environment process, and receiving a user assignment of defined attributes for the accessed template object. The defined attributes may describe a feature common to multiple different physical receptacles used to contain stock in a logistic environment or a feature common to contents of the receptacles. The generated logistic unit may be based on the template database object and the defined attributes, wherein the logistic unit is assignable to a stock item to define how the stock item is to be handled in the modeled logistic environment process.