Threshold-Based Goods Transfer in Storage Zones
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current order-picking methods and systems face challenges in planning and foreseeing processes between storage zones due to unpredictable unloading of loading aids, which depends on coincidental matching of goods quantities with transfer requests.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system where loading aids are fully or partially unloaded based on reaching or exceeding a threshold value for a specific parameter, allowing for automatic and deterministic unloading and return processes, independent of coincidental matching of goods quantities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If loading aids are unloaded based on coincidental matching of goods quantities with transfer requests, then the system can handle variable stock situations, but the process becomes unpredictable and difficult to plan
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by introducing a threshold value for the quantity of goods in the second storage zone. When the quantity parameter falls below this threshold, a transfer request is automatically generated. This transforms the unpredictable coincidental matching into a deterministic threshold-based trigger, making the unloading process reliable and planable while still adapting to variable stock situations.
2Reliability
If loading aids are fully unloaded based on threshold values, then the unloading process becomes deterministic and easier to plan, but goods may be unloaded even when not immediately needed for picking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by allowing the system to transfer only the quantity of goods needed to reach the threshold value in the second storage zone, rather than always fully unloading the loading aid. This prevents excessive unloading of goods that may not be immediately needed, while still achieving the deterministic threshold-based control.
3Quantity of substance
If the system waits for coincidental matching of goods quantities, then fewer goods are transferred, but the process complexity increases and planning becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by continuously monitoring the quantity of goods in the second storage zone and comparing it against a predefined threshold. This feedback mechanism automatically triggers transfer requests when the threshold is breached, simplifying process planning while optimizing the quantity of goods transferred based on actual stock levels rather than coincidental matching.
Data Source
AI summary
In an order-picking method for picking at least one ordered good into or onto a target loading aid, goods which are stored in a first storage zone using first loading aids are reloaded, on the basis of a transfer request, from a first loading aid into or onto at least one second loading aid and stored in a second storage zone. When a picking order is obtained, (an) ordered good(s) is/are retrieved from the second storage zone and loaded into or onto the target loading aid. During an execution of the transfer request, the first loading aid is fully or partially unloaded, depending on whether a parameter which is allocated to a type of good reaches a threshold value. Further, a storage and order-picking system carries out the method.