Storage Container Allocation for Replenishment Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inefficient replenishment of frequently consumed items across multiple storage containers reduces overall efficiency in logistics automation systems, as existing technologies do not effectively prioritize high-frequency consumption items for targeted replenishment.
Innovation Solution
A management apparatus that acquires consumption frequency data, allocates items to storage containers based on consumption rates, and instructs robots to replenish items in the specific containers where they were originally stored, while considering compatibility and available storage container numbers to optimize replenishment operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If items are stored in multiple storage containers without allocation optimization, then storage capacity is increased, but replenishment efficiency deteriorates due to increased number of replenishment tasks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by allocating items to storage containers based on their consumption frequency characteristics. High-frequency items are concentrated in specific containers rather than being uniformly distributed, creating localized optimization zones that reduce the overall number of replenishment tasks while maintaining adequate storage capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary allocation of items to storage containers based on consumption frequency data before replenishment operations begin. This advance organization ensures that frequently consumed items are positioned in containers that minimize replenishment trips, thereby improving efficiency without compromising storage capacity.
2Ease of operation
If high-frequency items are distributed across multiple storage containers, then storage organization is simplified, but replenishment time increases due to multiple replenishment operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by creating specialized storage zones within containers based on item characteristics. High-frequency items are allocated to specific containers optimized for quick access and replenishment, while maintaining clear organizational structure. This localized optimization reduces replenishment time without compromising storage organization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments items into different frequency groups and allocates them to different storage containers. This segmentation strategy organizes storage by item characteristics while concentrating high-frequency items in fewer containers, thereby reducing the total time required for replenishment operations.
3Device complexity
If items are allocated without considering consumption frequency, then allocation process is simpler, but replenishment efficiency decreases due to unnecessary replenishment of low-frequency items
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by using consumption frequency as a key parameter for allocation decisions. The system transforms the allocation process from a simple uniform distribution to a frequency-based intelligent allocation, where items are assigned to containers based on their consumption patterns. This parameter-driven approach improves replenishment efficiency while keeping the allocation process manageable through automated frequency analysis.
Data Source
AI summary
A management apparatus, a management method, and a program that can suppress inefficient replenishment are provided. A management apparatus includes an information acquisition unit configured to acquire, for each item, frequency information, the frequency information indicating a frequency of consumption, an allocation determination unit configured to determine allocation of the item to a storage container for storing the item based on the frequency of consumption of the item, and an instruction unit configured to instruct a robot to perform an action for replenishing the consumed item on the storage container in which the consumed item had been stored.