WO2016121076A1 - Warehouse management system - Google Patents

Abstract

A warehouse management system comprises: a generation unit (107) that generates layouts for a warehouse; a warehouse task calculation unit (113) that calculates a task in the warehouse on the basis of a customer order; a work efficiency calculation unit (114) that calculates the work efficiency in the warehouse when a layout is applied; a first selection unit (115) that selects layouts for achieving the task; a second selection unit (116) that selects from among the selected layouts a layout by which work efficiency exceeds a preset threshold value; an instruction generation unit (111) that generates instructions for workers or robots according to the layout selected by the second selection unit; an instruction transmission unit (112) that transmits the instructions to the workers or the robots; and a work result reception unit (118) that receives, from the workers or the robots, work results on the instructions. The warehouse management system is configured such that the work efficiency calculation unit (114) calculates work efficiency in response to the work result reception unit (118) receiving work results. This configuration can provide a system which further facilitates changes in warehouse layout, workflow, or work responsibilities.

Description

Warehouse management system

The present invention relates to a warehouse management system.

A device is known that simulates the change in the arrangement of shelves in a warehouse and manages the removal of goods. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a technique for simulating a change in shelf arrangement when order information is received. In addition, regarding whether or not the arrangement can be changed, a shelf arrangement simulation is performed to calculate the article take-out time in consideration of the passage of the worker's route, the take-out time before the arrangement change and the take-out time after the arrangement change and the shelf arrangement When the sum with the change time is exceeded, it is determined that the shelf arrangement should be changed.

JP2010-100386

However, in Patent Document 1, the change simulation is performed when order information is received. Therefore, as a first problem, it is difficult to change the layout of the warehouse one by one and improve the work efficiency in the warehouse one by one because it is not determined whether or not it is necessary to change the layout during the work.

In addition, when simulating the layout of shelves, the passage of multiple workers is taken into account, but the situation in which workers are actually working is not taken into account. Not considered. Therefore, the second issue is to determine whether the work efficiency of the entire warehouse has actually improved even if the time taken to add the take-out time after the placement change and the time to change the shelf placement is shorter than that before the change. It was difficult to do.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a warehouse management system that makes it easier to change the layout, work flow, or work sharing of a warehouse. It is another object of the present invention to provide a warehouse management system that improves work efficiency in the warehouse and makes it easier to reduce costs in the warehouse.

A typical example of the means for solving the first problem is a warehouse management system, a generation unit that generates a plurality of warehouse layouts, and a warehouse based on a quantity determined by a customer order. Select a layout that can satisfy the task from among the layout, a warehouse task calculation unit that calculates tasks related to work in the warehouse, a work efficiency calculation unit that calculates work efficiency in the warehouse when each layout is applied A first selection unit, a second selection unit that selects a layout whose work efficiency value exceeds a preset threshold among the layouts selected by the first selection unit, and a second selection unit. In accordance with the determined layout, an instruction generator for generating instructions for a plurality of workers and a plurality of robots, and sending the instructions to a plurality of workers and a plurality of robots A work result receiving unit that receives work results for the sent instructions from a plurality of workers or robots, and the work efficiency calculation unit triggers the work result receiving unit to receive work results A warehouse management system characterized by calculating work efficiency.

Further, a warehouse management system, a generation unit that generates a plurality of patterns including a layout of a warehouse, a work flow that is an order of work in the warehouse, or a work schedule of a plurality of workers and a plurality of robots, and a customer's The warehouse task calculation unit that calculates the tasks including the work contents, end time, and required work amount of each work in the warehouse from the quantity determined by the order, and the work efficiency in the warehouse when each of the patterns is applied Among the patterns selected by the work efficiency calculation unit, a pattern selected by the first selection unit, and a first selection unit that selects a pattern that can satisfy the required work amount within the end time of each work, among the patterns, A second selection unit that selects a pattern whose work efficiency exceeds a preset threshold value, and a plurality of operations according to the pattern selected by the second selection unit Or, an instruction generation unit that generates instructions to a plurality of robots, an instruction transmission unit that transmits instructions to a plurality of workers or a plurality of robots, and a work result on the transmitted instructions from a plurality of workers or a plurality of robots A warehouse management system having a work result receiving unit that receives the work efficiency and calculating the work efficiency triggered by the work result receiving unit receiving the work result may be mentioned.

Further, representative examples of the means for solving the second problem include a warehouse layout, a work flow that is the order of work in the warehouse, or a work of a plurality of workers and a plurality of robots. A generation unit that generates multiple patterns including schedules, a position database that stores information including the positions of multiple workers and multiple robots, and the work content of each operation in the warehouse based on the quantity determined by the customer's order Based on the interference between a plurality of workers and a plurality of robots simulated from the information including the positions of a plurality of workers and a plurality of robots, a warehouse task calculation unit for calculating a task including time and a required amount of work, A work efficiency calculation unit that calculates work efficiency in the warehouse when each of the patterns is applied, and the pattern must be within the end time of each work. A first selection unit that selects a pattern that can satisfy a certain amount of work, and a second selection that selects a pattern whose work efficiency exceeds a preset threshold among the patterns selected by the first selection unit An instruction generation unit that generates instructions to a plurality of workers or a plurality of robots according to a pattern selected by the second selection unit, and an instruction transmission unit that transmits the instructions to a plurality of workers or a plurality of robots And a warehouse management system characterized by having

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a warehouse management system that makes it easier to change the warehouse layout, work flow, or work sharing. In addition, it is possible to provide a warehouse management system that makes it easier to improve work efficiency in the warehouse.

The schematic diagram of a warehouse management system. The flowchart at the time of selecting the produced | generated pattern. The schematic diagram showing transition of work efficiency. The sequence diagram showing instruction transmission by the warehouse management system and work result reception. The schematic diagram showing the movement of the robot in a warehouse. The schematic diagram showing the production | generation part 107. FIG. The schematic diagram of a warehouse management system. The schematic diagram showing the calculation part 109 and the selection part 110. FIG. The flowchart at the time of cost calculation and selecting a pattern. The schematic diagram of a warehouse management system. The schematic diagram showing the work efficiency calculation part 114. FIG. The schematic diagram showing the layout change of a shelf. The schematic diagram showing the layout change of a shelf and a belt conveyor. The schematic diagram showing the change of the work area in a warehouse. The schematic diagram showing the change of the work area accompanying a work task. The schematic diagram showing the change of work flow. The schematic diagram showing the change of a work schedule. The schematic diagram showing the change of the pattern in a warehouse.

In this embodiment, as an example of a warehouse management system, an example of a warehouse management system that generates a warehouse pattern triggered by the timing at which a work result is received from a worker or a robot will be described.

FIG. 1 is an example of a configuration diagram of the warehouse management system of the present embodiment. The warehouse management system 100 accepts customer orders 101 and warehouse data in the warehouse database 103, and transmits an instruction generated based on the selected pattern to the worker 104 or the robot 105 in the warehouse 102. The warehouse management system 100 includes a reception unit 106, a generation unit 107, a position database 108, a calculation unit 109, a selection unit 110, an instruction generation unit 111, an instruction transmission unit 112, a quantity database 117, and a work result reception unit 118. The calculation unit 109 includes a warehouse task calculation unit 113 and a work efficiency calculation unit 114, and the selection unit 110 includes a first selection unit 115 and a second selection unit 116. Here, the warehouse management system 100 manages the warehouse 102 from the outside, but may be a system constructed in the warehouse 102. The quantity database 117 may be built in the warehouse 102.

