JP2002169879A - System and method for tracking and managing merchandise - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a merchandise tracking and management system and its tracking and managing method which consistently track merchandise from delivery to discarding and manage merchandise location. SOLUTION: In this merchandise tracking and management system 20, the merchandise is tracked and managed between a data management center 24 and a user terminal 30 utilized by a user who receives merchandise supply. The management center 24 is provided with a data server 25 for storing/ managing various data. In the user terminal 30, data such as the state of merchandise with a radio tag attached thereto and its user are made to correspond to a consecutive number outputted from the radio tag, and the corresponded data are given to the management center 24 through the Internet, etc., to be stored in the database server 25. New data are stored in the database server 25 involved in the change of the state, the user, etc., thus the merchandise can be tracked and managed.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a tracking management system for goods and a tracking management method therefor, and more particularly, to accumulating data on the movement of goods in a database server to consistently track and track the goods from delivery to disposal. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a tracking management system and a tracking management method for a product that can be managed.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a linen supply business (maintenance such as washing), a series of processes such as checking a quantity and reading a customer name depend on an operator's experience. Occasionally a complaint occurred. Many of the complaints from customers, such as hospitals, are caused by shortage of quantity and size exchange at the time of staff change (customer side). To deal with these problems, it was necessary to clarify the physical distribution process and the location of goods in stock, and to establish a mechanism for delivery of goods without delay. As a system that solves the problems of these linen supply businesses and helps to improve work efficiency and service to customers, for example, described in "Individual White Coat Management System Using RFID" (Barcode, February 2000) There is an individual management system for white coats.

FIG. 5 is a schematic configuration diagram showing the configuration of such a conventional white coat individual management system. In the figure,
The white coat individual management system 100 includes a system management unit 102 that manages the entire system, and a customer 103 (user).
Warehouse 1 that stores white robes, which are maintenance objects from Japan
04 and a maintenance factory 105 that performs maintenance such as washing and / or repairing the stored white robe.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the processing of the white robe individual management system. The individual management system 100 will be further described with reference to FIG. First, in the white coat to which the system is applied, the ID tag is sewn in advance in the white coat, and the white coat is collected from the customer 103 by a truck or the like.
At the time of collection, collection registration is performed using the handy terminal 106 or the like (step 601). Handy terminal 1
The picked-up data collected at 06 or the like is transferred to the handy terminal personal computer 108 via the wireless device 107 when returning to the warehouse 104 and receiving the data. At the same time, upon arrival in the warehouse 104, the arrival is registered (step 60).
2). These pick-up data and arrival data are sent to LAN
The data is stored in the data server 109 of the system management unit 102 connected via (local area network) (step 603).

The lab coats stored in the warehouse are sequentially sent to the maintenance factory 105, where factory arrival registration is performed at the factory arrival terminal 110, and this arrival registration data is transferred to the data server 109 via the LAN and stored there. (Step 604). Next, a predetermined number of washing and finishing operations are performed in the washing device 111 (step 605). At this time, it is checked whether or not the finished lab coat needs to be repaired (step 606). If the garment needs to be repaired, the repairing device 112 performs the repair work (step 607).

The lab coat that has been washed and repaired as necessary is sent to a factory shipping terminal 113, for example, a handy terminal for shipping, and factory shipping data is transmitted to the factory shipping terminal 113 from an ID tag sewn into the lab coat. (Step 6
08). The transmitted factory shipment data is transferred to and stored in the data server 109 via the LAN. The white robe that has shipped from the maintenance factory 105 is transported to the customer 103 by a truck or the like, and at the time of final delivery of the white robe, collection and confirmation of the delivery data are performed by the handy terminal 106 and the like (step 609).

[0007]

In the conventional white robe individual management system, data is collected using an ID tag sewn on the white garment until the white garment is collected from the customer 103, maintained, and delivered. , The location of the lab coat is clarified, the collation of the shipment quantity and the arrival quantity is easy, and the collection and delivery quantity history can be grasped.

However, in such a system,
The purpose is to manage only white coats that have been requested to be cleaned by a customer, and there has been a problem that it is not possible to perform consistent management from shipping to disposal of new manufactured white coats and the like. In addition, management other than maintenance at a customer, for example, management of lending and borrowing between customers, transfer of a user, and the like cannot be performed. Further, there is a problem that the location and the like of the object cannot be immediately referred to and confirmed. The above problem occurs not only in white coats, but also in security uniforms and the like, particularly in uniforms lent to companies and the like.

