JP2001184420A - System and device for distribution - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a system and a device for distribution which manage articles and information regarding the articles together at distribution center and simplify manual operation to reduce misses by constituting a computer system by connecting through network the distribution center, stores where order data are generated, and transaction destinations to which articles are delivered when ordered. SOLUTION: A distribution device 2 register collected order data and article relative data regarding the order data in a database on a server and when an article is delivered to the distribution center, the operation such that an identifier like a JAN code is inputted and collated with the contents registered in the database, is carried out at operation stages for distribution, i.e., respective stages for warehousing inspection, quantity inspection, boxing inspection, and loading inspection, so that the movement of articles is managed to match the movement of information registered in the database.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to the management of goods including goods to be distributed between traders and information associated with the goods. The present invention relates to a physical distribution system and a physical distribution apparatus, in which the physical distribution work process up to and the management of the information of each article are made to coincide with each other, so that the goods can be immediately stored and shipped at the physical distribution center.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, logistics work largely depends on human labor, and individual work processes are closely related to processes before and after the work. Therefore, only some of the work processes are computerized (hereinafter, referred to as computer systems). It is difficult to say that "systematization" does not always produce effective results. However, systematization of all work processes requires a lot of time and money, so the effectiveness of systematization is high. Despite being shouted, it was actually difficult to deploy.

[0003] The systemization that has been performed so far includes, for example, a warehouse location system for efficiently picking up goods in a warehouse, an inventory management system for preventing useless inventory, and a delivery system for shipping. There is a scheduling system etc. for allocating vehicles,
Many of these have attempted to improve the work process by causing a computer to make decisions and work performed by humans.

[0004] An example of systematizing all the work steps is described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 08-258920. This example presents a logistics system in which terminal devices are installed for each work process, each work process is managed and controlled by each terminal device, and input / output information in each work process is managed by one main control device. I have.

[0005] Conventionally, as shown in FIG. 15, for example, there has been a configuration in which a store and a business partner individually make a business. In this case, the store has an ordering work for placing an order for each business partner and an inspection work for inspecting the goods each time they are delivered from the business partner. Conversely, there are order receiving operations in which business partners receive orders for each store, and delivery operations in which ordered items are individually delivered to those stores.

[0006]

However, the above-mentioned prior art has the following problems.

First, as described above, the logistics work is performed in a warehouse or the like in a series of steps from entry to shipment.
Therefore, if a work error such as an inspection omission occurs in the initial work process, it will be shipped to the end without being discovered, or even if it is discovered in the middle of the process, it will take time to respond. There is.

[0008] It has been introduced to reduce the number of work errors caused by such human work and to perform the work more efficiently. It can be said that the work process is partially systematized. Is still left to human work only. For example, in the inspection work, even if the goods to be received are systematized and the form of the receipt list is output by systematization, in the inspection work, humans fill out the output form while checking the goods and fill in when the work is completed Most of the work is performed by human judgment and work, such as sending the completed form to the next work process, and the management of articles by systematization is stopped by the information received.

On the other hand, the articles that have been stored are inspected by a subsequent inspection operation, and the process proceeds to a subsequent operation process. Therefore, once a work error has occurred, it may develop into a problem that is difficult to solve easily, and it is difficult to respond only with the information held by the system.In the end, the cause is pursued manually and solved Will do.

Further, in a partially systemized work process, management of information corresponding to an article is often stored in the form of a form, and since the article itself does not have information on the work, only the article exists. You can't work.

Further, when the work process is partially systemized, the point of focus is placed in a distribution center having a warehouse or the like, which does not extend to comprehensive efficiency including related objects.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and is intended to deliver an object associated with a distribution center having a warehouse or the like, for example, a store transmitting order data or an article based on the order data. It is an object of the present invention to provide a physical distribution system and a physical distribution apparatus which collectively manage goods and information on goods by connecting the business partners to be connected with each other via a network and systematize the work, and simplify the work of related objects.

Further, the present invention provides a system in which all work processes processed in a distribution center are systematized so that the flow of articles and the flow of information related to the articles are matched, and by managing the information, errors caused by human work are achieved. It is an object of the present invention to provide a distribution device that reduces the number of logistics.

Furthermore, the present invention utilizes a barcode of an identifiable article to which a label is attached so that the article itself has information, and performs a process by directly inputting the information (article). It is intended to provide a device.

Further, the present invention systematizes all the work processes in the distribution center to reduce the number of individual work and makes it simpler. Even if the worker is not familiar with the work, it is an inexperienced worker. Another object of the present invention is to provide a logistics device that can be engaged in work without delay from the first day.

[0016]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a logistics system comprising: at least one store for ordering articles; In a logistics system that supports goods transactions with at least one business partner that ships to the store, order data from stores is aggregated for each business partner, and order data from all stores ordered is stored. A headquarters that transmits each customer as aggregated data, a logistics center that manages work processes in parallel with edited data that receives and edits aggregated data from the headquarters and goods that are shipped according to the aggregated data from suppliers. It is characterized by having.

