JP2001261120A - Method and system for physical distribution management - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method and a system for physical distribution management, capable of attaining efficient physical distribution by grasping information on the position of a carrier such as a cage cart used in the entire process of a physical distribution process and the type and the number of loading articles on the carrier in real time, and of increasing a reuse rate of the carrier. SOLUTION: When the information on the carrier 1 carrying the article to be delivered which is a target of physical distribution is outputted as a one- dimensional bar code and pasted on the carrier, and the article to be delivered is loaded on the carrier, a bar code reading apparatus reads one-dimensional bar code information 2 on the carrier, and one-dimensional bar code information pasted or printed on the respective articles to be delivered or its material for packing to dynamically generate and output two-dimensional bar code information into which the two information are integrated so as to be pasted on the carrier, a two-dimensional bar code reading apparatus 8 reads the two-dimensional bar code information pasted on the carrier in the respective processes of the physical distribution, and the read two-dimensional bar code is sent to a prescribed management system 12 or managed across the entire process of the physical distribution in an unified way.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to a physical distribution management method and a physical distribution management system. More specifically, it is possible to grasp in real time the location of a carrier such as a basket cart used in the entire process of the distribution process and information on the type and quantity of articles loaded on the carrier, thereby enabling efficient distribution management. In addition, the present invention relates to a physical distribution management method and a physical distribution management system capable of improving a carrier reuse rate.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, delivery items to be distributed are often loaded on a pallet and transported. However, when loading delivery items, a stretch film or the like is used to fix the items and prevent collapse. It is necessary to use it, and when the articles loaded from the pallet are unloaded, the stretch film is discharged as a large amount of garbage, so that the processing is complicated and adversely affects environmental problems. . Therefore, in recent years, in each physical distribution process of the physical distribution process, the delivery articles are often loaded and transported on carriers such as basket carts, containers, and returnable boxes.

[0003]

However, the conventional method of transporting a delivery item using a carrier involves a physical distribution process (in general, as shown in FIG. ) Transfer in factory 24, (3) Distribution center 26 from other manufacturer 25, (4) Manufacturing factory 24
From the distribution center 26, (5) the distribution center 26 to the wholesale distribution center 27, (6) the wholesale distribution center 27 to the retail store 28, and (7) the retail store 28 to the end user 29). Had the following problems.

[0004] In the case of (1) transfer from a parts maker to a manufacturing factory and (2) transfer within a factory, the parts maker or the manufacturer individually separates a delivery article and a slip describing information on the product when receiving or shipping the product. It has to be collated, it takes time and labor, and the information on the type and quantity of the carrier and the delivery goods loaded in it is the only thing that can be grasped in each logistics process, and it is necessary to understand the entire process. At present, unified and accurate management is not performed. Further, the loss of the carrier cannot be effectively prevented.

[0005] (3) In the case of a distribution center from another manufacturer, it is difficult to associate with the locator system after the delivery goods are stored, in addition to the cases of (1) and (2) above.

[0006] In the case of (4) from the manufacturing plant to the distribution center, in addition to the cases in (1) and (2) above, the manufacturing plant has two processes for loading and unloading the finished product at the temporary storage place in the factory. In addition, in the distribution center, a process of attaching and removing the stretch film at the time of transshipment is required, which has been extremely complicated.

[0007] In the case of (5) from a distribution center to a wholesale distribution center, in addition to the cases in (1) and (2) above,
In the wholesale distribution center, two processes of loading and unloading the delivery items are required, and a process of attaching and removing the stretch film at the time of transshipment is required, which has been extremely complicated. . Also, it is difficult to associate the delivery item with the locator system after storage.

[0008] In the case of (6) from a wholesale center to a retail store and (7) from a retail store to an end user,
In addition to the cases described in (1) and (2) above, collapse, accidents, missing items, and the like of the delivered goods on the road and the like are apt to occur, and the closer to the end user, the more the problems related to the delivery date and credibility.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and it is an object of the present invention to grasp in real time information on the location of a carrier such as a basket cart used in all steps of a physical distribution process and the type and quantity of articles loaded on the carrier. It is an object of the present invention to provide a physical distribution management method and a physical distribution management system capable of performing efficient physical distribution management and improving the carrier reuse rate.

