Route Recommending System for Distribution Center Stocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
In logistics distribution centers, new workers often struggle with efficiently navigating and stocking/unstocking products due to unfamiliarity with the loading space, leading to reduced work efficiency and increased labor demands.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilizes GPS information and product identification codes to recommend optimal stocking and releasing routes within the distribution center, taking into account free spaces, product priorities, and existing product locations, thereby enhancing worker navigation and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If new workers are hired to increase labor supply, then labor demand is met, but work efficiency decreases due to unfamiliarity with loading space
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables new workers to independently navigate and perform stocking/releasing tasks by providing automated route guidance through their mobile devices. The workers receive real-time navigation instructions based on their location and task requirements, eliminating the need for extensive manual training while maintaining high efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual navigation and spatial memory are replaced by an electronic navigation system that uses GPS, database queries, and automated route planning. The system substitutes human expertise with computational algorithms that calculate optimal paths and provide turn-by-turn directions.
2Quantity of substance
If multiple products are scattered and loaded within distribution center, then inventory capacity is maximized, but travel efficiency for releasing products decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-calculates and provides optimal routes before workers need to access products. By anticipating the releasing task and pre-planning the path through the database, the system eliminates last-minute routing delays and ensures workers move efficiently from the beginning of the task.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors worker location via GPS and provides real-time feedback through turn-by-turn navigation instructions. This dynamic feedback loop adjusts the route based on actual position, ensuring workers take the most efficient path through the distributed inventory.
3Productivity
If comprehensive training is provided to new workers, then work efficiency improves, but time to become productive decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of training workers beforehand, the system performs the navigation guidance in advance of each specific task. The route is calculated and instructions are provided just before the worker needs to access the loading space, eliminating the time investment required for comprehensive training while maintaining efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the delivery method of navigation information from static training materials to dynamic, real-time digital instructions. By adapting the guidance to the worker's current location and task parameters, the system provides efficient navigation without requiring prior training time.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of providing a service related to stocking and releasing products can include receiving, from a first user terminal, a stocking service request signal including an first-set identification code for each of first-set products to be stocked and first GPS information of the first user terminal, determining, based on a first user's location derived from the first GPS information, stocked product loading zones in which the first-set products are to be loaded from among free spaces of workspace loading zones, and determining a first travel route from the first user's location through each of the stocked product loading zones.