According to this distribution system, order data of each store is consolidated at the headquarters based on a predetermined operation time schedule, and orders are placed on a customer-by-supplier basis. This eliminates the need for the work that has been delivered and handled, thereby improving work efficiency. On the other hand, goods from each business partner are once aggregated at the distribution center, and the goods are sorted and delivered in store units according to the order data from each store. ) Is unnecessary, and the operation can be simplified. Therefore, by integrating the information management and distribution center, which is the headquarters and distribution center, into the logistics system, the operations that had to be individually handled by stores and business partners can be consolidated into a single operation. Both can work efficiently.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a logistics apparatus having a database and an information processing function in a distribution center having goods received from a business partner and order data and goods related data received from a headquarters. A logistics device including a portable terminal device that interacts with a server via wireless communication, and a peripheral device such as a printing device, wherein the server can process order data and article-related data in a logistics work process. A data conversion means for converting the data into a format and storing the data in a database, and a storage for obtaining the second identifier by searching the database using the first identifier individually assigned to the product as a key when inspecting the storage status of the product. Inspection means, the second identifier obtained by the article and the quantity value input from the portable terminal device as a key to search and collate the database to determine the number. Means for inspecting the quantity, and among the articles whose quantity values have been confirmed, articles having a predetermined weight and volume or less are treated as small articles, and when the small articles are distributed and delivered to each order source, the second Box inspection means for associating an identifier, a third identifier assigned to each orderer, and a fourth identifier attached to the container into which the small article is put, and managing the small article for each container; and a second identifier or Loading inspection means for searching a database based on the third identifier of the small article and comparing it with a fifth identifier assigned to each delivery destination is provided.

Here, "article-related data" refers to detailed information on ordering data, such as unit price and weight of ordered goods, category (category by article), delivery destination for goods, etc. Created at the headquarters,
The data is transmitted to the distribution center separately from the order data.

According to this physical distribution device, the order data and the article-related data transmitted to the physical distribution center are first converted into a format usable in the physical distribution work process, and are updated in the database in the server. In each work process in the distribution center, a code attached to the article is input, and the updated database is searched using the code as a key. Therefore, the article (spot) is collated with the information in the database for each work process. As a result, the flow of articles can be matched with the flow of order data.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided the physical distribution apparatus according to the second aspect, wherein the server holds order data corresponding to the article and the article in parallel with the transition of the physical distribution process. Means for processing and managing data.

According to this distribution apparatus, the status of articles in the distribution work process can be managed in real time by providing the order data held in the server with information such as status and unique information. . Therefore, it is not necessary to assign the location of the article after the storage.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the physical distribution apparatus according to the second or third aspect, wherein
The order data is processed in the order of the quantity inspection means, the box inspection means and the loading inspection means, and the loading inspection means can be executed after the server detects the completion of the processing of the quantity inspection means and the box inspection means. It is characterized by.

According to this physical distribution device, the work process from the loading of the goods to the shipment, that is, the receiving inspection, the quantity inspection, and the box inspection, are indispensable processes, and these inspections are completed for each store before loading. By judging from the status or the like whether or not the loading inspection has been completed, it is possible to execute the loading inspection only when the loading is completed, so that it is possible to prevent an error during the work process.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the physical distribution apparatus according to the fourth aspect, wherein a portable terminal device is used in each operation process of the receiving inspection means, the numerical inspection means, the box inspection means, and the loading inspection means. , A barcode serving as a key is input, and the input value is transmitted to a server and collated to manage data on the article and the article.

According to this physical distribution device, in each work process, mainly by inputting a key barcode attached to the article, the processing can be performed for both the article and the information related to the article. Less intervention is required. Further, since an error message is displayed for a work error, the frequency of occurrence of the work error is reduced, and even if it occurs, it is possible to respond immediately.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the physical distribution apparatus according to the second aspect, wherein the data conversion means classifies the article-related data received from the headquarters based on predetermined weight and volume thresholds. It is characterized by having a classification unit.

According to this physical distribution device, the data conversion unit classifies the order data into “large”, “middle”, and “small” categories based on the volume and weight of the article-related data. Is added. As a result, the work after the goods enter the distribution center is classified according to, for example, whether the goods are heavy or light, large or small, so that the subsequent work can be efficiently advanced.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided the physical distribution apparatus according to the second aspect, wherein the data conversion means edits the received order data and article-related data into a format suitable for a work process. And a reception processing unit that updates a database based on the edited contents.

According to this distribution apparatus, after the data format is converted by the edit processing unit, the database is updated by the reception processing unit, so that the article is stored on the data without the need for a form or the like. Can be created. Thereafter, the processing can be executed immediately using the data, so that the operation can proceed smoothly.

According to a eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the physical distribution apparatus according to the second or third aspect, wherein the receiving inspection means searches the database using the first identifier as a key and outputs the result using a peripheral device. It is characterized in that a part of the output contents can be updated in order to adapt to the situation at the site.

According to this physical distribution device, the result obtained from the first identifier of the article received can be partially changed by the judgment of the worker at the site, so that not only the mechanical judgment but also the It is also possible to respond flexibly, and an environment in which the worker can work more easily can be formed.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the physical distribution apparatus according to the second or third aspect, the quantity inspection means searches the database using the second identifier acquired for the small article as a key, and transmits the data from the portable terminal device. It is characterized in that a result of collating the input quantity value is returned to the portable terminal device.