[0010]

The inventor of the present invention has conducted intensive studies to solve the above-mentioned problems, and as a result, has previously attached information on a carrier for transporting a delivery item to be distributed and to each delivery item or its packaging material. Achieving the above object by reading a one-dimensional barcode information set by a barcode reader and dynamically generating and outputting two-dimensional barcode information obtained by aggregating the information and attaching it to a carrier. The inventors have found that the present invention can be performed and completed the present invention. That is, the present invention provides the following physical distribution management method and physical distribution management system.

[1] Information on a carrier that conveys a delivery item to be distributed is output as a one-dimensional barcode, affixed to the carrier, and when the delivery item is loaded on the carrier, the one-dimensional barcode information of the carrier. And one-dimensional barcode information affixed or printed on each delivery item or its packaging material is read by a barcode reader, and two-dimensional (aggregated) barcode information in which the information is aggregated is dynamically generated and output. The two-dimensional (aggregated) barcode information affixed to the carrier is read by a two-dimensional barcode reader in each step of the logistics, and the read two-dimensional (aggregated) barcode information is managed in a predetermined manner. A physical distribution management method, wherein the physical distribution is transmitted to a system or is centrally managed throughout the entire physical distribution process.

[2] The distribution management method according to [1], wherein the carrier is a basket cart, a container, or a returnable box.

[3] A barcode output device that outputs information of a carrier that conveys a delivery article as a distribution object as a one-dimensional barcode, and a one-dimensional carrier attached to the carrier when the delivery article is loaded on the carrier. 1 affixed or printed on barcode information and each delivery item or its packaging material
A barcode generation device that reads and aggregates two-dimensional barcode information, and dynamically generates and outputs the aggregated information as two-dimensional barcode information, and two-dimensional barcode information attached to a carrier in each process of physical distribution A two-dimensional barcode reading device for reading the data, a transmitting device for transmitting the read two-dimensional barcode information to a predetermined management system, or a management device for centrally managing the whole process of physical distribution. Logistics management system.

[4] The distribution management system according to the above [3], wherein the carrier is a cart, a container, or a returnable box.

[0015]

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

The present invention employs a cart, a container, a returnable box, or the like as a carrier that can easily prevent collapse in all steps of the logistics process, assigns a unique identification number to each of them, and supplies the carriers with a unique identification number from upstream to downstream of the supply chain. To manage the goods in a consistent flow up to For example, by attaching a bar code of the identification number to the carrier, the loading status in each physical distribution process of the delivery items loaded on the carrier is converted into a two-dimensional bar code and attached to the carrier, and the It can provide an efficient management means and eliminate the traditional method of loading delivery items on pallets and fixing them with stretch film as a measure to prevent collapse, and also prevent harmful garbage from coming out. it can.

That is, according to the present invention, when information of a carrier that carries a delivery item to be distributed is output as a one-dimensional bar code and affixed to the carrier, and the delivery item is loaded on the carrier, the one-dimensional information of the carrier is stored. The barcode information and 1 which is previously attached to each delivery item or its packaging material
The two-dimensional barcode information obtained by reading the two-dimensional barcode information with a barcode reading device is dynamically generated and output, and the two-dimensional barcode information is affixed to a carrier. The two-dimensional barcode information is read by the two-dimensional barcode reader, and the read carrier information and the delivery item information loaded on the carrier are transmitted to a predetermined management system, or are integrally managed over the entire distribution process. It is a physical distribution management method characterized by the following.

Further, the present invention provides a bar code output device for outputting as a one-dimensional bar code the information of a carrier that conveys a delivery article to be distributed, and a carrier attached to the carrier when loading the delivery article on the carrier. And collects the one-dimensional barcode information and the one-dimensional barcode information stuck or printed on each delivery item or its packaging material, and dynamically generates the aggregated information as two-dimensional (aggregated) barcode information. A two-dimensional barcode generating device for outputting, a two-dimensional barcode reading device for reading two-dimensional barcode information attached to a carrier in each process of physical distribution, and transmitting the read two-dimensional barcode information to a predetermined management system. Logistics management system, comprising: a transmitting device for performing the control or a management device for centrally managing the entire process of the physical distribution. A.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described specifically for each step.

(1) Output of Carrier Information and Attachment to Carrier In the present invention, first, information on a carrier that conveys a delivery item to be distributed is output as a one-dimensional barcode and attached to the carrier.

As the carrier information, for example, an individual code number including its owner, business unit, serial number and the like can be mentioned. These coding schemes
It can be determined appropriately as needed when actually used.

The method of outputting such carrier information as a one-dimensional bar code is not particularly limited. For example, JAN code, NW7, Interleaved
2of 5, CODE39 and CODE128 can be mentioned.

The method of attaching this information to the carrier is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, output as an adhesive one-dimensional barcode label and affixed to the carrier. As shown in FIG. 1, the carrier information (for example, a one-dimensional barcode label) 2 is preferably attached to the sides of all the shelves so as not to be readable by dirt. From the viewpoint of area restrictions and cost reduction, the number may be two or three.

Note that a non-contact recognition element may be used instead of the one-dimensional bar code label.

(2) Dynamic generation of two-dimensional barcode information,
Output and Attachment to Carrier Next, when loading a delivery item on the carrier to which the one-dimensional barcode label related to the carrier information is attached, attach or print the one-dimensional barcode information of the carrier and each delivery item or its packaging material. The obtained one-dimensional barcode information is read by a barcode reader, and two-dimensional (aggregated) barcode information in which the information is aggregated is dynamically generated, output, and attached to a carrier.

As shown in FIG. 2, specifically, first, the delivery material 3 or, if the delivery item is placed in a packing material (for example, a packing box (carton box)), the packing material 3a. As one-dimensional barcode information, delivery article information (for example, a one-dimensional barcode label) 4 describing delivery article information such as an article name code, a quantity, and a serial run number is attached or printed. In this case, printing may be performed using a one-dimensional barcode used in current distribution. If a bar code has been pasted or printed on the packing box, it may be used as it is, and a new bar code may not be pasted or printed.

As shown in FIG. 3, the carrier information (one-dimensional barcode) and the delivery item information (for example, one-dimensional barcode) are read and aggregated to dynamically convert the two-dimensional barcode information. As a generation method, for example, a one-dimensional barcode reading device 5, a two-dimensional barcode generation device 6
And a method using the two-dimensional barcode printer 7.

Here, to collectively means to decode a plurality of different pieces of encoded information and perform (compression) encoding using a specific data format and a specific compression method.

As a one-dimensional bar code reading device,
For example, an apparatus having a function of scanning a barcode to decode the barcode and outputting information embedded in the two-dimensional barcode can be given.

As a two-dimensional bar code printer, for example, an apparatus having a function of printing out a bar code by inputting print (image) information of the bar code can be cited.

As a two-dimensional barcode generation device, for example, a software part (encoder) having a function of generating (encoding) information to be embedded in a two-dimensional barcode
And a software part having a function of creating a barcode print image in which the information is embedded. There is no particular limitation on the specifications of each software in the software part. Further, they may be mounted as an embedded device, or may be mounted using a notebook computer or the like.

As a method of outputting the generated two-dimensional barcode, for example, a method of reading and outputting with a two-dimensional barcode reader can be cited. Examples of the two-dimensional barcode reading device include a device having a function of scanning and decoding a barcode and outputting information embedded therein. Specifically, the output can be performed by using application software including an interpreter for interpreting the format generated by the encoder of the two-dimensional barcode generation device. In this case, the application may output using all information, or may output using only some information partially. Although there is no particular limitation on the specific application, for example, a single system that displays two-dimensional barcode scan information for confirming delivery items loaded on a carrier, and similarly manages warehouses and factories with scan information A system for transmitting data to a system through a network can be used.

The method for attaching the generated two-dimensional barcode to the carrier is not particularly limited. For example, a method for attaching the two-dimensional barcode to the side of the carrier using a re-stickable adhesive label, or a method for attaching a transparent card case. A method in which the label is attached to a side surface of the carrier and a printed label is inserted can be used.

As described above, when transporting and transporting a delivery item using a carrier, a two-dimensional barcode is generated at the first time of use (for example, at the time of loading the delivery item on the carrier). The two-dimensional barcode is affixed to the carrier, and thereafter, the two-dimensional barcode is not peeled unless there is a change in the delivery items loaded on the carrier during the distribution process. The two-dimensional barcode is composed of carrier information (for example, an individual code number including its owner, business unit, serial number, etc.) and delivery item information (for example, product name code, quantity, serial run number) loaded thereon. Etc.). If necessary, the region and place where the two-dimensional barcode is generated, the date and time of generation, and the like may be coded and embedded in the information of the two-dimensional barcode.

As a method of recording information, for example, C
SV (Comma Separated Value)
Format, TAB delimited format, fixed length, etc., or SGML (Standard Genera)
sized MarkupLanguage), XML
(EXtensible Markup Langua
ge), HTML (Hyper Text Marku)
p Language) and the like, and the like. The data format of the database and the tag of the tagged language can be appropriately defined as needed when actually used.

(3) Transmission or Centralized Management of Two-Dimensional Bar Code Information Next, whether the two-dimensional bar code information including the read carrier information and the delivery item information loaded on the carrier is transmitted to a predetermined management system. Or, it is managed centrally over the entire process of physical distribution.

As shown in FIG. 4, as an example of a method of transmitting data to a predetermined management system, a communication program having a client-server architecture employing a socket communication technology on a network 11 using a TCP / IP protocol is used. Its communication protocol (FTP, HTTP,
SMTP).

As shown in FIG. 4, as an example of a method of centrally managing the entire physical distribution process, there is a method of cooperating with a current physical distribution management system. In this method, the carrier information 2 on the carrier 1 is stored in the distribution management system 12 in advance by the carrier information database 13.
At the same time, basic information on the position of a decoder 9 connected to a stationary bar code reader (which may be a portable bar code reader) 8 disposed at various places is also stored in the bar code reader information database 15.
It is kept as. In this case, it is necessary to provide the decoder 9 with a unique identification number. Delivery goods 3 to be loaded
With respect to the above, the article master database 14 used in the current physical distribution management system can be used. A carrier 1 loads a number of items to be delivered,
Manage which barcode readers have passed,
It is preferable that the carrier state database 16 be prepared.

[0039]

EXAMPLES The present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the following Examples, which should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

As described above, the logistics process generally includes (1) a process from a parts manufacturer to a manufacturing plant, (2) a transfer within a plant,
(3) Distribution center from other manufacturers (4) Distribution center from manufacturing factory, (5) Distribution center from wholesale distribution center, (6) Wholesale center to retail outlet, (7) Retail outlet to end user seven processes are categorized. Hereinafter, embodiments corresponding to each of the seven classifications will be described.

Example 1 Transfer from a part maker to a manufacturing plant and a factory In the part maker, there are cases in which the loading and loading of parts on a carrier are automated and managed, and cases in which shipping information is manually input. However, in this embodiment, carrier information (for example, an identification code, etc.) is read in advance,
After that, the parts were packed. As shown in FIG. 5, the two-dimensional (aggregated) barcode generating device 6 ships information (for example, an identification code) of the carrier 1 sent from the stationary one-dimensional barcode reading device 5 and shipping information. Based on information sent from the parts input system (shipping operator) 17 or the parts management system 18, a system that outputs aggregated barcode information is used.
The information is sent to the two-dimensional barcode printer 7 to generate a two-dimensional (aggregated) barcode. in this case,
The barcode attaching operation may be automated, and the printer unit may be incorporated in the automatic attaching device.

With this configuration, the manufacturer can automate the computer input of the receiving operation by passing the carrier beside the stationary bar code reader at the time of receiving the product, and further, can save the time and effort for the collation. Can be omitted. In addition, if a portable barcode reading device is placed at a key point on the production line, it is possible to determine which product in the return box was placed at which location on the line, and the position of the return box or container and the remaining amount of parts. Can be managed. Further, loss of the carrier can be prevented. Furthermore, since the carrier is used instead of the conventional pallet, it is possible to reduce the waste of the stretch film by 10%.
0% can be achieved.

Example 2 Transfer in a Factory As shown in FIG. 6, in a manufacturing / assembling factory, the carrier 1 is passed by a stationary two-dimensional bar code reading device 8 when receiving parts, and the two-dimensional bar code is read. Read information. The decoder 9 decodes the information of the barcode reading device 8 in accordance with a predetermined data format, and transmits the information to the on-site delivery item information display system 19 and the manufacturing management system 20. At this time, in addition to the information of the two-dimensional barcode attached to the carrier 1,
The position information of the stationary barcode reader 8 is also transmitted.

With this configuration, it is possible to easily obtain information on which place the carrier has passed. By arranging a plurality of similar configurations in a factory, it is possible to manage parts in units of carriers for transfer in the factory. Further, by constructing an equivalent system in which the stationary two-dimensional barcode reader is changed to a portable reader, it can be used in a production / assembly line.

Example 3 Distribution from another manufacturer to a distribution center Shipping from another manufacturer can be performed in the same manner as shipping from a parts center or shipping from a manufacturing / assembly factory described later. As shown in FIG. 7, storage from another manufacturer to the distribution center can be performed in the same manner as in the case of storage at the distribution center. Carrier, delivery item information, and barcode position information can be given as inputs to a warehouse management system adopted by the distribution center or a distribution management system that manages from the distribution center to the downstream.

With this configuration, by loading the delivery items on the carrier, the use of the harmful stretch film required when transporting with a conventional pallet can be reduced to zero. Also, when shipping from another manufacturer, it is possible to check the shipping instruction slip and the actual loading status on a cart basis (reduction of the collation check work with computer data can be achieved). In other manufacturers,
The type and quantity of the product to be shipped can be automatically entered into the computer system. Further, it is possible to rationalize the receiving operation at the manufacturing factory (use of counting by hand) and to automatically input the arrival information. In addition, it is possible to maintain connectivity to the locator system after storage. Further, loss of the carrier can be prevented.

Embodiment 4 As shown in FIG. 8, shipping from a manufacturing factory to a distribution center can be performed in the same manner as in the case of the parts manufacturer of the first embodiment.

With this configuration, since both the manufacturing factory and the distribution center are provided with stationary bar code readers, the work at the time of shipment and storage can be remarkably rationalized. Further, it is possible to secure connectivity with the locator system.
Further, it is possible to completely eliminate the stretch film.

Embodiment 5 The distribution center to the wholesale distribution center and the wholesale center to the retail store Outgoing from the distribution center and the wholesale center can be performed in the same manner as the shipment from the manufacturing / assembly factory in the fourth embodiment. If a barcode reader of the type cannot be installed, it may be replaced with a portable barcode reader. Stationary or portable bar code readers can be used for acceptance at wholesale centers and at retail outlets as well.

By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to completely eliminate garbage in both the cases from the distribution center to the wholesale distribution center and the wholesale center to the retail store. At the same time, the work of removing and winding the stretch film in the latter can be omitted. In addition, the streamlining of the entry and exit work is the same as the above-described process. That is, by employing a barcode and a reading device, it is possible to eliminate the work of automating recording on a computer and collating.

Embodiment 6 An end user can be processed in the same manner as in Embodiments 1 to 5 from a retail store.
Depending on the user's request, there may be a case where several kinds of hardware are combined in advance so as to be easily installed on site, or software is installed in this and delivered in a plug-in state. In this case, the delivery goods must be transported and delivered in a bare state taken out of the carton box, so that the carrier coming from the upstream cannot be used as it is. In general, a trolley is used for the transportation. In this case, it is preferable to use a tool for preventing collapse called a trolley band.

[0052]

As described above, according to the present invention,
It is possible to grasp in real time information on the location of carriers such as carts used in the entire logistics process and the type and quantity of articles loaded on the carriers, enabling efficient logistics management and It is possible to provide a physical distribution management method and a physical distribution management system capable of improving the reuse rate.

[0053]

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a state in which carrier information is output as a one-dimensional barcode label and attached to a carrier in one embodiment of the present invention.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the delivery item information, the delivery item, or the delivery item is a packaging material (eg,
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a state in which a one-dimensional barcode label is affixed or printed on a packing material in a packing box (carton box).

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a process of dynamically generating two-dimensional barcode information in one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing an example of a method for cooperating with a current physical distribution management system in one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a process of generating a two-dimensional (aggregated) barcode in a component maker in one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a process of generating a two-dimensional (aggregated) barcode in a manufacturing and assembling factory in one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a process of generating a two-dimensional (aggregated) barcode when entering a distribution center in one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a process of generating a two-dimensional (aggregated) barcode at the time of shipment from a manufacturing / assembly factory in one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing seven steps in a physical distribution process.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1: Carrier 2: Carrier information (one-dimensional barcode) 3: Delivery item 3a: Packing material 4: Delivery item information (one-dimensional barcode) 5: One-dimensional barcode reader 6: Two-dimensional barcode generator 7: 2D barcode printer 8: 2D barcode reader 9: Decoder 10: Logistics management application 11: TCP / IP network (network) 12: Logistics management system 13: Carrier information database 14: Article master database 15: Barcode reading Equipment information database 16: Carrier status database 17: Shipping parts input system 18: Shipping parts management system 19: Delivery article information display system 20: Manufacturing management system 21: Shipping input system 22: Shipping management system 23: Parts manufacturer 24: Manufacturing factory 25: Other manufacturers 26: Distribution center 27: Wholesale distribution center 28: Retail store 29: End user

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A method of outputting information on a carrier that carries a delivery item to be distributed as a one-dimensional barcode, attaching the information to a carrier, and loading the carrier with the one-dimensional barcode information when loading the delivery item on the carrier. The one-dimensional barcode information affixed or printed on each delivery item or its packaging material is read by a barcode reader, and two-dimensional (aggregated) barcode information obtained by aggregating the information is dynamically generated and output. In each process of logistics affixed to the carrier, the two-dimensional barcode information affixed to the carrier is read by a two-dimensional barcode reader, and the read two-dimensional barcode information is transmitted to a predetermined management system or distributed. A logistics management method characterized by centrally managing the entire process. 2. The distribution management method according to claim 1, wherein the carrier is a cart, a container, or a returnable box. 3. A barcode output device for outputting information of a carrier that conveys a delivery item to be distributed as a one-dimensional barcode, and a one-dimensional bar of the carrier attached to the carrier when loading the delivery item on the carrier. Two-dimensional barcode generation that reads and aggregates code information and one-dimensional barcode information attached or printed on each delivery item or its packaging material, and dynamically generates and outputs the aggregated information as two-dimensional barcode information A two-dimensional barcode reader that reads two-dimensional barcode information attached to a carrier in each process of logistics; a transmitter that transmits the read two-dimensional barcode information to a predetermined management system; A logistics management system comprising a management device for centrally managing processes. 4. The distribution management system according to claim 3, wherein the carrier is a basket cart, a container, or a returnable box.