Multi-Subsystem Order Picking Sequence for Synchronized Goods Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage and order picking systems face desynchronization of goods flows due to unpredictable transport triggers and latency issues, particularly in systems sourcing goods from multiple, difficult-to-coordinate subsystems or those with unpredictable production times.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that involves recording orders, determining goods parts from different subsystems, using control devices to synchronize transport and sorting sequences, and calculating start times to ensure goods are delivered in a coordinated manner, utilizing distinct transport systems for each subsystem.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If goods are sourced from multiple subsystems with unpredictable latency, then the system can handle diverse order requirements, but desynchronization of goods flows occurs at the consolidation station
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by calculating and determining the target sequence of goods before actual picking operations begin. The order computer determines which goods should be picked first based on predicted arrival times from different subsystems, establishing a predetermined picking sequence that anticipates potential delays and ensures synchronized consolidation at the packaging station.
2Productivity
If transport trigger timing is optimized for efficiency, then productivity increases, but unpredictable events cause desynchronization and blockages
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the order computer continuously monitors the actual arrival of goods from different subsystems and compares it against the predicted target sequence. Based on this feedback, the system dynamically adjusts the picking sequence at picking stations to maintain synchronization, ensuring that even when transport trigger timing is optimized for productivity, unpredictable events do not cause desynchronization or blockages.
3Ease of operation
If goods are picked sequentially from multiple subsystems, then each subsystem can operate independently, but occupancy time at the consolidation station increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies dynamics by making the goods target sequence flexible and adaptable rather than fixed. The order computer dynamically determines the picking sequence based on real-time information about goods availability from different subsystems, allowing the system to optimize the consolidation process. This dynamic approach enables independent subsystem operation while minimizing occupancy time at the consolidation station by ensuring goods arrive in an optimal sequence for immediate packaging.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for picking goods (2a, 2b) in order loading equipment (3) in a storage and picking system (1), in which goods (2a) in a first order part and goods (2b) in a second order part are provided in different subsystems (4, 5) of the storage and picking system (1) and are transported from there to a picking station (8). A control apparatus (16) defines a goods target sequence in which the goods (2b) in the second order part are provided at the picking station (8). This is used to derive an order target sequence in which the goods (2a) in the first order part are provided at the picking station (8). The control apparatus (16) calculates a starting time for transporting away the goods (2a) in the first order part before the goods (2b) in the second order part are sorted according to the goods target sequence. The invention also relates to a storage and picking system (1) for carrying out said method.