According to this distribution device, the second inspection is performed at the time of quantity inspection.
Search the server database using the identifier of
By comparing the quantity value on the table with the matching key with the quantity value input from the portable terminal device and returning the collation result to the portable terminal device, it is possible to prevent mistakes and omission of inspection.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the physical distribution apparatus according to the second or third aspect, the box inspection means mutually inputs the third and fourth identifiers by using a portable terminal device, so that they are stored in a database. And the second
It is characterized by collating with the identifier of.

According to this physical distribution device, the information on the store to which the article is delivered and the container into which the article is placed at the time of box inspection is related to the article by being related to each other on the database. By inspecting the container, all the articles in the container can be inspected, and the amount of work can be reduced.

[0037] In the physical distribution apparatus according to the eleventh aspect, in the physical distribution apparatus according to the second or third aspect, the loading inspection means may input a fifth identifier via a portable terminal device, and the corresponding second information may be input.
The loading is enabled only when the identifier of the small article or the third identifier of the small article is input.

According to this distribution apparatus, a store to be delivered by inputting the fifth identifier attached to the form based on the form output for each route to be delivered during loading inspection,
Since the article and the quantity are specified, it is possible to determine whether or not the article should be loaded when the second identifier or the third identifier of the small article is input before loading, thereby preventing erroneous loading. be able to.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the physical distribution apparatus according to the fourth or eleventh aspect, the quantity inspection means, the boxed inspection means, and the loading inspection means have the second identifier or the third identifier of the small article. The progress of the article is managed by inputting, and the progress management status is displayed in different colors according to the status.

According to this physical distribution device, the quantity inspection means, the box inspection means, and the loading inspection means manage and display in real time the results of processing the articles for which the second identifier has been input. The worker himself / herself can grasp the progress status on the spot, and if a work error or the like has occurred, the worker can find it.

[0041]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a functional diagram showing a configuration of a physical distribution system from the time when order data is transmitted from a store to the time when an article corresponding to the order data is delivered to the store.

As shown in the figure, the distribution system of the present invention comprises at least one store 11, a headquarters 12, at least one customer 13 and a distribution center 14 connected via a network (not shown). It is composed of

The store 11 creates order data and transmits it to the head office 12 when ordering an article. The headquarters 12 aggregates order data transmitted from each store 11 within a predetermined time as an operation procedure, edits the order data in a format of ordering on a supplier basis, and then sends the order data to the corresponding supplier 13. Send. Further, the headquarters 12 transmits all of the edited order data to the distribution center 14 and also transmits data related to the ordered goods (hereinafter referred to as “article-related data”), for example, the size, physical quantity, It also sends data such as the name of the business partner.

The supplier 13 delivers the goods to the distribution center 14 based on the order data received from the headquarters 12.
The distribution center 14 receives the order data and the article-related data transmitted from the headquarters 13 and stores them in its own database (not shown).
When the goods are delivered from the company, the data and the physical distribution are managed by comparing the data stored in the database with the information attached to the individual goods in each work process in the distribution center 14. Finally, the distribution center 14 arranges the goods in store units, ships the goods to the store 11, and transmits the result of the shipment to the headquarters 12 as report data.

Next, a description will be given of a distribution apparatus which executes order data processing in the distribution center 14.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the distribution apparatus 2 which executes processing of order data and article-related data transmitted from the headquarters 12 in accordance with a distribution work process.

As shown in FIG.
A receiving / receiving unit 21 for receiving order data and article-related data from the server, a server 201, a data conversion unit 22, a receiving inspection unit 23, a quantity inspection unit 24, a box inspection unit 25, and a loading inspection unit 26. You.

The transmission / reception unit 21 is an interface for transmitting / receiving data to / from the head office 12 via a network.

The data conversion section 22 is composed of an editing processing section 221 and a reception processing section 222, and converts the order data and article-related data transmitted from the transmission / reception section 21 into a format compatible with the work process in the distribution center. Hold the result. .

The goods receipt inspection section 23 sends the business partner 1
Based on the order data to the third party, the data exchange unit 22 accesses the database updated by the data conversion unit 22 for the goods delivered from the business partner 13 to the distribution center 14 and holds the result of the collation. .

The quantity inspection unit 24 accesses the database in the server 201 for the quantity of articles and holds the result of collation.

The boxed inspection section 25 targets the "small articles" for which the above-mentioned quantity inspection has been completed. When packing the articles, the box inspection section 25 checks the articles based on the information of the associated stores to be delivered and the boxes. Keep the result.

The loading inspection section 26, based on the "loading instruction", loads all of the "big", "middle", and "small" articles into the delivery vehicle in store units and delivers Holds the result of route matching.

Next, the server 201 provided in the distribution apparatus 2
Will be described in more detail.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the internal configuration of the server 201.

As shown in the figure, a file and a database exist in the server 201, and the files are a storage scheduled file, a shipment request file (above, order data), a product name information file, a depositor information file, and a destination information file. And a transportation plan information file (the above is article-related data). These are all transmitted from the headquarters via the transmission / reception unit 21. Then, the tables of the database existing in the server 201 are updated based on these files.

(1) Transmission / Reception Unit 21 The transmission / reception unit 21 is an interface for transmitting / receiving data to / from the headquarters 12 via the network, and operates in advance for transmission / reception of data between the headquarters 12 and the distribution center 14. When the time arrives, the order data and the article-related data transmitted from the head office 12 up to that point are transmitted to the server 201. As a specific example, an operation mode in which the order data is transmitted to the server 201 by 23:59 on the previous day and the data related to the article related data received by the transmission / reception unit 21 by 15:00 on the previous day as reception data of the day is considered.