The reception unit 106 receives warehouse data and customer orders 101. At that time, the received data may be converted into a data format handled in the warehouse management system 100. Here, it is assumed that the warehouse data is data related to resources such as workers, robots, various devices, and shelves in the warehouse. For example, it includes the characteristics of workers and robots, the number of shelves, and the like. Then, the receiving unit 106 classifies the received data into data used for pattern generation, data related to the positions of the worker 104 and the robot 105, and data related to the quantity. Therefore, data used for pattern generation is transmitted to the generation unit 107, data relating to the position is stored in the position database 108, and data relating to the quantity is stored in the quantity database 117.

The generation unit 107 generates a plurality of patterns to be changed based on data used for pattern generation received by the reception unit 106.

Here, the layout is a layout such as shelf arrangement, robot position and worker position, work area setting layout, equipment installation layout, work flow indicating the work order, and work schedule for assigning the designated work to the worker or robot. , Etc. The generation unit 107 stores a plurality of rules in advance, determines the value of the input data, and generates a corresponding pattern.

The position database 108 stores data on the positions of the worker 104 and the robot 105 from the reception unit 106. Here, the position of the worker 104 is acquired from, for example, a sensor attached to the worker 104, a wearable terminal, or a portable terminal possessed by the beacon or the wireless base. Or, it is acquired by a sensor such as a camera in the warehouse. Further, the position of the robot 105 is obtained by, for example, acquiring its own position with a marker or a laser and performing wireless communication.

The calculation unit 109 includes a warehouse task calculation unit 113 and a work efficiency calculation unit 114. The value necessary for determining whether the pattern can be changed is determined based on the quantity data in the quantity database 117 and the pattern generated by the generation unit 107. Perform the calculation.

The warehouse task calculation unit 113 calculates a task in the warehouse from the quantity data determined by the customer order 101. Here, the quantity data includes the type, number, and size of articles to be stored in the warehouse. In some cases, the quantity data includes a number representing a plurality of articles of the same type as a pack. In addition, an indication of the date and time of warehousing is included. Similarly, the type, number, size, information of the delivery destination of goods to be delivered from the warehouse, and the date and time for completing the delivery work are included. It also includes information on the type, number and size of inventory items already stored in the warehouse. As a result, this quantity data can be regarded as a work instruction to the warehouse.

Also, the task represents the work contents in the warehouse, the time taken for the work, the end time that is the time to finish the work, or the required work amount. For example, the time at which the shipping operation should be completed and the required shipping amount. Here, the task may be described in a format per unit time, but is not limited thereto. Tasks include the priority of work, the priority of goods (such as goods that are shipped earlier due to the expiration date, etc.), the priority of the delivery destination (if the delivery destination is at a long distance, etc.), the order of delivery ( Depending on the article, the order of delivery may be fixed. Further, different work may be set for each article. Further, it may be data predicted based on past trends, market information, or the like instead of actual work data.

The work efficiency calculation unit 114 calculates the work efficiency when the pattern generated by the generation unit 107 is applied to the warehouse every time a work result is received from the worker 104 or the robot 105. Here, the work efficiency is a numerical value of the work efficiency in the warehouse. For example, the work time for one work, the labor cost of the worker for the work, the maintenance cost of the robot, etc. Is calculated on the basis of an integrated value such as a work amount obtained by applying the operation rate of the worker or the robot. The work efficiency is calculated by an evaluation formula or a simulation given in advance.

Here, the work result is received from the worker 104 or the robot 105 by a work result receiving unit 118 described later, and the work result receiving unit 118 transmits the received timing to the work efficiency calculating unit 114. For example, the timing of receiving the work result of the shelf position changing operation by the transfer robot is the timing at which the transfer robot moves to the changed shelf position and arranges the shelf. In addition, for example, when receiving the work result of the work of conveying the article by the belt conveyor, the article to be conveyed moves on the belt conveyor and is picked by the worker 104 or the robot 105, and the article disappears from the belt conveyor. Such as timing. Here, a controller or the like determines whether or not an article exists on the belt conveyor.

The selection unit 110 includes a first selection unit 115 and a second selection unit 116, and the task value calculated by the warehouse task calculation unit 113 and the work efficiency value calculated by the work efficiency calculation unit 114. Then, one of the patterns generated by the generation unit 107 is selected.

The first selection unit 115 selects a pattern satisfying the task calculated by the warehouse task calculation unit 113 from the patterns generated by the generation unit 107. For example, when the generated pattern is applied, it is determined whether a necessary work amount is satisfied within the end time.

The second selection unit 116 selects a pattern having high work efficiency from the patterns selected by the first selection unit 115. Here, a plurality of work efficiency values greater than or equal to a preset threshold value may be selected, or a work efficiency value that is the largest may be selected.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a flow until the selection unit 110 selects a pattern.

In the pattern generation 201, the generation unit 107 generates a pattern in the warehouse. The pattern is generated by, for example, the brute force method. In addition, other pattern generation methods such as pattern generation based on learning, pattern generation by combination optimization, and pattern generation by simulation may be used. In the case of pattern generation based on learning, learning data is input in advance. The pattern generation 201 may generate a pattern for each trigger calculated by the calculation unit 109, or may always generate a pattern regardless of the calculation by the calculation unit 109.

The task determination 202 determines whether the task calculated by the warehouse task calculation unit 113 is satisfied when the pattern generated by the pattern generation 201 is applied. For example, it is determined by simulation or the like whether each work can be completed within the end time of each work. It may be determined whether the pattern satisfies the required work amount calculated by the warehouse task calculation unit 113 within the end time.

The pattern determined not to satisfy the task by the task determination 202 is discarded by the pattern discard 203.

In the work efficiency determination 204, when the pattern determined to satisfy the task by the task determination 202 is applied to the warehouse, whether the value of the work efficiency calculated by the work efficiency calculation unit 114 exceeds a preset threshold value judge. The threshold for determining work efficiency may be fixed or may vary over time.

The pattern determined by the work efficiency determination 204 that the work efficiency does not exceed the threshold is discarded by the pattern discard 203.

In the pattern selection 205, the pattern determined by the work efficiency determination 204 that the work efficiency value exceeds the threshold value is selected. Alternatively, a pattern that maximizes the value of work efficiency may be selected.

The instruction generation unit 111 creates a work instruction based on the pattern selected by the second selection unit 116. Here, the work instruction is set for each worker 104 or the robot 105, and the work is determined every time. For example, in order to realize the layout of the read pattern, if one shelf in the warehouse is to be moved to another location, an operator or robot that can move the shelf will be informed of the moving shelf. The position and shelf identification number and the destination position are created as work instructions. In order to realize the read work schedule, when the worker moves to another place in the warehouse, the position of the move destination and the work content are created as work instructions for the worker.

The instruction transmission unit 112 transmits a work instruction to the worker 104 or the robot 105 in the warehouse 102. The instruction transmission unit 112 may give an instruction to the worker via the display unit. Furthermore, not only the instruction of each worker 104 but also the state in the warehouse and the future work schedule may be displayed on the display unit. As a result, workers and managers can grasp the overall flow of the warehouse. The display unit may be a terminal screen or a mobile terminal screen. Further, it may be a display projected on the environment, or a wearable terminal worn by an operator.

The work result receiving unit 118 receives the result of the work instructed by the instruction sending unit 112 from the worker 104 or the robot 105. The worker 104 and the robot 105 work according to the work instruction. When the instructed work is finished, the work result is transmitted to the work result receiving unit 118. The robot 105 transmits via a wireless network or the like, and the worker 104 transmits via an installed terminal or a portable terminal possessed by the operator. Alternatively, a sensor installed in a warehouse or a sensor possessed by the worker 104 may automatically determine the completion of work and transmit a work completion notice. Furthermore, not only the instructed work is completed, but also the state may be transmitted in a state such as before starting the work or during the work, or an event in which the instructed work cannot be performed for some reason (for example, the worker 104 picks If an instruction is received but there is no stock, a robot receives a movement instruction but the battery runs out, etc., the status may be transmitted. As a result, the warehouse management system 100 can grasp the situation in the warehouse one by one.