The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems. Data relating to the movement of goods is stored in a database server, and the processing from delivery of goods to disposal is consistent. It is an object of the present invention to provide a product tracking management system and a tracking management method capable of tracking, tracking and location management.

[0010]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a system for tracking and managing goods, in which an ID for specifying the goods is stored, and at least a wireless tag capable of reading the ID is fixed. A data input terminal that reads the ID from the product and that inputs at least product data indicating the location and movement of the product associated with the ID; and a product data input by the data input terminal. A network connection terminal that transmits the product data, a database server that stores the product data,
And, for exchanging and / or inquiring data with a user, the network connection terminal and a data management device having a network server connected via a network are provided, and the product data is transmitted from the network connection terminal This is achieved by a product tracking management system, wherein the product is stored in the database server via a network and a network server in association with the ID, and the product is tracked and managed based on the stored data. Is done. According to the present invention, for example, the state, location, and the like of the product can be managed by storing the product data in the database server.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus further comprises a data inquiry terminal, wherein the data inquiry terminal comprises:
Inquire various data with the database server. In a further preferred embodiment, the product data includes a status indicating the status of the product, and with the change in the status, the product data is transmitted from the network connection terminal to the database server via a network and a network server. , Are stored in association with the ID. It is desirable that the status indicates any of shelf stock, in use, cleaning, and disposal. As a result, it is possible to easily understand the state of the rented clothes and the like at present.

The merchandise data includes information indicating a user of the merchandise. When the user is changed, the merchandise data is transmitted from the network connection terminal to the database server via a network and a network server. It is more desirable that the information be stored in association with the information. For example, it is desirable that the product is a uniform. That is, by managing the history of uniforms lent by a company or the like from delivery to use, cleaning, disposal, and the like, unnecessary loss can be significantly reduced.

[0013] In another embodiment of the present invention,
Further, the database server is configured to grasp the delivered product by reading the wireless tag, and accumulate inventory information based on the grasped product. In this way, by managing the stock of the product, it is possible to manage everything from the manufacture of the product to its use and disposal.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for tracking management of a product, which comprises storing an ID for specifying the product, and starting from a product to which at least a wireless tag capable of reading the ID is fixed. Reading the ID,
Inputting product data indicating at least the location or movement of the product associated with the ID, transmitting the input product data via a network, and transmitting the product data via the network And accumulating the product data in the database server in association with the ID, wherein the product is tracked and managed based on the stored data. It is also achieved by the method.

As described above, according to the present invention, since the product data relating to the movement and the state of the product is stored in the database server, the process from delivery to disposal of the product can be consistently tracked and managed. Can be. Further, by accessing the database server via the Internet, it is possible to periodically or immediately inquire the stock status from the user. Further, by storing the cleaning data of the uniform in the database server, it is possible to track and control the location at the time of cleaning, and it is possible to save the history data for each uniform.

[0016]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, a product tracking management system and a tracking management method according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail by taking a uniform as a product, for example, a uniform of a security company as an example. In addition, when sewing uniforms,
FID system (Radio Frequency Identification Sys
tem) is sewn with a wireless tag. This wireless tag has a thin disk shape having a diameter of, for example, 20 mm, a thickness of 2 mm, and a weight of about 2 g, and uses a chip in which a coil is wound around a memory and resin-coated. It employs a non-electrostatic method in which an electromagnetic wave is emitted by a read / write device, and thereby the chip is energized, thereby being a storage medium having excellent heat resistance, moisture resistance, and earthquake resistance.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of a product tracking management system according to the present invention. In the figure, in a product tracking management system 20, product inventory management and tracking management are performed between a data management center 24 that stores information about products and a user 30 that receives supply of the product. The sales company 21 has a goods supply unit 22 for shipping uniforms.
The delivery company reads and writes the delivery data when shipping and delivering the uniform.
It has.

The data management center 24 has a database server 25 for storing various data relating to the delivered uniform, for example, cleaning data and user data, which will be described later, and an Internet for sending and receiving data to and from the user 30. A server 26 is provided.