(2) Data Conversion Unit 22 The data conversion unit 22 converts the order data and article-related data transmitted from the transmission / reception unit 21 into a format compatible with the work process at the distribution center.
When the data is to be transmitted to the main unit 12, the data is converted into a format that can be processed by the headquarters 12.

As described above, the data conversion section 22 is composed of the editing processing section 221 and the reception processing section 222. The editing processing section 221 includes the storage schedule file 301 and the shipping request file 30 received by the server 201 from the transmission / reception section 21.
Based on the contents of No. 2, as shown in FIG. 3, the receiving table 311, receiving detail table 312, shipping table 321 and shipping detail table 322 of the database are updated.

Next, the editing processing unit 2 shown in FIGS.
The conversion processing operation of No. 21 will be described using order data as an example.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing a procedure for converting the scheduled storage file 301 and the shipping request file 302 in the editing processing section 221.

As shown in the figure, the editing processing unit 221 first determines whether or not a file has been transmitted from the transmission / reception unit 21 (step 401). A file which has not been processed is extracted (step 402).

Then, for the extracted unprocessed file,
From the header information of the file, an information type indicating whether the file is a storage-scheduled file or a shipment request file is obtained (step 4).
03). Then, the information type is determined (step 404),
In the case of the storage schedule file 301, it is checked whether or not the order number of the file has already been created in the storage table 311 and the storage detail table 312 of the database (step 405).

If the file already exists, the file is considered to be a duplicate file, and is transferred to a storage scheduled error table (not shown) for storing error data (step 406).

On the other hand, if the order number does not exist in the receiving table 311 and the receiving detail table 312 of the database, it is further checked whether or not the identifier of the file exists in the product master 331 in the same database (step 407). .

As a result, if it exists, the storage table 311 and the storage detail table 312 are updated with the storage schedule file, and the processed flag of the storage table 311 indicating whether or not these editing processes have been completed is set to ' 0 '(unprocessed)
(Step 408).

On the other hand, if the identifier of the file does not exist in the product master 331, the storage table 311 and the storage detail table 312 are updated with the storage schedule file, and the processed flag of the storage table 311 is set to "2" Registration) (step 409).

When the information type is the shipment request file 302 in step 404, the order number of the file is already stored in the shipping table 321 and the shipping detail
It is checked whether it has been created in step 22 (step 410). If the file already exists, the file is regarded as a duplicate file and transferred to a shipping request error table (not shown) for storing error data (step 411).

On the other hand, if the order number does not exist in the shipping table 321 and the shipping detail table 322 of the database, it is further checked whether or not the identifier of the file exists in the product master 331 in the same database (step 412). . As a result, if it exists, the shipping table 321 and the shipping detail table 322 are updated with the shipping request file, and the processed flag of the shipping table 321 indicating whether or not the above processing is completed is set to “0” (unprocessed). (Step 413).

On the other hand, if the identifier of the file does not exist in the product master 331, the receiving table 311 and the receiving detail table 312 are updated with the storing schedule file, and the processed flag of the storing table 311 is set to “2” (product registration). ) (Step 414). It is determined whether or not the data has ended (step 415), and the above processing, that is, step 402 and subsequent steps, is repeated until the data ends.

By the way, the concept of cross-docking in the logistics industry refers to a process of promptly shipping goods that have been stored to a store without placing excessive inventory at the distribution center. Therefore, the physical distribution apparatus of the present invention has a mechanism of treating the file to be stored as temporary virtual inventory on the system and assigning the inventory to the shipment request file.

Further, the reception processing unit 222 includes the editing processing unit 2
The work reception table 313, the work instruction table 314, and the allocation location table 315 are updated based on the storage table 311 and the shipping table 321 updated in 21.

The table of the database shown in FIG. 3 shows a main example used in the present invention, and a plurality of tables such as a location master and a process class table (not shown) exist. I do.

Next, the reception processing unit 2 shown in FIG. 2 and FIG.
The conversion processing operation of No. 22 will be described using order data as an example.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing a procedure for converting the scheduled storage file 301 and the shipping request file 302 in the reception processing section 222.

As shown in the figure, the reception processing unit 222
The processed flag of the receiving table 311 and the shipping table 321 processed by the editing processing unit 221 is “0” (unprocessed)
The process class table (not shown) of the database in the server 201 is searched for the extracted unprocessed file using the information type of the header information of the file as a key, and is processed. A process code in which a work process to be performed is held as a code is acquired (step 502).

Further, a process table (not shown) is searched by using the obtained process code as a key. For example, the inventory is increased in the case of the receiving process according to the information type of warehousing, and the inventory is increased in the case of the picking process according to the information type of shipping. A stock such as a decrease is allocated and the stock is updated (step 503).

Then, it is determined whether or not the inventory update has been correctly allocated (step 504). If not, the file is transferred to a dispatch exception table (not shown) of the database (step 505).

On the other hand, if the allocation is made, it is determined whether or not a dispatch table stowage serving as shipping information of the article is performed (step 506).