FIG. 3 is an example of a diagram schematically showing the transition of work efficiency in the warehouse.

Here, the case where the work efficiency is the shipment work amount will be described as an example. FIG. 3 shows a change in the amount of delivery work when the delivery operation is completed by the instructed end time 301 for the goods instructed for delivery.

Integrating the amount of work from the work start time 302 to the end time 301 represents the quantity related to the entire delivery. When the pattern change is not performed, the work amount does not change as shown by the transition indicated by the dotted line 303. Further, when the pattern is changed, the shipment work amount shows a transition indicated by a solid line 304, for example. Since resources (workers, robots, etc.) are devoted to the work to make changes, the amount of warehousing work will decrease after the pattern change work starts, but the pattern will be reviewed each time the instruction result is received from the worker or robot. Doing and changing the pattern little by little increases work efficiency over time. Since the end time 301 at which the exit work should be finished is calculated by the warehouse task calculation unit 113, the work efficiency calculation unit 114 integrates the output work amount from the work start time 302 to the end time 301, and the value of the work efficiency is obtained. Ask for.

The warehouse management system 100 calculates work efficiency at each timing each time work results are received from each worker 104 and each robot 105 in the warehouse, and determines whether the pattern can be changed. An example of this will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram schematically showing instruction transmission and work result reception of the warehouse management system 100. In FIG. 4, the worker 104 and the robot 105 are simply represented by one column, but the warehouse management system 100 exchanges work instructions and work results with all the workers and robots in the warehouse. Further, FIG. 4 illustrates the exchange between the worker 104 and the robot 105, but the case of only the worker or the robot is also included.

The warehouse management system 100 generates a pattern by the generation unit 107, selects a pattern by the calculation unit 109 and the selection unit 110, and then generates a work instruction based on the selected pattern (401).

At time t1, the instruction transmission unit 112 transmits work instructions generated to the worker 104 and the robot 105 in the warehouse related to the pattern change. The time t1 here corresponds to 302 in FIG. Each worker 104 and each robot 105 that have received the work instruction via the display unit or the like perform work in accordance with the received work instruction (402 and 403). Each worker 104 and robot 105 creates a work result and transmits it to the warehouse management system 100 at time t2, such as when the work is completed or when the work is disturbed (404). FIG. 4 shows a case where a certain worker finishes the work earliest.

Next, at time t2 when the work result is received by the work result receiving unit 118 of the warehouse management system 100 (405), the warehouse management system 100 calculates the work efficiency of the generated pattern by the calculation unit 109 and selects the selection unit 110. To select a pattern (not shown). Since a pattern with a large work efficiency value is selected by the selection unit 110, if a pattern with a high work efficiency is not generated by the generation unit 107, a pattern is not selected and a work instruction is also sent to the worker and the robot. Will not be sent. Further, the warehouse management system 100 generates a work instruction based on the selected pattern (406). Here, at the timing of 405, each worker and each robot other than the worker who finished the work earliest are still working, but the warehouse management system 100 calculates the generated work efficiency each time the work result is received. Judge whether the pattern can be changed. Therefore, the work instruction generated by 406 includes work instructions for each worker other than the worker who finished the work earliest and each robot. Therefore, depending on the generated pattern, each worker and each robot may receive a work instruction similar to the work in progress or a work instruction other than the work in progress.

Next, after transmitting a work instruction to the worker 104 and the robot 105 in the warehouse by the instruction transmission unit 112 at time t3, each worker and each robot perform work according to the received work instruction (407 and 408). The time t3 here also corresponds to 302 in FIG. Reference numeral 408 indicates that the robot 105 has received a work instruction similar to the work in progress. When the robot completes the instructed work at time t4, a work result is created and transmitted to the warehouse management system (409).

After that, the warehouse management system 100 receives work results as in 405 and 406, generates work instructions (410 and 411), and works on the workers 104 and the robot 105 in the warehouse by the instruction transmission unit 112 at time t5. Send instructions. The worker 104 and the robot 105 receive the work instruction (412 and 413).

FIG. 4 shows that the worker 104 has received a work instruction different from the work being worked in 412.

As described above, the warehouse management system 100 includes the work result receiving unit 118 that receives work results from the plurality of workers 104 and the plurality of robots 105, and the work efficiency calculation unit 114 that calculates the work efficiency each time the work results are received. ing.

As shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, it is possible to change to a pattern that improves work efficiency at each timing when a worker or a robot creates a work result. As a result, the work efficiency of the entire warehouse can be improved step by step.

As described above, the warehouse management system 100 represented in the first embodiment generates a plurality of patterns including a warehouse layout, a work flow that is the order of work in the warehouse, or work schedules of a plurality of workers and a plurality of robots. Generating section 107, position database 108 for storing information including positions and work contents of a plurality of workers and robots, work contents of each work in the warehouse from the quantity determined by the customer's order, end time, And a warehouse task calculation unit 113 that calculates a task including a necessary work amount, a work efficiency calculation unit 114 that calculates work efficiency in the warehouse when each of the patterns is applied, and an end time of each work among the patterns A first selection unit 115 for selecting a pattern capable of satisfying a required work amount, and a pattern selected by the first selection unit. A second selection unit 116 for selecting a pattern whose work efficiency exceeds a preset threshold value, and instructions to a plurality of workers or a plurality of robots according to the pattern selected by the second selection unit An instruction generation unit 111 that generates an instruction, an instruction transmission unit 112 that transmits an instruction to a plurality of workers or a plurality of robots, and a work result reception unit that receives a work result regarding the transmitted instruction from a plurality of workers or a plurality of robots 118, and the work efficiency calculation unit 114 calculates the work efficiency by using the work result reception unit 118 as a trigger.

In other words, the warehouse management system 100 shown in the first embodiment includes a generation unit 107 that generates a plurality of warehouse layouts, a position database 108 that stores information on the positions of a plurality of workers and a plurality of robots, A warehouse task calculation unit 113 that calculates tasks related to work in the warehouse based on the quantity determined by the customer's order, a work efficiency calculation unit 114 that calculates work efficiency in the warehouse when each of the layouts is applied, Among them, a first selection unit 115 that selects a layout that can satisfy a task, and a second selection unit 116 that selects a layout having the highest work efficiency value among the layouts selected by the first selection unit. And generate instructions to multiple workers and multiple robots according to the layout selected by the second selection unit An instruction generation unit 111, an instruction transmission unit 112 that transmits instructions to a plurality of workers and a plurality of robots, and a work result reception unit 118 that receives work results on the transmitted instructions from a plurality of workers or a plurality of robots. The work efficiency calculation unit 114 calculates the work efficiency with the work result reception unit 118 receiving the work result as a trigger.

With this configuration, the warehouse management system according to the present embodiment can determine whether or not it is necessary to change the layout by using the reception of the work result from each worker or each robot as a trigger, thereby improving work efficiency in the warehouse one by one. It becomes possible to do. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the cost in the warehouse.

<Variation of robot return position>
The pattern generated by the generation unit 107 includes a pattern in which the robot 105 is arranged at a position different from the position of the robot 105 before the pattern change. An example thereof will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 5 schematically shows how the robot carries the shelf. Here, it is assumed that the robot 105 enters under the shelf 501 and transports the shelf 501 to a predetermined position.

When the robot 105 transports the shelf 501 from the position 504 to the front of the worker 503 like the track 502, the robot 105 transmits the work result to the work result receiving unit 118. The work result receiving unit 118 transmits the timing to the work efficiency calculation unit, and using the reception as a trigger, the work efficiency calculation unit 114 calculates the work efficiency of the pattern generated by the generation unit 107. Here, the pattern includes a pattern for returning the position of the robot to a position different from the position 504. The work efficiency calculation unit 114 may calculate the work efficiency for the pattern in which the shelves are arranged at 405 by calculating the frequency of performing the picking work after the next time.

Thereafter, the instruction transmission unit 112 transmits the generated instruction to the robot 105. Here, an instruction to return the shelf 501 to the position 505 is transmitted instead of returning the robot to the original position 504.

As described above, the warehouse management system 100 includes the generation unit 107 that generates a layout including a layout for returning a plurality of robots to a position different from the position before the layout is changed.

With such a configuration, it is possible to change the layout to a layout with better work efficiency different from the original pattern every time work is completed. As a result, smooth layout changes can be made for the entire warehouse one by one.

<Modified example of pattern generation based on rules>
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a modification of the generation unit 107.

The generating unit 107 receives data used for pattern generation from the receiving unit 106, data related to resources in the warehouse, and data related to the characteristics of the worker 104 and the robot 105 in the warehouse, and generates a plurality of patterns to be changed. The generation unit 107 includes a pattern generation unit 601, a case database 602, a rule creation unit 603, a rule database 604, and a rule selection unit 605.

When data used for pattern generation is input to the generation unit 107, the pattern generation unit 601 searches the case database 602 for cases close to the input data used for pattern generation. Here, the case database 602 stores case data, for example, a layout such as a past shelf arrangement. Each case data has an attribute value that serves as an index for selecting the case data. For example, the attribute value is a determination criterion such as “physical quantity is“ over threshold A ”or“ threshold A ”. The attribute value may be one or plural. The pattern generation unit 601 may create a pattern based on case data stored in the case database.

Also, the rule creation unit 603 uses the case data to search for cases that match the data used for pattern generation, creates a common rule from each case, and stores it in the rule database 604. The rule creation unit 603 creates a rule from each case data using, for example, artificial intelligence. When the quantity is larger than the threshold A, rules such as increasing the number of passages and increasing the width of the passage are created.

Also, the rule selection unit 605 selects a predetermined rule from the rules stored in the rule database 604 when receiving data related to the resources in the warehouse and data related to the characteristics of the worker 104 and the robot 105 in the warehouse. . For example, the selection is made based on the condition determined by the input resource or the characteristics of the worker 104 and the robot 105.

Suppose here that resources represent workers, robots, objects, and places that can be used in the warehouse. The resource may include a space, which indicates the area of the warehouse and the height in the vertical direction. Data relating to resources may be a vacant place in a warehouse (a place where work and goods are not allocated) and a shared place used for a plurality of goods or work. For example, in the case of creating a layout pattern, the number of shelves to be installed, the number and size of other equipment, and the positions of pillars.

Furthermore, the characteristics shall represent the characteristics and abilities of workers and robots. For example, the picking ability of the worker. In addition, each worker's personality (leader personality, personality that prefers monotonous work, etc.), familiarity with the work (work years, skill level, etc.), religion (such as taking a break at a fixed time), age (such as age) ) Etc. Further, the characteristics of the robot include the function, life, operation failure, maintenance timing, and maintenance time of each robot.

The rule selection unit 605 selects a rule determined to match or close from the rule database 604 using the condition based on the input resource and the characteristics of the worker and the robot as keys. One rule or a plurality of rules may be selected. When multiple rules are selected, select the rules that do not contradict each other.

The pattern generation unit 601 may generate a pattern based on the rule selected by the rule selection unit 605. When a plurality of rules are selected and there are conflicting rules, for example, the priority when selecting is calculated, and the rule with the higher priority is selected.

As described above, the warehouse management system 100 selects a rule from a rule database 604 in which rules for generating a layout are stored, conditions determined based on resources in the warehouse, or characteristics of workers or robots. A selection unit 605 is provided.

Such a configuration makes it possible to easily generate a wide variety of warehouse patterns.

<Variation that feeds back work results>
Next, a warehouse management system having a feedback mechanism for receiving an instruction result and creating an instruction again will be described.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a warehouse management system 100 including a feedback mechanism.

The work result receiving unit 118 receives the work results of the worker 104 and the robot 105, and transmits the data to the receiving unit 106 and the calculating unit 109 (701). Here, the data transmitted from the work result receiving unit 118 to the receiving unit 106 relates to the contents of the work result, and the data transmitted to the calculation unit 109 relates to the timing at which the work result is received. The data related to the contents of the work result includes, for example, information that the work is delayed.

The generation unit 107 generates a pattern again based on the work result received by the reception unit 106. For example, when it is determined from the received work result that work delay has occurred, a pattern is generated that causes a worker or robot with sufficient work to perform work for recovering the delay.

As described above, the warehouse management system 100 includes the work result receiving unit 118 that receives the work result of the transmitted instruction, and the generation unit 107 that generates a pattern based on the work result.

With such a configuration, it is possible to grasp the sequential state in the warehouse and give a work instruction in accordance with the state to the worker 104 or the robot 105.

<Modification regarding cost considerations associated with changes>
Next, contents related to pattern selection in consideration of the cost associated with the change will be described.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a modification of the calculation unit 109 and the selection unit 110.

The calculation unit 109 includes a current cost calculation unit 801, a change cost calculation unit 802, and a reduction cost calculation unit 803. The selection unit 110 includes a third selection unit 804.

The current cost calculation unit 801 receives data related to the current warehouse from the warehouse data, and calculates the current cost required when there is no change from the current pattern. For example, the labor cost of a worker and the running cost of a robot necessary for continuing the current layout are calculated.

The change cost calculation unit 802 receives data related to the current warehouse from the warehouse data, and calculates a change cost for changing to the pattern generated by the generation unit 107. For example, the amount of work for changing from the current layout received from the warehouse data to the layout generated by the generation unit is obtained, and the cost associated with the change work is calculated. Further, the working time and the degree of influence on other work may be obtained.

The reduction cost calculation unit 803 receives data relating to the current warehouse from the pattern and warehouse data generated by the generation unit 107, and calculates a reduction cost that can be reduced when the generated pattern is applied. For example, calculate the operating rate when the layout is changed and the current operating rate read from the data related to the current warehouse, and reduce costs by improving the operating rate (for example, labor costs, robot running costs, etc.) Calculate

The operating time for calculating the cost in the change cost calculation unit 701 and the reduction cost calculation unit 702, the labor cost of the worker, the running cost of the robot, and the like may be set in advance.

The third selection unit 804 selects a pattern to be really changed from the calculated costs among the patterns selected by the second selection unit 116. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the reduction cost calculated by the reduction cost calculation unit 803 is larger than the sum of the current cost and the change cost.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a flow for selecting a pattern in the third selection unit 703.

In pattern selection 901, the second selection unit 116 selects a pattern having a large work efficiency value.

In the cost calculation 902, the current cost calculation unit 801, the change cost calculation unit 802, and the reduction cost calculation unit 803 calculate the current cost, the change cost, and the reduction cost, respectively.

In the change possibility determination 903, it is determined whether or not to change to the generated pattern using the cost calculated by the cost calculation 902. Specifically, it is determined whether the value of the reduction cost calculated by the cost calculation 902 is larger than the value of the sum of the current cost and the change cost. Further, the determination criterion may be changed by increasing or decreasing the input data. For example, when the amount of goods in the warehouse changes from a small state to a large state, the change is judged if the reduction cost increases even a little. When the amount of goods in the warehouse changes from a small state to a small state, the change is judged. Judgment may be made.

This makes it easy to determine whether or not changes can be made according to the quantity in the warehouse.

Furthermore, it is not necessary to determine whether the change is automatically performed in the change permission determination. For example, the determination may be made by an administrator. In this case, the calculation unit 109 presents information such as a current cost, a change cost, and a reduction cost to the administrator for the administrator to determine. The administrator determines from the presented information whether to change, and the change permission determination 903 selects a pattern according to the determination of the administrator.

The pattern determined not to be changed by the change permission determination 903 is discarded by the pattern discard 904.

In pattern selection 904, a pattern for which the value of the reduction cost is determined to be larger than the sum of the current cost and the change cost by the change possibility determination 903 is selected. Alternatively, a pattern that maximizes the difference between the value of the reduction cost and the value of the sum of the current cost and the change cost may be selected.

As another example, for example, when the pattern is a work flow, whether or not the change can be made is determined based on a difference between the current work flow and the generated work flow.

The change cost calculation unit 802 obtains the work amount associated with the work flow change when the work flow is changed to the generated work flow. For example, the movement cost of the article due to the work flow change, the worker position change cost, and the robot position change cost are calculated.

The reduction cost calculation unit 803 calculates the reduction cost by using, for example, a dependency relationship set in advance. There is always a dependency on each work, such as picking up the goods that have been received and then inspecting them. From this relationship, for example, the amount of work at the time of picking when changing from a work flow of picking an article and inspecting at the time of packing the article to a work flow of checking at the same time when picking and not inspecting at the time of packing the article Increase of the picking time associated therewith, and further reduction of the amount of work by reducing the inspection work at the time of packing, and reduction of the work time associated therewith. The difference between the obtained increase in the work amount and the decrease in the work amount, or the difference between the extended work time and the shortened work time may be calculated as the reduction cost.

Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the work flow should be changed by a changeability determination 903.

The above is the same even if the work schedule is a pattern.

As described above, the warehouse management system 100 includes a current cost calculation unit 801 that calculates a current cost when the current pattern of the warehouse is maintained, and a pattern generated by the generation unit from the current pattern of the warehouse. A change cost calculation unit 802 that calculates a change cost when changing, a reduction cost calculation unit 803 that calculates a reduction cost that is reduced by changing each pattern generated from the current pattern to the generation unit, and A third selection unit 804 that selects a pattern whose reduction cost is greater than the sum of the current cost and the change cost among the patterns selected by the second selection unit is further provided.

With such a configuration, it is possible to easily determine whether the warehouse pattern is necessary, and it is possible to reduce the cost in the warehouse.

<Modifications for managing multiple warehouses>
Next, contents related to generation of a resource change between warehouses when there are a plurality of warehouses will be described.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing resource distribution among warehouses.

The warehouse management system 100 receives warehouse data from the warehouse 1002 and the warehouse 1003. The warehouse management system 100 includes a resource database 1001, an operation status determination unit 1004, a resource calculation unit 1005, and a resource search unit 1006.

The resource database 1001 stores resource data shared by a plurality of warehouses 1002 and 1003. Here, the resource can be shared by a plurality of warehouses 1002 and 1003. Also, warehouse data that can be shared between warehouses is categorized by distance or the like. For example, if the distance between warehouses is short and can be moved in a short time, the resource database 1001 can be used as a shared worker. Register with. Similarly, a robot 105 or a shelf that can move between warehouses is registered in the resource database 1001 as resource data.

When the quantity data is given as input data to the warehouse management system 100, the warehouse task calculation unit 113 calculates tasks in the warehouse 1002. In the operation status determination unit 1004, it is determined whether the calculated task is workable with the resources held by the current warehouse 1002. The determination evaluates whether a given task is expected to be completed within a predetermined time.

As a result of the determination by the operation status determination unit 1004, when it is determined that the resource is insufficient, the resource calculation unit 1005 obtains a resource necessary to complete the task, and the obtained resource count is determined by the resource search unit. 1006 is notified. The resource calculation unit 1005 may notify not only the required number of resources but also the date and time when the resource should arrive at the warehouse and the time and period during which the distributed resource is used.

Similarly to the warehouse 1002, when the task to be worked is calculated in the warehouse 1003, the operation status determination unit 1004 determines the operation status of the input task. When the operation status determination unit 1004 determines that the task cannot be completed with the resources currently in the warehouse 1003, the resource calculation unit 1005 inquires the resource search unit 1006 about the insufficient resources.

The resource search unit 1006 searches for resources that are not used in other warehouses according to the number of resources inquired from the resource calculation unit 1005. You may search for a resource that is currently used or will be terminated. The resource search unit 1006 distributes the resources obtained by the search to the warehouses 1002 and 1003. The result is notified to the warehouse 1002 and the warehouse 1003. If there are not enough resources in the resource database 1001 that are inquired from each warehouse, the resources in the resource database 1001 are distributed in proportion to the number of requests from the warehouse 1002 and the warehouse 1003. When priority is set for the warehouse 1002 and the warehouse 1003, the distribution ratio may be changed according to the priority. Further, when notifying the number of resources distributed to the warehouse 1002 and the warehouse 1003, the arrival time of the resource may be notified. Also, the resource arrival time may be given to each resource independently, or the time for completion of arrival of all resources may be given. Although the above description has explained the sharing of resources in two warehouses, the number of warehouses is not limited to two.

This makes it easy to improve the work efficiency of multiple warehouses by distributing and using resources among multiple warehouses, even if the number of work tasks increases or decreases.

Another example of the warehouse management system of the present invention is shown.

In the first embodiment, the content is related to the trigger for determining the work efficiency of the pattern using the calculation unit 109. However, the second embodiment relates to the simulation using the calculation unit 109 in consideration of the interference between the worker and the robot. Content. The basic system configuration is the same as that shown in FIG. 1, except for the following points.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating the work efficiency calculation unit 114 according to the present embodiment.

The work efficiency calculation unit 114 receives data regarding the positions of the worker 104 and the robot 105 from the position database 108 and a pattern from the generation unit 107, and calculates the work efficiency. The work efficiency calculation unit 114 includes a position data reception unit 1101 and an interference calculation unit 1102.

The position data receiving unit 1101 receives data related to the positions of the worker 104 and the robot 105 from the position database 108.

The interference calculation unit 1102 calculates the value of the interference between the worker 104 and the robot 105 from the data regarding the positions of the worker 104 and the robot 105 received by the position data receiving unit.

Here, when the worker or the robot moves, the interference represents a case where traffic is hindered by the presence of another worker or robot on the route to be moved. For example, if the passage is wide enough not to be overtaken or set to prohibit overtaking, if there is a worker in front of the route, depending on the movement speed and work time of the worker in front, Forced to move slowly. In addition, in order to avoid workers in front, there are cases where a detoured route is taken instead of a route that can be moved by the original shortest distance. In this way, it can be said that interference occurs when the travel distance or work time becomes longer due to the presence of other workers as compared to the time during which other workers can pass or work.

In the above description, interference between workers has been described. However, interference between a forklift, a robot, and an article on a belt conveyor may be used instead of a worker.

For example, the interference is represented by a value obtained by simulation or the like that is obtained by reducing the value of the work amount, the delayed work time, or the reduced operation rate compared with the case where there is no interference.

For example, the work efficiency calculation unit 114 obtains the work efficiency by reflecting the value of the work amount reduced compared with the case where there is no interference in the graph of FIG.

As described above, the warehouse management system 100 represented in the second embodiment includes, in addition to the warehouse management system 100 represented in the first embodiment, a plurality of workers and a plurality of workers simulated from information including positions of a plurality of workers and a plurality of robots. A work efficiency calculation unit 114 that calculates the work efficiency in the warehouse when each of the patterns is applied based on the interference with the robot is provided.

With such a configuration, it is possible to determine whether or not it is necessary to change the warehouse pattern according to the actual situation.

This example shows another example of the warehouse management system of the present invention.

In the first embodiment, the pattern generation unit 601 generates the pattern in the warehouse, but the third embodiment relates to the generation of a more detailed pattern.

The basic system configuration is the same as in FIG.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of changing the layout related to the arrangement of the shelves in the warehouse. Here, an example in which a layout is generated only for picking work from the shelf 501 will be described. The data input to the generation unit 107 is an amount to be picked. Or the order data of loading / unloading may be sufficient.

According to the rule selection unit 605, when the quantity of input data is small, the number of workers 104 required for picking is small, so it is better to arrange the shelves 501 as compactly as possible and shorten the access time to the shelves 501. Select a rule. The pattern generation unit 601 generates a warehouse layout such as 1201 based on the selected rule. Here, an example of a layout in which the number of passages is reduced and the density of the shelves 501 is high is shown.

The rule selection unit 605 selects a rule that when the quantity increases and the number of workers picking increases, the number of people accessing the shelf increases and traffic congestion occurs, so that more passages are set. The pattern generation unit 601 generates a layout as indicated by 1202 based on the selected rule. Here, an example of a layout in which the number of passages is increased and the distance between the shelves 501 is increased is shown. The rule selection unit 605 may use the number of workers 104, the number of robots 105, or the like, which is a condition given as an input when selecting a rule. For example, if the number of workers 104 or robots 105 is small even if the quantity increases, the probability of occurrence of traffic congestion decreases, so a rule for increasing the density of the shelves 501 without increasing the number of passages may be selected. Furthermore, a rule may be selected from the order data of loading / unloading using the number, size, weight, etc. of articles included in one order. For example, when the number of articles included in one order is small and the size is small and light, the work time required for picking per article is shortened, so that the worker 104 and the robot 105 move more. Therefore, the rule that it is better to increase the number of passages and increase access to the shelf 501 is selected. On the other hand, if the quantity is large but the number of articles per order is large and the weight is heavy, the work time required for picking the same article becomes longer, the movement of the worker 104 and the robot 105 is reduced, and the path is as much as possible. Select the rule that it is better to reduce the distance to the shelf by reducing The pattern generation unit 601 generates a pattern based on the selected rule.

Thus, it becomes easy to change to a flexible layout with an increased operation rate by selecting a rule according to the input quantity and data relating to the order and generating a layout pattern based on the rule.

<Modifications regarding the layout of shelves and belt conveyors>
In addition to shelves, various equipment is installed in the warehouse. Next, an example of generating a layout pattern in which shelves and devices are linked will be described.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of changing the layout relating to the arrangement of shelves and belt conveyors in the warehouse.

Here again, picking work for picking an article from the shelf 501 will be described. The worker 104 or the robot 105 picks the target article and places the picked article on the belt conveyor 1303. For example, when the articles to be picked are stored evenly on all the shelves, the rule selecting unit 605 should be installed at a position where the average of the shortest distance from all the shelves and the variance are small. Select the rule. Further, when the starting point of the belt conveyor 1303 is determined as a constraint condition, a rule that considers the constraint condition is selected. Based on the selected rule, the pattern generation unit 601 generates a pattern in which the shelves 501 and the belt conveyor 1303 are arranged as in the layout shown in 1301, for example.

In addition, when the deviation of the number of times of picking processing is large for the articles stored in each shelf 501, the rule selection unit 605 collects the shelves 501 according to the number of picking processes (the same number of picking processes as possible). And the belt conveyor 1303 should be arranged near the shelf where the number of picking processes is large. Based on the selected rule, the pattern generation unit 601 creates a layout as shown in 1302, for example.

This makes it possible to create a layout that takes into account cooperation with equipment, such as a belt conveyor, as well as a shelf.

<Modifications related to work area>
Next, an example in which the pattern is a work area will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of changing the work area in the warehouse.

For example, like a warehouse layout 1401, a processing area 1402, a picking area 1403, and a delivery area 1404 are set. Here, when the work is expressed by the flow of the article, the work proceeds in the order of processing, picking, and delivery.

The rule selection unit 605 selects a rule that determines the size of the work area in accordance with the quantity and the order data for loading and unloading. For example, the number of articles to be processed and the complexity of processing (working time, etc.) are obtained from the order data of loading / unloading, and the time required for processing for each order is calculated. The total machining work time may be calculated instead of every order. In addition, the processing complexity may be set in advance, such as 10 minutes for the package A and 5 minutes for the package B. If there are many orders that require time for processing in the input / output order data, the amount of work to be performed in the processing area is obtained, and the number of workers to perform the processing work is further obtained. By multiplying the determined number of workers by the work space size required for each worker set in advance, the size of the work area necessary for the machining work as a whole can be obtained. Similarly, the size of the work area required for picking work and delivery work is obtained, and the area allocation in the warehouse is determined.

Next, in the warehouse, the area and shape that can be used for processing, picking, and issuing work are read from the warehouse data, the ratio of the area required for each operation calculated by the above processing is taken, and each area used in the actual warehouse Calculate the work area. Further, according to the work order, when the process proceeds from processing to picking and delivery, a rule is selected that the processing and the picking area must be in contact with each other, and that the picking and delivery must be in contact. In addition, elements having fixed positions such as pillars and elevators in the warehouse are read from the warehouse data, and rules that consider the linkage with these elements are selected. For example, the rule is that the elevator and the exit area must be adjacent to each other.

Based on the rule selected by the rule selection unit 605 as described above, the pattern generation unit 601 generates a work area division pattern. For example, the work area division when the work time is the longest in the processing area is generated as the work area 1405.

Also, the work varies depending on the time, and the picking work may increase the work amount most after the machining work is completed. In that case, the area may be changed according to the time when the work has progressed, and if the work amount increases by changing the area, the area may not be changed until the processing, picking, and delivery work are completed. . When the area is not changed until all work is completed, the data used to determine the work area is set to the peak value of each work. Or you may set to an average value.

This makes it possible to easily set the area according to the work amount of each work, and to determine the layout flexibly.

<Modifications related to work tasks>
Next, an example in which the pattern is a work task will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of expressing work tasks. Here, an example in which the task performed by the robot 105 and the task performed by the worker 104 for the picking work is created will be described. There are two types of picking that the robot 105 is good to work and the picking that the worker 104 is good to work. For example, the robot 105 may be more efficient than the worker 104 when picking a large amount of the same article, and the worker 104 may be more efficient than the robot in the case of a deformation. There is. Further, the expandability according to the change in the quantity may be different between the robot 105 and the worker 104. For example, the number of robots 105 is limited, and the increase / decrease in the number of workers 104 may be expanded, the number of workers 104 may be limited, and the number of robots 105 may be changed. Here, a case where the number of robots 105 is limited and the number of workers 104 can be increased will be described.

15 is an example in which the work amount 1502 to be picked by the robot 105 and the work amount 1503 to be picked by the worker 104 are separated.

When the quantity data that is input data increases, the quantity picked by the robot 105 cannot cope with the inputted quantity, and the quantity of picking by the worker 104 is increased. That is, the ratio of the picking task in the robot 105 is reduced, and the ratio of the picking task by the worker 104 is increased instead. However, the number of pickings processed by the robot 105 may not be changed. An area necessary for the picking work is obtained from the ratio of picking work of the robot 105 and the worker 104, and the picking work task and work area in the warehouse are changed. When changing the pattern from 1501 to 1504, the picking area for the robot 105 may be reduced and the picking area for the worker may be increased. As described above, when the increase in the number of workers 104 corresponds to the increase in the quantity, the pattern generation unit 601 generates a pattern such as 1504.

In this way, a warehouse that can handle various quantities can be realized by assigning the tasks of the workers and robots according to the quantity fluctuation.

<Modifications related to work flow>
Next, an example where the pattern is a workflow will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of a work flow. Reference numeral 1601 denotes a case where certain order data is processed in the order of work A, work B, work C, and work D. For example, when there is a work flow of inspection and packing after picking, if the number of articles per order is small, the rule selection unit 605 should be changed to a work flow of performing picking, inspection and packing in a lump. Select the rule. Also, when a special packing work instruction is added to the order data, a rule is selected to replace the special packing work instead of packing. Further, if a processing work instruction such as pricing is added to the order data, a rule for adding the processing work is selected. The pattern generation unit 601 generates a work flow based on the rule selected by the rule selection unit 605. For example, work C is eliminated as in 1602, and flows such as work A, work B, and work D are generated.

Also, the rule may be for each category by dividing the order data into categories for each similar order data, not for each input order data. “Similar” may refer to, for example, items similar in product category or quantity, but is not limited thereto.

This makes it easy to create a work flow according to the order data.

<Modified example of work schedule>
Next, an example in which the pattern is a work schedule for each worker 104 or robot 105 will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of a work schedule for the worker 104. An example will be described in which the characteristics of the worker 104 are read based on the characteristics as input from the warehouse data, and the pattern is generated by the pattern generation unit 601. If the worker 1 has the skill to perform a plurality of operations, the rule selection unit 605 selects the rule that the schedule of the worker 1 is created according to the time variation of the operation. The pattern generation unit 601 generates a work schedule such as 1701 based on the selected rule. Here, for example, when certain order data is generated in the order of work A (1702), work B (1703), and work C (1704), worker 1 works when work A (1702) has many tasks. (1702) is performed, and when the task B (1703) has many tasks, the task B (1703) is performed, and when the task C (1704) has many tasks, the task C (1704) is performed.

If the worker 2 has a skill (such as monotonous work) in which the performance does not decrease even after performing the operation A (1702) for a long time, the rule selection unit 605 causes the worker 2 to continue the same operation as much as possible. Select a rule. The pattern generation unit 601 assigns the worker 2 to the work A (1702), performs the work A (1702) until the time when the work A (1702) is completely completed, and then performs the next work C (1704). A work schedule 1705 to be assigned is generated.

Suppose that the worker 3 has a characteristic that work cannot be performed during a specific time period, the rule selection unit 605 selects a rule that work is not assigned to the worker 3 at a certain time. The pattern generation unit 601 assigns the work A (1702) to the worker 3 based on the selected rule, and assigns the work B (1703) after a fixed work non-assignment period. Further, a work schedule 1706 is assigned to assign work C (1704) as the next work.

Thereby, a work schedule can be generated based on the characteristics of the worker 104. Although the above description has explained the generation of a work schedule for the worker 104, the target is not limited to the worker 104, and the characteristics of the robot can be handled in the same manner. For example, it is possible to select a rule that work cannot be performed for the time allocated for robot maintenance, and if the robot has a plurality of functions, a schedule for changing the work content according to the work amount can be generated.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and includes various modifications. For example, FIG. 18 shows an image diagram showing a pattern being changed by the warehouse management system of the present invention. In 1801, when an article is received from a truck, the article is stored in each shelf or pallet rack. Depending on the quantity data requested by the customer, picking by an operator, picking by a robot, transportation of an article by a drone, transportation of an article by an unmanned forklift, and the like are performed. Workers, robots, drones, and unmanned forklifts may work with emphasis. Further, the position of equipment such as a belt conveyor may be changed by a robot. Furthermore, inspection, packing, robot inspection, packing, etc. are performed by workers, and they are loaded onto a truck and delivered. 1802 is an example in which the warehouse 1801 is changed based on the quantity data. The arrangement of shelves and belt conveyors has changed, and the work flow has also changed. The number of workers and robots has also been changed. The manager keeps track of the situation in the warehouse and manages the situation. Also, when changes to the layout, work flow, etc. are implemented, in order to instruct the worker on the changed information, the information is displayed on the terminal or wearable terminal worn by the worker, and the worker is instructed. Do.

Thus, for example, each of the above-described embodiments has been described in detail for easy understanding of the present invention, and is not necessarily limited to the one having all the configurations described. Further, a part of the configuration of a certain embodiment can be replaced with the configuration of another modification, and the configuration of another modification can be added to the configuration of a certain embodiment. Further, it is possible to add, delete, and replace the configurations of other embodiments with respect to a part of the configurations of the embodiments.

Also, each function or the like of the warehouse management system 100 may be realized by hardware by designing a part or all of them, for example, with an integrated circuit. Each function of the warehouse management system 100 may be realized by software by interpreting and executing a program that realizes each function by the processor. Information such as programs, tables, and files for realizing each function is stored in a memory, a hard disk, a recording device such as SSD (Solid State Drive), or a recording medium such as an IC card, SD card, DVD (Digital Versatile Disc). be able to.

In addition, the control lines and information lines indicate what is considered necessary for the explanation, and not all control lines and information lines on the product are necessarily shown. In practice, it may be considered that almost all configurations are connected to each other.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Warehouse management system 101 Customer order 102 Warehouse 103 Warehouse database 104 Worker 105 Robot 106 Reception part 107 Generation part 108 Position database 109 Calculation part 110 Selection part 111 Instruction generation part 112 Instruction transmission part 113 Warehouse task calculation part 114 Work efficiency calculation part 115 First selection unit 116 Second selection unit 117 Physical quantity database 118 Work result reception unit 201 Pattern generation 202 Task determination 203 Pattern discard 204 Work efficiency determination 205 Pattern selection 301 End time 302 Work start time 303 Work amount without pattern change 304 Transition of work amount with pattern change 401 Instruction generation 402 Work instruction reception by worker 403 Work instruction reception by robot 404 Work result transmission by worker 405 Result reception 406 Instruction generation 407 Work instruction reception by worker 408 Robot work instruction reception 409 Robot work result transmission 410 Work result reception 411 Instruction generation 412 Worker work instruction reception 413 Robot work instruction reception 501 Shelf 502 Robot trajectory Line 503 Worker 504 Position of shelf before movement 505 Position of shelf after movement 601 Pattern generation unit 602 Example database 603 Rule creation unit 604 Rule database 605 Rule selection unit 701 Transmission of work result to reception unit 801 Current cost calculation unit 802 Change cost calculation unit 803 Reduction cost calculation unit 804 Third selection unit 901 Pattern selection 902 Cost calculation 903 Change possibility determination 904 Pattern discard 905 Pattern selection 1001 Resource database 002 Warehouse 1003 Warehouse 1004 Operation status determination unit 1005 Resource calculation unit 1006 Resource search unit 1101 Position data reception unit 1102 Interference calculation unit 1201 Layout when quantity is small 1202 Layout when quantity is large 1301 Number of picking for goods on all shelves Layout in the case of near 1302 Layout in the case where the number of picking with respect to goods is uneven for each shelf 1303 Belt conveyor 1401 Layout for each area before change 1402 Processing area 1403 Picking area 1404 Delivery area 1405 Layout for each area after change 1501 Layout for each area associated with each task before change 1502 Picking area by robot 1503 Picking area by worker 1504 Layout for each area associated with each task after change 1601 Work flow in the order of work A, work B, work C, work D 1602 Work flow in the order of work A, work C, work D 1701 Work of worker 1 Schedule 1702 Work A
1703 Work B
1704 Work C
1705 Work schedule of worker 2 1706 Work schedule of worker 3 1801 Image in warehouse before change 1802 Image in warehouse after change.

Claims (15)

1. A generator that generates multiple warehouse layouts;
   A warehouse task calculation unit for calculating tasks related to work in the warehouse based on customer orders;
   A work efficiency calculator that calculates the work efficiency of the warehouse when applying each of the layouts;
   A first selection unit that selects a layout that can satisfy the task among the layouts;
   A second selection unit that selects a layout in which the value of the work efficiency exceeds a preset threshold among the layouts selected by the first selection unit;
   An instruction generation unit for generating instructions to the plurality of workers or the plurality of robots according to the layout selected by the second selection unit;
   An instruction transmitter for transmitting the instructions to the plurality of workers or the plurality of robots;
   A work result receiving unit that receives work results for the instructions from either the plurality of workers or the plurality of robots;
   The warehouse management system characterized in that the work efficiency calculation unit calculates the work efficiency by using the work result reception unit as a trigger to receive the work result.
2. In the warehouse management system according to claim 1,
   The work result receiving unit receives the work results from the plurality of workers and the plurality of robots,
   The said work efficiency calculation part calculates the said work efficiency whenever it receives the said work result, The warehouse management system characterized by the above-mentioned.
3. In the warehouse management system according to claim 1,
   The said management part produces | generates the layout which returns the said some robot to the position different from the position before the said layout changes, The warehouse management system characterized by the above-mentioned.
4. In the warehouse management system according to claim 1,
   The work efficiency is a value related to a work time of work in the warehouse, a cost of work in the warehouse, a work amount of work in the warehouse, or an operation rate of the plurality of workers or the plurality of robots. The warehouse management system characterized in that it is obtained by an integral value between the work start time and the work end time of the work.
5. In the warehouse management system according to claim 1,
   The generation unit includes a rule database storing rules for generating the layout;
   A rule selection unit that selects the rule based on the quantity determined by the customer's order, the entry / exit data determined by the customer's order, the condition determined based on the resources in the warehouse, or the characteristics of the worker or the robot. And
   The said management part produces | generates the said layout based on the rule selected by the said rule selection part, The warehouse management system characterized by the above-mentioned.
6. In the warehouse management system according to claim 1,
   The said management part produces | generates the said layout based on the said operation result, The warehouse management system characterized by the above-mentioned.
7. In the warehouse management system according to claim 1,
   A current cost calculation unit for calculating a first cost when the current layout of the warehouse is maintained;
   A change cost calculation unit that calculates a second variable cost when changing from the current layout to each of the layouts generated by the generation unit;
   A reduction cost calculation unit that calculates a third cost that is reduced by changing from the current layout to each of the layouts generated by the generation unit;
   A third selection unit that selects a pattern in which the third cost is greater than the sum of the first cost and the second cost among the layouts selected by the second selection unit; A warehouse management system characterized by that.
8. A generation unit that generates a plurality of patterns including a layout of a warehouse, a work flow that is an order of work in the warehouse, or work schedules of a plurality of workers and a plurality of robots;
   A warehouse task calculation unit for calculating a task including a work content, an end time, and a necessary work amount of each work in the warehouse from an amount determined by a customer order;
   A work efficiency calculation unit for calculating work efficiency in the warehouse when each of the patterns is applied;
   A first selection unit that selects a pattern that can satisfy the required amount of work within an end time of each of the patterns;
   A second selection unit that selects a pattern in which the work efficiency exceeds a preset threshold among the patterns selected by the first selection unit;
   An instruction generation unit for generating instructions to the plurality of workers or the plurality of robots according to the pattern selected by the second selection unit;
   An instruction transmitter for transmitting the instructions to the plurality of workers or the plurality of robots;
   A work result receiving unit for receiving work results on the transmitted instructions from the plurality of workers or the plurality of robots;
   The warehouse management system, wherein the work efficiency calculation unit calculates the work efficiency by using the work result reception unit as a trigger to receive the work result.
9. In the warehouse management system according to claim 8,
   The work result receiving unit receives the work results from the plurality of workers and the plurality of robots,
   The said work efficiency calculation part calculates the said work efficiency whenever it receives the said work result, The warehouse management system characterized by the above-mentioned.
10. A generation unit that generates a plurality of patterns including a layout of a warehouse, a work flow that is an order of work in the warehouse, or work schedules of a plurality of workers and a plurality of robots;
    A position database for storing information including positions of the plurality of workers and the plurality of robots;
    A warehouse task calculation unit for calculating a task including a work content, an end time, and a necessary work amount of each work in the warehouse from an amount determined by a customer order;
    Work efficiency in the warehouse when each of the patterns is applied based on interference between the plurality of workers and the plurality of robots simulated from information including the positions of the plurality of workers and the plurality of robots A work efficiency calculator that calculates
    A first selection unit that selects a pattern that can satisfy the required amount of work within an end time of each of the patterns;
    A second selection unit that selects a pattern in which the work efficiency exceeds a preset threshold among the patterns selected by the first selection unit;
    An instruction generation unit for generating instructions to the plurality of workers or the plurality of robots according to the pattern selected by the second selection unit;
    A warehouse management system comprising: an instruction transmission unit configured to transmit the instruction to the plurality of workers or the plurality of robots.
11. The warehouse management system according to any one of claims 8 to 10,
    The work efficiency is a work start value of each work with a value related to a work time of each work, a cost of each work, a work amount of each work, or an operation rate of the plurality of workers or the plurality of robots. A warehouse management system characterized by being obtained by an integral value between time and the end time.
12. The warehouse management system according to any one of claims 8 to 10,
    The generation unit includes a rule database in which rules for generating the pattern are stored;
    A rule selection unit that selects the rule based on the quantity determined by the customer's order, the entry / exit data determined by the customer's order, the condition determined based on the resources in the warehouse, or the characteristics of the worker or the robot. And
    The said management part produces | generates the said pattern based on the rule selected by the said rule selection part, The warehouse management system characterized by the above-mentioned.
13. The warehouse management system according to any one of claims 8 to 10,
    The warehouse management system has a work result receiving unit that receives a work result for the transmitted instruction,
    The said management part produces | generates the said pattern based on the said operation result, The warehouse management system characterized by the above-mentioned.
14. The warehouse management system according to any one of claims 8 to 10,
    A current cost calculation unit for calculating a current cost when the current pattern of the warehouse is maintained;
    A change cost calculation unit for calculating a change cost when changing from the current pattern to each of the patterns generated by the generation unit;
    A reduction cost calculation unit that calculates a reduction cost that is reduced by changing from the current pattern to each of the patterns generated by the generation unit;
    A warehouse having a third selection unit that selects a pattern in which the reduction cost is greater than the sum of the current cost and the change cost among the patterns selected by the second selection unit; Management system.
15. The warehouse management system according to any one of claims 8 to 10,
    The warehouse management system includes a resource database storing data on resources of a plurality of warehouses,
    From the tasks in the plurality of warehouses calculated by the warehouse task calculation unit and the resources of the plurality of warehouses, an operation status determination unit that determines whether the tasks can be completed in each of the plurality of warehouses;
    A resource calculation unit for calculating resources required for the first warehouse determined by the operating status determination unit to be unable to complete the task;
    In order to supplement the necessary resources, a resource search unit that searches for resources that are not used in the second warehouse that is determined to be able to complete the task by the operating status determination unit,
    The instruction generation unit generates the instruction to distribute the searched resource to the first warehouse,
    The warehouse management system, wherein the instruction transmission unit transmits the generated instruction to the plurality of workers or the plurality of robots in the first warehouse and the second warehouse.

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