A user terminal 30 disposed at, for example, a security company or the like which receives and uses the uniform is provided with a data input device 31 for reading and writing data recorded on the wireless tag of the delivered uniform, A database (DB) 32 for storing data relating to uniforms, an Internet connection terminal 33 for exchanging data with the sales company 21 via the Internet, the sales company 21 and the data management center 24, stocks, lending lists, uniforms A data inquiry terminal 34 for inquiring history and the like. Even when washing and repair are performed by the cleaning agent 40 when using the uniform on the user side, data management is performed in the user 30 and the data management center 24.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a communication procedure in the product tracking management system of FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is a flowchart thereof. First, the uniform sales company 21 stores a serial number functioning as a uniform ID in a wireless tag sewn on the uniform in advance from the stage of shipping the uniform (step 301). That is, by this serial number (uniform ID),
Uniforms can be uniquely specified. Sales Company 2
1 sends a shipping mail to the user 30 together with the delivery of the uniform. On the other hand, the user terminal 30 transmits a received mail (received mail) to the sales company 21 in response to the uniform delivery and shipping mail (step 200 in FIG. 2 and step 302 in FIG. 3).

The user terminal 30 scans the uniform and reads out the serial number (uniform ID) assigned to the wireless tag, and associates the serial number with the serial number to identify the product name, size, purchaser (user), and user. , Uniform status, etc. are set. The user terminal 30 transmits the set data (input data) to the data management center 24 in a state of being associated with the serial number (Step 201 in FIG. 2 and Step 303 in FIG. 3). In the data management center 24,
The DB server 25 stores the input data. From this point, the uniform can be tracked and managed. The input data is also stored in the DB 32 of the user terminal 30. Note that a scan input or a mark input can be used as an input method. Further, the configuration may be such that input data can be input on a browser screen of the Internet.

FIG. 4A is a diagram showing a structure of input data according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 4B is a diagram showing an example of a uniform status. As shown in FIG. 4A, in the present embodiment, in relation to the serial number (uniform ID),
A data block 401 including data indicating a product name, a size, a purchaser (user), a user, and a status is provided. This is the unit of information for uniform management.

Further, as shown in FIG. 4B, in the present embodiment, the status of the uniform includes shelf stock (status "1"), personal use (status "2"), and cleaning in the user (status "2"). Status "3") and discard / return (status "4"). FIG. 4 (b)
As can be understood from the above, first, the uniform supplied from the merchandise sales company has a shelf inventory (status "1") initially. Thereafter, when the user is determined, the status becomes "2", and when the user is sent to the cleaning agent 40, the status becomes "3". Further, when the uniform returns from the cleaning agent 40, the status is changed to “1” or “2”. Such a change in status is obtained by transmitting data (input data) input at the user terminal 30 to the data management center 24 and storing it in the DB server 25 (step 303 in FIG. 3, step in FIG. 2). 208-210 etc.). Here, a serial number (uniform ID) is assigned to a data block serving as input data. Therefore, in the DB server 25, the area related to the serial number is referred to by referring to the serial number (uniform ID). May be found and new input data may be stored in the area.

Further, even when the user 30 rents, rents, transfers, retires, etc., the user 30 moves in the office such as discarding or losing the uniform, the user terminal 30 can change the user of the uniform, change the status, and the like. Input data is created and transmitted to the data management center 24,
It is stored in the DB server 25 (see step 303). As described later, the data management center 24
Has been established in association with the sales company 21, it is also possible to perform uniform inventory management at the same time.

In the data management center 24, by storing the input data given from the user terminal 30 in this way, it is possible to manage each uniform. It should be noted that the data input device 31 is always connected to the Internet, and when the uniform is scanned and input through a scanner, or when an input indicating movement within the company (change of user or change of status) is performed, the data is immediately transmitted. May be transferred to the Internet server 26 of the data management center 24 and stored in the database server 25 via the Internet server 26. This enables real-time data update.

When the user requests the cleaning company 40 to clean the uniform (see step 207 in FIG. 2), the uniform to be cleaned is scanned via the data input device 31 and the serial number is scanned. (Uniform ID) and information indicating that cleaning has been performed (for example, change to status “3”)
It is created in the user terminal 30 and stored in its own DB 32, transmitted to the DB server 25 of the data management center 24, and stored in the area of the DB server 25 indicated by the serial number (uniform ID). (Steps 207 to 210 in FIG. 2 and Step 304 in FIG. 3).