Then, in the case of loading, the dispatch destination master in the database in the server 201 is searched using the store code as a key, and the route information of the dispatch is acquired (step 50).
7), the route information is updated to a dispatch table (step 50).
8).

When the above-mentioned editing processing section 221 and reception processing section 222 are normally processed, the status of the allocation location table 315 of the database is updated. The status is an identifier indicating in which process the processed data is located. In this case, the status of the allocation location table 315 is “2” (entering cross-docking) for storage,
Shipment is updated to '1' (allocated).

As shown in FIG. 3, the article-related data received from the transmission / reception unit 21, that is, the article name information file 303, the depositor information file 304, the delivery destination information file 305, and the transportation plan information file 306 are stored in a database in the server. Is stored in Here, when the product master 331 is created from the product name information file 303, the product master 331 classifies the products into "large", "middle", and "small" based on the volume and weight of the products, and encodes them. "Handling category" is added.

(3) Receiving inspection unit 23 The receiving inspection unit 23 uses the data conversion unit 22 to process the goods delivered from the supplier 13 to the distribution center 14 based on the order data from the headquarters 12 to the supplier 13. Access and collate the updated database.

More specifically, in the goods inspection, a portable terminal device such as a bar code reader is used to input an article identifier attached to each article, and collate with article information stored in a database. Here, the article identifier refers to a character string of up to 13 digits or an identifiable code for identifying the article, which is usually attached to each article as seen in a JAN code or the like.

Next, the inspection processing operation of the receiving inspection section 23 will be described.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a procedure of inspection in the receiving inspection section 23.

As shown in the figure, first, a database in the server 201 is searched using the identifier of the article as a key, the contents of a table having a matching key are received as an answer from the server 201, and a display device such as a CRT (FIG. (Not shown) (steps 601 and 602).

FIG. 7 shows an example of the goods inspection input screen displayed on the display device.

In the case of the example shown in FIG.
3 displays information held in the database regarding the identifier of the key article as a result of step 601. In addition,
The display number of the slip number, handling category and the number of receipts can be changed from the screen.For example, even if the handling category is an article classified as "Large article" on the shipper merchandise master, it can be determined by the site situation judgment etc. In the case of being handled as “middle articles”, the handling category can be changed by direct input by a worker. The table is updated with the changed value.

Subsequently, it is determined whether or not "complete" of the goods inspection operation for one article is input on the goods inspection input screen (step 603). If "complete", the order number of the goods receipt table 311 is used as a key. The shipping table 321 is searched (step 604), the contents of the shipping table 321 having the same key are extracted and output from an output device such as a printer as a "sorting label" (step 605), and the status of the allocation location table 315 is changed to " Update to 9 '(complete) (step 606). If "complete" has not been input, the identifier of the next article is input.

FIG. 8 shows an example of a “sorting label”.

According to the figure, the "sorting label" displays a store number, a store name, a work instruction number, a work instruction number (bar code), a quantity, a handling category, and the like. Here, the work instruction number is a numerical value within 13 digits that is serially numbered in the shipping operation instruction table in the data conversion unit 22, and is represented by any numerical value that can be a barcode.
In addition, when a “sorting label” is output, if a color printer is used as an output device, a label of a different color can be output for each store, so that it becomes easier to identify articles in a subsequent operation.

(4) Quantity Inspection Unit 24 In the quantity inspection unit 24, the server 201
Access and collate databases within

More specifically, the quantity inspection is carried out by using a "sorting label"("large" and "middle") attached to the article using a portable terminal device such as a bar code reader.
After inputting the work instruction number (barcode) of "sheets and" small articles "per store), the quantity of the articles is input from the terminal device and collated with the article information stored in the database.

At the site, before executing the quantity inspection, the inspection is prepared through the work of subdivision and sorting.
In the subdivision, the quantity in which a plurality of identical articles are grouped in one package is regrouped in store units, and a “sorting label” output in store units is attached. Then, in sorting, all "small articles" delivered to the same store are put together.

Next, the inspection processing operation of the quantity inspection unit 24 will be described.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a procedure of inspection in the quantity inspection section 24.

As shown in the figure, first, the work instruction number (bar code) of the “sorting label” attached to the article
Allocation key table 315 in server 201 using
(Step 901).

If the keys match, the numerical value of the article stored in the table having the key is compared with the numerical value input after the key input (step 902). As a result, it is determined whether or not both values match (step 903).
If they do not match, an error message is returned, and the content such as "quantity is different" is displayed on the terminal device (step 904).

On the other hand, if they match, a confirmation message is returned, and contents such as "quantity confirmation OK" are displayed on the terminal device (step 905). Further allocation table 31
The status of 5 is updated to '5' (quantity inspection completed).

(5) Box Inspection Unit 25 The box inspection unit 25 targets the “small articles” for which the above-mentioned quantity inspection has been completed. The collation with the article is performed based on the information.

First, the association between the store and the box will be described.

For example, as shown in FIG. 10, a “box label” and a “store label” are attached to a box used for box inspection, and a management number (bar code) indicated on these labels is attached. ) 101 and a store number (barcode) 102 are stored in a unit table and a delivery unit table (both are shown) in the server 201.

FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram showing a flow in which the tables in the server 201 are related by the management number 101 and the shop number 102 that have been input.

