Online Controlled Picking in Warehouse
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current warehouse management systems face challenges in efficiently controlling picking operations, requiring high accuracy and flexibility to adapt to various organizational needs, while existing solutions lack effective exception handling and user resource management.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method for controlling picking operations in a warehouse, using RF devices or PDA, where picking instructions are dynamically verified and adjusted, allowing for flexible assignment of tasks, exception handling, and resource recovery, enabling users to work across multiple resources and handle inventory discrepancies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If online data verification is implemented to ensure picking accuracy, then picking accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements online data verification where picking instructions are verified in real-time during execution. The verification process compares actual picking data against planned instructions and provides feedback to dynamically adjust subsequent instructions, ensuring high picking accuracy while maintaining a manageable system through iterative correction rather than complex pre-planning
Solution Approach 2:
The picking instructions are made dynamic through online verification, allowing the system to adapt and change instructions based on real-time execution status. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the system to maintain accuracy without requiring overly complex static planning, as the system evolves the picking plan during execution based on verification results
2Adaptability or versatility
If picking instructions are dynamically adjusted based on verification results, then adaptability is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial verification and adjustment actions rather than complete re-verification of all instructions. By verifying and adjusting only the affected portions of the picking sequence based on execution status, the system achieves adaptability while minimizing the time penalty associated with dynamic adjustments
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary verification checks on picking instructions before full execution, and prepares alternative instructions in advance. This preliminary action reduces the time required for dynamic adjustments during execution, as the verification framework and alternative instructions are already in place
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple users are assigned to work across multiple resources, then user flexibility is improved, but resource management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements universal resource management where users can be assigned to multiple resources and multiple users can work on the same resource. The resource management framework is designed to handle many-to-many assignments uniformly, reducing complexity by applying the same management rules across all user-resource interactions rather than requiring specialized handling for different assignment types
4Reliability
If exception handling is implemented for inventory discrepancies, then reliability is improved, but operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The exception handling system operates autonomously by automatically detecting inventory discrepancies during verification, classifying exceptions based on predefined criteria, and triggering appropriate corrective actions without requiring manual intervention for every exception. This self-service approach improves reliability while minimizing the operational complexity burden on users
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method of controlling picking operations of a number of users in a warehouse, wherein goods are located at source locations, each picking operation comprising: an operation of preparation, wherein, at the source location, the good is introduced in a handling unit, HU, an operation of placing the HU on a picking equipment, the picking equipment being a tool for transferring the HU, an operation of transferring the HU to the destination location, wherein a sequence of picking instructions are presented online individually to the number of users via instruction presenting means which are associated with the respective users, each picking instruction specifying the HU to be transferred, the equipment to be used, and the first and second position, whereby execution of each of the picking operation steps is controlled by online data verification such that a subsequent picking operation instruction may be changed, and presented to the users via the instruction presenting means depending upon result of the verification.