WES Hub Message Queues for Reliable One-Way Warehouse Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional article handling systems face operational disruptions when communication between the warehouse operation management system and the warehouse management or control system is interrupted, necessitating dedicated devices or networks for virtual private networks, which can be costly and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a WES Hub that facilitates one-way communication between the warehouse execution system and other components, allowing for reliable data transmission and system operation even in cases of communication interruptions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two-way communication is implemented between warehouse operation management system and warehouse management/control system, then communication reliability is improved, but device complexity and network infrastructure requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a message queue as an intermediary component between the warehouse operation management system and the warehouse management/control system. This message queue acts as a buffer that stores messages when the destination system is unavailable, allowing the sender to continue operations without interruption. The message queue mediates the communication between systems, eliminating the need for complex two-way communication protocols and dedicated network infrastructure while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If dedicated network infrastructure is prepared for virtual private network, then communication security and reliability are improved, but cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The message queue serves as an intermediary that decouples the communication between systems, eliminating the need for dedicated network infrastructure. By storing messages locally in the message queue when the destination is unavailable, the system achieves reliable communication over standard network infrastructure without requiring complex virtual private network setups.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by handling communication failures autonomously through the message queue. When communication with the warehouse management or control system fails, the sending system can continue to send messages to the message queue without interruption, and the messages will be delivered automatically when the destination becomes available, without requiring manual intervention or complex network failover mechanisms.
3Reliability
If two-way communication is interrupted, then system operation is disrupted, but implementing redundancy increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The message queue acts as a mediator that absorbs communication interruptions. When the warehouse operation management system cannot communicate with the warehouse management or control system, messages are stored in the message queue without disrupting system operations. This eliminates the need for complex redundant communication paths while ensuring operation continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-configuring the message queue as a buffer before communication failures occur. This allows the system to continue sending messages to the message queue even when the destination system is unavailable, preparing for potential communication interruptions in advance without requiring complex real-time decision-making or redundant systems.
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing method, an information processing apparatus, and a program capable of effectively externalizing a part of a system for handling articles are provided. According to an embodiment, the information processing method includes receiving a request from a first apparatus, transmitting the request to a second apparatus, receiving a response to the request from the second apparatus, transmitting the response to the first apparatus, and transmitting data related to communication between the first apparatus and the second apparatus to a third apparatus via one-way communication.