As shown in the figure, the “box label” includes a management number 101 for managing a box used for box inspection.
"Store label" is a store number 10 for managing the store.
2, and a box to be delivered to a certain store is determined by associating the store with the box.

That is, when the management number 101 of the “box label” is input by using a portable terminal device such as a bar code reader, the box inspection unit 25 uses the management number as a key to execute a unit in the server 201. Search the table and obtain the unit category of the table with the matching key. Similarly, when the store number 102 of the “store label” is input, the delivery unit table in the server 201 is searched using the store number as a key, and a table that matches the first four digits of the unit reception number of the table is obtained. Update with the unit classification and management number that have been set.

The delivery destination master 334 in the server 201 is searched using the inputted store number as a key, and a route of a table having a matching key is obtained. Further, using the route as a key, a search is made for a dispatch table in the server 201, and a delivery reception number of the table having the matching key is obtained.
The delivery receipt number is transferred to the delivery receipt number in the delivery unit table.

The "store label" is output from the delivery unit table in the server 201 for the store to be delivered, and displays information such as a store name, a store number, and a store number (bar code) in the form of a label. ing. Also,
The “box label” is a management number uniquely assigned and stored in a unit table in the server 201 for managing the box, and the management number (bar code) is output in the form of a label and is pasted on the box itself. Can be

In the box inspection, a “box label” affixed to the box and a “store label” which is detachable so that the box can be used flexibly during operation are used, and these are output in advance. I have. In addition, a folding container, a cart, or the like is used as the box.

Next, a box inspection using a database in which stores and boxes are associated will be described.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the inspection procedure in the boxed inspection section 25.

As shown in the figure, after the store number 102 and the management number 101 are associated on the database, the first four digits of the store number are obtained (step 120).
1).

Subsequently, the work instruction number (bar code) of the “sorting label” attached to the article is input, and the work reception table 313 and the work instruction table 314 in the server 201 are searched using the work instruction number as a key. Then, it is determined whether or not a store number that matches the first four digits of the obtained store number exists in the work reception table 313 (step 1202).
~ 1204).

If not found, an error message is returned, and a content such as "The shop is a different article" is displayed on the terminal device (step 1205).

On the other hand, if found, a confirmation message is returned, contents such as "Package confirmation OK" are displayed on the terminal device, and the status of the allocation location table 315 is changed to "6" using the input work instruction number as a key. (Package inspection completed) (step 1206).

Further, the unit reception number in the work instruction table 314 in the server 201 is updated with the inputted store number (step 1207).

It is to be noted that only when the box inspection is completed normally, the "loading instruction" to be used in the loading inspection section 26 in the next process is set in a state where it can be output.

(6) Loading inspection section 26 In the loading inspection section 26, based on the "loading instruction", all items of "big", "middle" and "small" are delivered by delivery vehicles on a store basis. When loading the goods, the goods and the delivery route are collated. As described above, since the output of the "loading instruction" is based on the premise that the inspection up to the box inspection has been completed normally, an operation error such as an inspection leak has occurred in the middle of the operation process. And the "loading instruction" are not output, so that the loading inspection cannot be started until the operation error is resolved. `` Loading instructions ''
The progress of the work process up to the output of the
, And a shipping work inquiry screen as shown in FIG. 13 is displayed at the work site. Therefore, in the quantity inspection section 24 or the box inspection section 25, the "sorting label"
When the work management number is input and the processing is executed, the display of the processing result is updated in real time. To give a specific example, a work instruction number is input in the quantity inspection unit 24,
When the input quantity value of the article is correct, FIG.
The value of “Complete” of “Quantity confirmation” shown in (a) is added and displayed. Then, a state in which the values of “scheduled” and “completed” match is regarded as normal termination. If it does not end normally,
Unprocessed articles (ordering data) are displayed as detailed information of FIG. 13A by displaying a screen or a list of uninspected items (not shown) or the like as shown in FIG. ). In the box inspection unit 25 as well, like the quantity inspection unit 24, a work management number is input, and when the process is executed, the display of the shipping work inquiry screen is updated.
Then, the state in which all of the scheduled numbers to be packed are packed in the box is regarded as a normal end of the "packing check", and that the "loading instruction" can be output is displayed by the "loading instruction", The work process proceeds to the loading inspection section 26 only after this "loading instruction" is output. In the loading inspection 26 as well as in the quantity inspection unit 24, when a work management number or a store number is input for a boxed article, the display of the shipping work inquiry screen is updated.

The shipping work inquiry screen can also notify the worker of the progress at a glance by displaying the status that changes in conjunction with the movement of the values of “planned” and “completed” in color. For example, in FIG. 13 (a), when the quantity inspection and the box inspection have been completed in units of “direction” (route), yellow, when “loading instruction” is output, blue, “loading instruction” Is displayed in white or the like when it cannot be output. Also in FIG. 13 (b), the worker recognizes that the articles for which the quantity inspection has been completed are purple, the unprocessed articles are green, and when the values of "planned" and "completed" match, the item string is red. Display the situation in different colors to make it easier.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of the “loading instruction”.

As shown in the figure, the “loading instruction” indicates the store to be delivered, the product name, the quantity, and the number of boxes by the route number and the delivery receipt number (bar code) 141.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a procedure of inspection in the loading inspection section 26.