After collecting and cleaning the uniform, the cleaning agent 40 performs repair work on the uniform as necessary. When the uniform after the cleaning is delivered to the user, information indicating that the uniform has returned from the cleaning (for example, change to status “1” or “2”) is created at the user terminal, and this is stored in the user terminal. DB3
2 and the DB of the data management center 24
Sent to server 25. In the DB server 25,
The given data is stored in the area indicated by the serial number (uniform ID) (steps 211 to 214 in FIG. 2 and step 305 in FIG. 3). Here, it is not necessary for the same person to use the uniform returned from the cleaning. That is, for a certain person, if the size is the same, it will be the same regardless of which uniform is worn. Therefore, in this case, in step 212, together with the status change, input data indicating the user change is created,
This may be stored in the DB server 25 of the data management center 24.

Alternatively, the user may be collated at the end of cleaning to erase the data. D
The user terminal 30 receives data related to a predetermined serial number (uniform ID) from the B server 25, and refers to the data to lend the uniform returned from the cleaning to the original user again. It is possible to do.

Also, when the uniform is damaged or repaired, this may be transmitted from the user terminal 30 to the DB server 25 and stored in the DB server 25 as a history of the uniform. Further, the number of times of cleaning, a cleaning period, a cleaning company, and the like may be recorded at the end of cleaning, and may be stored as a history for each uniform. In the DB server 25, the stored information is referred to for automatic collation. If a predetermined number of uniforms have not returned to the user from the cleaning agent 40 within a predetermined period, an e-mail is sent to that effect. For example, an inquiry may be made as a report mail, and the result may be fed back to the user terminal 30 (step 216 in FIG. 2 and step 306 in FIG. 3).

In the present embodiment, since data on all movements of uniforms is stored in the database server 25 of the sales company 21, a cycle of 2-3 years from delivery of uniforms to disposal thereof is consistently performed. Tracking and location management. In particular, who uses which uniform,
Alternatively, it is possible to surely introduce the whereabouts and at any time via the Internet. For example, a request from the user terminal 30 requests the provision of a loan list indicating who is the user of the uniform, and the database server 25 refers to the data block indicated by each serial number (uniform ID). It is also possible to create a list specifying the user for each serial number and present the list to the user terminal 30 (see step 215 in FIG. 2). Therefore, location control of uniforms can be strictly performed, and management loss such as loss of uniforms can be reduced. Further, since all the histories of the uniform are stored in the database server 25, the user 30 can be inquired of the uniform life based on the life of the uniform. Furthermore, the uniform life and repair data can be reflected on the next product.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the invention described in the appended claims, which are also included in the scope of the present invention. Needless to say, this is done. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the product sales company 21 is provided with a product supply unit 22 and a delivery data terminal 23, and a data management center 24 is separately provided therefrom. Therefore, the uniforms of the uniforms are managed in the commodity sales company 21, while the uniforms once delivered are tracked and managed in the data management center 24. However, the configuration is not limited to such a configuration, and the configuration may be such that the product sales company 21 includes the data management center 24. If such a configuration is adopted, the number of uniforms of a certain model delivered according to a user's order and used by the user, and how many uniforms of the same model are in stock, etc., can be determined by a product sales company. 21.

Also, In response to a stock inquiry from the user terminal, a stock list can be presented to the user terminal 30 (see step 216 in FIG. 2). The stock list and the like can be provided not only in online electronic data but also in offline form (for example, printed matter). Alternatively, a configuration may be employed in which the inventory information in the product sales company 21 is notified to the data management center 24 via the Internet, and the inventory information is managed in the data management center 24.

In the above embodiment, the data (input data) relating to the uniform is also stored in the DB 32 on the user terminal 30 side, but this processing may be omitted. This is because tracking management can be performed collectively in the data management center 24. However, by storing the data in the DB 32, it is possible to appropriately cope with an accident in the data management center 24 or a communication failure with the data management center 24.

Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, a button-shaped RFID-type wireless tag is used. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and other forms (for example, thread-like ones) may be used. You may. Also, RFID
The method is not limited to the above method, and another method may be used as long as a signal that can uniquely identify a product can be detected by using a sensor or a scanner. Further, in the above-described embodiment, a uniform is described as an example of a product, but any product to which a wireless tag can be fixed can be used.
It can be applied in the same manner as described above, and has the same effects as described above. For example, in a security company,
This system can also be used for helmets and safety shoes lent to security guards.

