Information Processing for Cross-System Order-Batch Workload Balancing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for product picking in distribution warehouses fail to account for the differences in processing units between systems, leading to reduced overall system efficiency due to workload variations and potential congestion.
Innovation Solution
An information processing device that assigns orders to batches while considering the workload differences between systems with varying processing units, using batch-to-batch leveling and work subject-to-work subject leveling functions to optimize workload distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the total picking method is used to aggregate and pick multiple products to multiple destinations, then the number of picking operations is reduced, but the sorting system processes each product individually causing workload imbalance and potential congestion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the workload by introducing a batch processing mechanism that divides products into batches based on destination. The batch picking system processes multiple products simultaneously while the sorting system handles them in organized batches, reducing the complexity of coordinating individual product sorting operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a batch information management system as an intermediary between the picking system and sorting system. This intermediary coordinates the different processing units by managing batch information, ensuring that the sorting system receives products in organized batches rather than processing them individually, thus reducing coordination complexity.
2Ease of operation
If the single picking method is used to pick products in units of delivery destinations, then sorting is not necessary and processing is simplified, but the number of picking operations increases reducing overall efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the advantages of both picking methods by combining batch picking with batch sorting. The batch information management system integrates the simplicity of destination-based picking with the efficiency of aggregated processing, allowing products to be picked in batches and sorted in batches, thus maintaining operational simplicity while improving overall efficiency.
3Device complexity
If workload is not balanced between batches considering different processing units, then system operation is simplified, but congestion occurs and lead time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic workload balancing by continuously monitoring and adjusting batch assignments based on real-time system status. The batch information management system dynamically allocates products to batches considering the current workload of picking and sorting systems, preventing congestion and reducing lead time while managing complexity through automated dynamic adjustment.
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, an information processing device includes one or more hardware processors. The one or more processors are configured to: assign each of a plurality of orders including first identification information for identifying one or more types of products, to one of a plurality of batches; calculate, for each of the batches, a first workload of a first system that processes products of the first identification information included in the corresponding batch by a first unit, and a second workload of a second system that processes the products of the first identification information included in the corresponding batch by a second unit that is a unit whose number is different from a number of products to be processed by the first unit; and modify the orders included in the batches based on the first and second workloads.