As shown in the figure, the loading inspection first outputs a “loading instruction”, and then uses a portable terminal device such as a barcode reader to receive the delivery receiving number of the “loading instruction”. (Barcode) 141 is input (Step 150)
1).

Further, the work instruction number of the "sorting label" for the "big" and "middle" articles, and the "store label" for the "small articles" packed in the box inspection section 25.
Is input (step 1502). It is determined whether the value input in step 1502 is a work instruction number or a store number (step 1503). When the value is a work instruction number, the work instruction table 314 in the server 201 is searched using the work instruction number as a key. The delivery reception number of the matching table is obtained (step 1504).

Then, it is compared with the delivery receipt number of the "loading instruction" input in step 1501 (step 150).
5) If they match, the allocation location table 315 in the server 201 is searched using the work instruction number as a key, and the status is updated to '9' (load inspection completed) (step 1506).

On the other hand, if they do not match in step 1505, an error message is returned, and contents such as "article not found in the form" are displayed on the terminal device (step 1507).

When the input value is determined to be the store number in step 1503, the delivery unit table in server 201 is searched using the store number as a key, and the delivery reception number of the table with the matching key is obtained (step 1503). 1508). Then, it is compared with the delivery receipt number of the “loading instruction” input in step 1501 (step 1501).
9) If they match, search the shipping work instruction table in the server 201 using the store number as a key, further search the allocation location table 315 based on the table with the matching key, and check the status of the matching table. It is updated to '9' (load inspection completed) (step 1510).

On the other hand, if they do not match in step 1509, an error message is returned, and a content such as "article not in the form" is displayed on the terminal device (step 1511).

After the completion of the loading inspection, the work reception table 313 and the work instruction table 31 are used as reports of the loading results.
Storage table 31 from 4 and allocation location table 315
1. The receipt detail table 312, the shipment table 321 and the shipment detail table 322 are edited, a receipt report file 307 and a shipment report file 308 are created, and transmitted to the head office 12 via the transmission / reception unit 21.

As can be understood from the above description, in the present embodiment, the operations by the personnel in the distribution center are simplified as much as possible, while the management of the articles and the work processes is executed by using a computer system. by this,
Not only has the time required for the work itself been shortened and the concept of cross-docking has been realized, but it has also been made more difficult for humans to make work errors, thereby improving work accuracy.

Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications and expansions can be made within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention. For example, although the above-described subdivision and sorting work of the quantity inspection unit 24 is performed manually, the present invention is not limited thereto, and an automatic sorting device can be used. That is, a barcode reader or an OC
When an identifier of an article, for example, a JAN code is input by R or the like, the quantity inspection unit 24 manages the quantity using the identifier as a key, and further searches a database in the server 201, so that an article is ordered in store units. Is divided into the quantity. Then, among the chutes (sorting areas) of the preset automatic sorting apparatus, the chutes with the keys related to the store are put into chutes and sorted. As a result, the subdivision / sorting operation only requires placing the article at a predetermined place for inputting the identifier of the article, thereby reducing the number of work personnel. In addition, the processing efficiency can be increased in a larger amount than by manual operation. Furthermore, the sorting device can be applied to subdivide the sorting for each store. In other words, among the "small articles" delivered to the same store, for example, it is conceivable to add an input value key in order to sort the articles handled by the same display shelf (by category of the articles) so that they are packed in the same box. Can be As a result, at the delivery destination store, not only does it become unnecessary to inspect the ordered goods, but also the display work can be performed on a box-by-box basis, so that work can be performed efficiently and with less errors. For the distribution center, it also leads to improved service for stores.

[0133]

As described above, according to the physical distribution system of the present invention, order data ordered from individual stores is aggregated and transmitted to the business partner and the distribution center. Instead of receiving and delivering the order data, it is sufficient to collectively deliver the goods for all the ordered stores to the distribution center. Therefore, the operation can be simplified. In the store, the ordered goods are not delivered directly from the business partners but are delivered together from the distribution center, so that the receiving and confirming work can be simplified. As a result, the number of personnel and vehicles for delivery can be reduced, which leads to a reduction in delivery costs.
In addition, after loading inspection is completed, results reports on goods receipt and shipment are sent, so that stores and business partners can know goods etc. that could not be ordered due to excess or shortage at the distribution center or insufficient stock at the business partner. The delivery status to the store can be further ensured.

Further, in the store, the result report transmitted by using the terminal device installed in the store can be displayed on the screen, and the information of the delivered articles can be viewed.

Further, the distribution apparatus of the present invention updates the database stored in the server based on the order data transmitted to the distribution center, refers to the database using the values input in each work process as a key, and obtains the result. Is output and the status value in the table of the database for managing the work process is updated, so that the information on the articles held in the database and the articles in the work process are processed in parallel. In other words, since the flow of goods and the flow of information about goods match, if there is an operation error by the operator or leakage of inspection, etc., the information about goods and information about goods become inconsistent, and the result is output. Can handle errors. Further, there is no operation error up to the stage of boxed inspection, that is, only stores (order data for each store) in which the flow of goods and the flow of information on the goods match can proceed to loading inspection. Is very unlikely to be delivered to stores.

Further, in the distribution center, the worker can proceed with the work by inputting the identifier attached to the article, and the progress is displayed on the screen, so that the work is not complicated, and It is possible to create a work environment that does not require a form.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a distribution system used in an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a distribution device 2 used in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an internal configuration of a server used in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a procedure for converting a storage schedule file and a shipping request file used in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for converting a storage schedule file and a shipping request file used in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a goods inspection for use used in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a view showing an example of a warehousing inspection input screen used in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram of a “sorting label” used in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a quantity inspection used in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a side view of a box used for boxed inspection of the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a view showing a relation between tables used in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a boxed inspection used in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a view showing an example of a shipping work inquiry screen used in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a diagram of a “loading instruction” used in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the procedure of loading inspection used in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a conventional distribution system.

[Explanation of symbols]

 2 ・ ・ ・ Distribution device 21 ・ ・ ・ Transmission / reception unit 22 ・ ・ ・ Data conversion unit 23 ・ ・ ・ Reception inspection unit 24 ・ ・ ・ Quantity inspection unit 25 ・ ・ ・ Box inspection unit 26 ・ ・ ・ Load inspection unit 201 ··· Server 221 ··· Edit processing unit 222 ··· Reception processing unit 301 ··· Receiving schedule file 302 ··· Shipping request file 311 ··· Receiving table 312 ··· Receiving detail table 313 ··· Work Reception table 314: Work instruction table 315: Assignment location table 321: Shipment table 322: Shipment details table

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page F term (reference) 3F022 FF01 MM02 MM03 MM08 MM11 MM21 MM35 PP04 5B049 BB11 BB33 CC05 CC21 CC27 CC32 DD01 DD02 EE05 FF02 FF03 FF04 FF07 GG04 GG06 GG07 5B072 BB00 CC24

Claims (12)

[Claims] 1. A logistics system for supporting an article transaction between at least one store that places an order for an article and at least one supplier that ships the article to the store according to order data from the store. In, a headquarters that aggregates the order data from the store for each business partner, and transmits order data from all stores ordered to each business partner as aggregate data, and receives the aggregate data from the headquarters. A distribution system, comprising: a distribution center that manages a work process in parallel with edited data that has been edited and the article that is shipped from the supplier according to the aggregated data. 2. In a distribution center having goods received from a business partner, order data and goods-related data received from a headquarters, a server having a database and an information processing function interacts with the server via wireless communication. A logistics device including a portable terminal device and peripheral devices such as a printing device, wherein the server converts the order data and the article-related data into a format that can be processed in a logistics work process and converts the data into the database. Data conversion means to be stored; when inspecting the receiving status of the article, receiving inspection means for searching the database using a first identifier individually assigned to the article as a key and acquiring a second identifier; Searching and collating the database with the second identifier acquired by the article and the quantity value input from the portable terminal device as a key A quantity inspection means for inspecting the quantity according to a quantity, and among the articles whose quantity values have been confirmed, treating the articles having a predetermined weight and volume or less as small articles, distributing and delivering the small articles to each of the ordering sources. At this time, a box inspection that associates the second identifier, the third identifier assigned to each orderer and the fourth identifier assigned to the container into which the small article is put, and manages the small article for each container Means, and loading inspection means for searching the database based on the second identifier or the third identifier of the small article, and checking against a fifth identifier assigned to each delivery destination. Logistics equipment characterized by the following. 3. The server comprises: means for holding the order data corresponding to the article; and means for processing and managing the article and the order data in parallel according to the transition of the physical distribution process. 3. The distribution device according to claim 2, wherein: 4. The receiving inspection means, the quantity inspection means,
The ordering data is processed in the order of the box inspection means and the loading inspection means, and the loading inspection means can be executed after the server detects the completion of the processing of the quantity inspection means and the box inspection means. 4. The physical distribution device according to claim 2, wherein: 5. The receiving inspection means, the numerical inspection means,
In each of the box inspection means and the loading inspection means, a bar code serving as a key is input by using the portable terminal device, and the input value is transmitted to the server and collated to transmit the bar code. The physical distribution apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the article and data relating to the article are managed. 6. The data conversion means according to claim 2, wherein said data conversion means includes a classification unit for classifying said article-related data received from said headquarters based on a predetermined weight and volume threshold. Logistics equipment. 7. The data conversion means edits the received order data and the article-related data into a format suitable for the work process, and updates the database based on the edited contents. The distribution apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a reception processing unit. 8. The storage inspection means has means for searching the database using the first identifier as a key and outputting the result using a peripheral device. 4. The distribution apparatus according to claim 2, wherein a part of the output content can be updated. 9. The quantity inspection means searches the database using the second identifier acquired for the small article as a key, and compares the result of collating the quantity value input from the portable terminal device with the portable type. 4. The physical distribution device according to claim 2, wherein a reply is made to the terminal device. 10. The package inspection means associates the third and fourth identifiers with each other on the database by inputting the third and fourth identifiers using the portable terminal device, and further collates with the second identifier. The physical distribution device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the distribution is performed. 11. The loading inspection means inputs the fifth identifier via the portable terminal device, and receives the corresponding second identifier or the third identifier of the small article. 4. The physical distribution device according to claim 2, wherein loading is enabled only when the logistics is performed. 12. The quantity inspection means, the box inspection means and the loading inspection means manage the progress of the article by inputting the second identifier or the third identifier of the small article, and 12. The physical distribution apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the progress management status is displayed in different colors according to the status.