Further, the wireless tag may be writable / readable, or may be dedicated to reading. In the case of reading only, the unique ID of the wireless tag may be used as the uniform ID. In this specification, means does not necessarily mean physical means, and the function of one means may be realized by two or more physical means, or two or more means. May be realized by one physical means.

[0036]

As described above, according to the present invention, since data relating to the movement of goods is stored in the database server, it is possible to consistently track and manage the location of goods from delivery to disposal. This has the effect.

In the case where the sales company and the data management center are integrated, or data is exchanged between them, the sales company and the user periodically or occasionally check the stock status. Can also be performed. Further, by storing the uniform cleaning data in the database server, it is possible to perform tracking and location management during cleaning, and it is also possible to save the history data for each uniform.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an overall configuration of a product tracking management system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a processing procedure in the product tracking management system shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure in the product tracking management system illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a data block and a status used in the present embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a configuration of a conventional white robe individual management system.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a process of the white robe individual management system shown in FIG. 5;

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 20 Tracking management system 21 Sales company 22 Product supply unit 23 Delivery data terminal 24 Data management unit 25 Database server 26 Internet server 30 User 31 Data input terminal 32 Database 33 Internet connection terminal 34 Data inquiry terminal 40 Cleaning agent

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) G06K 17/00 G06K 17/00 L

Claims (13)

[Claims] 1. A system for tracking management of a product, wherein the ID is read from a product in which an ID for specifying the product is stored, and at least a wireless tag capable of reading the ID is fixed, and , Associated with the ID, a data input terminal for inputting at least product data indicating the location and movement of the product, a network connection terminal for transmitting the product data input at the data input terminal via a network, A database server that stores the product data, and a data management device that has a network server connected via a network to exchange and / or query data with a user, The product data is transmitted from the network connection terminal to a network and a network server. In the database server through, stored associated with the ID,
A product tracking management system, wherein the product tracking management is performed based on the stored data. 2. The product tracking management system according to claim 1, further comprising a data inquiry terminal, wherein the data inquiry terminal inquires various data with the database server. 3. The product data includes a status indicating a status of the product. With the status change, the product data is transmitted from the network connection terminal to the database server via a network and a network server. The goods tracking management system according to claim 1, wherein the goods are stored in association with an ID. 4. The product tracking management system according to claim 3, wherein the status indicates one of shelf stock, in use, cleaning, and disposal. 5. The product data includes information indicating a user of the product, and the product data is transmitted from the network connection terminal to the database server via a network and a network server when the user is changed. The product tracking management system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the information is stored in association with the ID. 6. The product tracking management system according to claim 1, wherein the product is a uniform. 7. The system according to claim 1, wherein the database server is configured to recognize the delivered product by reading the wireless tag, and to accumulate inventory information based on the determined product. 7. The product tracking management system according to any one of items 6. 8. A method for performing tracking management of a product, comprising: reading an ID from a product in which an ID for specifying the product is stored and at least a wireless tag capable of reading the ID is fixed; Inputting product data indicating at least the location and movement of the product associated with the ID; transmitting the input product data via a network; and transmitting the product data via the network. Receiving the data, and storing the product data in the database server in association with the ID.
A product tracking management method, wherein the product tracking management is performed based on the accumulated data. 9. The product tracking management method according to claim 8, further comprising a step of inquiring various data with the database server via a network. 10. The merchandise data includes a status indicating a state of the merchandise, and the merchandise data is associated with the ID by the database server via a network and a network server with a change in the status. The product tracking management method according to claim 8, wherein the product is stored. 11. The status, if the status is shelf stock, in use,
The method according to claim 10, wherein the method indicates one of during cleaning and disposal. 12. The merchandise data includes information indicating a user of the merchandise, and in accordance with a change of the user, the merchandise data is associated with the database server via a network server in association with the ID. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the product is stored. 13. The method according to claim 13, further comprising the steps of: in the database server, recognizing the delivered product by reading the wireless tag; and storing stock information of the product based on the information on the delivered product. The product tracking management system according to any one of claims 8 to 12, wherein: