JP2006160486A - Inventory management system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To output a completely same slip after output of slip data without separately preparing a network printer or an image file forming application. <P>SOLUTION: This inventory management system is provided with a database 11 to memorize data related to an inventory situation, an inventory management computer 10 connected to the database 11, and a printer 14 connected to the inventory management computer 10. As such reservation for entry or reservation for withdrawal as to change data related to the inventory situation in the database 11 is made, printing cue data for output of the slip are formed based on the inventory situation, and the printing cue data are duplicated, so that the duplicated printing cue data are memorized (stored) in the database 11 as reprinting data. Reprinting data for execution of reprinting are selected out of the reprinting data stored in the database 11 by operation by an operator, and the slip is reprinted. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an inventory management system, and more particularly to an inventory management system suitable for a physical distribution system in which a lot of management data is managed by a computer, such as an inventory management system of an automatic warehouse.

  In a logistics system in which a lot of management data is managed by a computer, such as an inventory management system in an automatic warehouse, various forms are often automatically printed and created as real-time data. For example, in an inventory management system for an automatic warehouse, every time the inventory status of the automatic warehouse changes, form data that indicates the inventory status at that time in real time is created, and corresponding print queue data is created. Then, the print queue data is output to the printing means (printer), and the form is printed.

  In addition, in the inventory management system of an automatic warehouse, in addition to managing the inventory status, management of an entry / exit instruction to a crane apparatus that loads / unloads a cargo to / from the storage unit of the automatic warehouse is also performed. Even when these instructions are given, the form is printed. Therefore, the number of forms output (printed) in the inventory management system is a large value.

  When a form is created by automatically printing real-time data as described above, the print queue data for form printing is deleted as soon as it is output to an external output device (printer). For this reason, if the form output data is not output (printed) due to an error that cannot be detected by the external output device or the application software that issues the output command, the same form cannot be output again. Further, even when a form is output normally without an error, for example, if the form is lost and the same form is output again, the same form cannot be output again.

  Conventionally, when print information sent from a workstation or personal computer is converted into printable data and printed, the converted print data is held in a storage device so that reprinting is possible. There has been proposed a print control apparatus that can perform such a process (see, for example, Patent Document 1). This print control apparatus interprets and expands print information transmitted from an external device such as a workstation by the print data creation means, and then stores it in the secondary storage means together with attributes necessary for printing.

There has also been proposed a print control apparatus including storage means for sequentially storing output information that can be output from a printer engine generated based on print information input via a network (see, for example, Patent Document 2). . The print control apparatus includes: a determination unit that determines a free capacity of the storage unit; and an output that is generated subsequently by deleting the output information stored in the storage unit based on a determination result of the determination unit Control means for securing a free area for storing information is provided.
JP-A-9-179704 (paragraphs [0010] to [0013] of FIG. 1, FIG. 1) JP-A-10-171617 (paragraphs [0008], [0024] to [0032] of the specification, FIGS. 1 and 2)

  The print control apparatus of Patent Document 1 is a control apparatus for a printing apparatus (printer), and there are restrictions on the number of print queue data that can be held due to restrictions on a storage device and a computer (computer) that can be built in the printing apparatus. Therefore, it is not suitable for a printing apparatus of a system having a large number of output forms of print queue data for forms such as the inventory management apparatus. Moreover, since the printing control apparatus of patent document 2 memorize | stores printing information in a memory | storage means, reprinting is possible. However, the storage means is provided on the printer side, and the output information stored in the storage means is deleted on the print control device side, that is, on the printer side in order to secure a free space, via the network. The connected user cannot set conditions. In addition, a printer including the print control device disclosed in Patent Literature 1 and Patent Literature 2 needs to have a communication function, and is accordingly expensive.

  In addition, there is a method of creating a print image before creating print queue data in the inventory management system. However, since the image file is printed each time, the system becomes complicated and the database system creates and stores the image file. Need to be prepared separately.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and its purpose is to output the same form again after outputting the form data once without separately preparing a network printer or an image file creation application. It is to provide an inventory management system that can output.

  In order to achieve the above object, the invention described in claim 1 includes a database for storing at least data relating to inventory status, and inventory management means connected to the database and managing data relating to the inventory status, Printing means connected to the inventory management means. In addition, when data relating to the stock status in the database is changed by the stock management means, print queue data creating means for creating print queue data for form output based on the stock status, and copying the print queue data Print queue data duplicating means, and storage means for storing the duplicated print queue data as reprint data. And reprint data selection means for selecting reprint data to be reprinted from the reprint data stored in the storage means.

  In the present invention, when the data relating to the stock status in the database is changed by the stock management means, the print queue data creating means creates print queue data for outputting the form based on the stock status. The print queue data duplicating means duplicates the print queue data, and the duplicated print queue data is stored in the storage means as reprint data. After the form is printed and the print queue data is deleted, the same form can be output again by selecting the reprint data stored in the storage means with the reprint data selection means. Therefore, the same form can be output again after outputting the form data once without separately preparing a network printer or an image file creation application.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the inventory management means manages the inventory status of the automatic warehouse in a logistics system having an automatic warehouse. According to the present invention, by managing the loading / unloading instruction to the crane apparatus that loads and unloads the load in the automatic warehouse, it can be effectively used in a management system having a large number of forms to be created.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the present invention, the reprint data that automatically deletes the reprint data stored in the storage unit based on a preset deletion condition. Deletion means is provided. In this invention, unnecessary reprint data is automatically deleted, so that the load on the system can be suppressed.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the third aspect of the present invention, the deletion condition can be changed by input means. Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to freely change the condition for deleting the reprint data stored in the storage unit according to the situation.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to output exactly the same form again after once outputting the form data without separately preparing a network printer and an image file creation application.

Hereinafter, an embodiment in which the present invention is embodied in a distribution system equipped with an automatic warehouse will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a physical distribution system.
As shown in FIG. 1, the physical distribution system 1 includes a plurality (three in this embodiment) of automatic warehouses 2. Each automatic warehouse 2 is provided with a pair of frame shelves (rack) 3 having a plurality of storage units (shelves) 3 a, and a stacker crane as a crane device that runs on the rail 4 between the frame shelves 3 and 3. 5 is equipped. An entrance / exit 6 is provided at each end of each frame shelf 3, 3. Each automatic warehouse 2 is provided with a crane controller 7 at one end side (right side in FIG. 1) of the traveling area of the stacker crane 5. Each crane controller 7 is connected to an inventory management computer 10 as inventory management means.

  Information regarding the position of the stacker crane 5 and the work status of the stacker crane 5 is input to the crane controller 7. Then, the crane controller 7 performs control for causing the stacker crane 5 to load or unload the load based on the information and work instruction data from the inventory management computer 10.

  A database 11, an input device 12, a display device 13, and a printer 14 as printing means are connected to the inventory management computer 10. A mouse and a keyboard are connected as the input device 12.

  In the distribution system 1 of FIG. 1, each automatic warehouse 2 is No. 1, No. 2, No. 3 in order from the top of the figure, and each stacker crane 5 has an A machine, B machine, It is C machine. In addition, the four entry / exit ports 6 of each automatic warehouse 2 are assigned entry / exit port numbers. As shown in FIG. 1, the four entry / exit ports 6 of Unit 1 are A1 to A4 as shown in FIG. B1 to B4 are attached to the four entrance / exit ports 6 of Unit 2, and C1 to C4 are attached to the four entrance / exit ports 6 of Unit 3.

  The entry / exit request for the distribution system 1 is made when the operator operates the input device 12 to input work request data requesting entry / exit to the inventory management computer 10. When the work request data is input, the inventory management computer 10 creates work instruction data for the stacker crane 5 using the work request data and various data described later stored in the database 11. The work instruction data includes information on the distinction between warehousing / shipping, the number of the stacker crane 5 that commands the work, the number of the storage unit 3a that is the warehousing destination or the sourcing source, and the number of the warehousing port 6 that is the warehousing source or the warehousing destination Contains.

  The database 11 has storage data for each product number indicating the total number of stocks of all loads stored in all the frame shelves 3 and data on the product number and number of loads for each storage unit 3a. The inventory data and storage unit master data for managing the presence / absence of a load in each storage unit 3a for each storage unit number are stored. For example, if there is a delivery request, the storage unit 3a in which the load of the product number to be delivered is stored is retrieved from the storage unit inventory data, and work instruction data with the storage unit 3a as a delivery source is created. An empty storage unit 3a is searched from the storage unit master data, and work instruction data with the empty storage unit 3a as a receiving destination is created.

  The work instruction data is stored in the database 11 and is sequentially transmitted to the stacker crane 5 as a command destination via the crane controller 7. Each stacker crane 5 performs a loading / unloading operation commanded based on the work instruction data received from the crane controller 7. When the commanded work is completed, each crane controller 7 reports the work completion to the inventory management computer 10.

  The inventory management computer 10 includes a memory 15 in which various program data for inventory management and creation of work instruction data for the crane controller 7 are stored. The inventory management computer 10 executes various processes based on various programs stored in the memory 15, instructions input by the input device 12, work completion report signals input from the crane controller 7, and the like. ing.

  The program data includes real-time data form creation program data. The inventory management computer 10 executes this form creation program every time a form output event occurs. As shown in FIG. 2A, the form creation program creates print queue data (step S1), forms output (step S2), print queue data duplication (step S3), and reprints the duplicated print queue data. Are stored (step S4) and print queue data deletion (step S5). The inventory management computer 10 functions as print queue data creation means when executing step S1, and functions as print queue data duplication means when executing step S3. The reprint data is a file name consisting of 17 digits representing the year / month / day / hour / minute / second / millisecond when the print queue data is output (printed) so as to be easily understood by the operator. It is stored in the print data storage table. That is, the database 11 functions as a storage unit that stores reprint data.

  The reprint data stored in the reprint data storage table is automatically deleted based on preset deletion conditions. Specifically, it is held in a state where it is stored in the reprint data storage table until the holding period and the number of cases set in the setting file provided in the inventory management computer 10 are reached. The initial settings of the number of holding cases and the holding period are set to, for example, 2000 reprint data holding cases and a holding period of 24 hours (one day). Normally, the form of real-time data that is automatically output is often unnecessary if the base paper is stored, so the number of holding cases and the holding period are values corresponding to one day of data, and there is no particular problem.

  Reprint data that has reached the retention period is automatically deleted, and when the number of reprint data reaches the set number, files that exceed the set number are automatically deleted in order from the oldest data. . That is, the inventory management computer 10 also functions as a reprint data deletion unit that automatically deletes the reprint data based on preset deletion conditions. The deletion condition, that is, the retention period and the number of settings can be changed by the input device 12.

  The time when the form output event occurs is not limited to when the data related to the stock status is changed, but when the work instruction data is created based on the warehousing or evacuation request input by the input device 12, the crane controller 7 when work instruction data is output, and when a work completion report is input from the crane controller 7. The case where the operator manually creates a form and prints (outputs) the form is also included when the form output event occurs. “Data relating to inventory status” means data such as the number, type, inventory location (storage unit 3a), etc. of inventory items.

  The inventory management computer 10 can output the reprint data selected by the operator from the reprint data stored in the database 11 to the printer 14. The inventory management computer 10 displays the screen 16 shown in FIG. 3 on the display device 13 based on the input signal from the input device 12. The screen 16 is a main screen of the inventory management computer 10 and is used for confirming inventory data, confirming the work status of the stacker crane 5 in the automatic warehouse 2 and the like when inputting work request data for requesting entry or exit. . The screen 16 includes a display area 17a that displays the type of processing related to warehousing, a display area 17b that displays the type of processing related to warehousing, and a display area 17c that displays the type of processing related to inquiry.

  In addition, a reprint button 18 used when printing reprint data is displayed on the lower side of the screen 16. When the reprint button 18 is pressed, a screen 19 as shown in FIG. 4 is displayed. On the screen 19, a display area 20 for displaying a list of reprintable data that can be reprinted and a print button 21 are displayed. In the display area 20, the reprint data stored in the database 11 is displayed as a file name. When the file name desired to be reprinted is selected by the input device 12, the selected file name is displayed in reverse video. ing. When the print button 21 is pressed in this state, the corresponding form is printed. The reprint button 18, the display area 20, and the input device 12 constitute reprint data selection means for selecting reprint data.

Next, the operation of the logistics system 1 configured as described above will be described.
When instructing the stock management computer 10 to enter / exit, the operator operates the input device 12 to input work request data. At this time, as work request data, the data of the distinction of entry / exit, the product number of the load, and the number thereof are input.

  When the “warehousing” is requested, the inventory management computer 10 selects the crane number (= A, B, C) of the stacker crane 5 with a small number of allocation of the loading / unloading work, and the stacker crane 5 of that crane number takes charge. The storage unit number of the empty storage unit is assigned from the storage unit 3a using the storage unit master data, and this is used as the storage destination. In addition, among the four loading / unloading ports 6 handled by the stacker crane 5 of the crane number, the loading / unloading port number of the loading / unloading port 6 with a small number of loading / unloading is selected as the loading source.

  In addition, when “shipping” is requested, a storage unit number for storing more than the required number of loads of the requested product number is assigned from the storage unit inventory data, and the storage unit is assigned as the output source, and the stacker in charge of the storage unit 3a that is the output source Of the loading / unloading ports 6 belonging to the crane number (= A, B, C) of the crane 5, the loading / unloading port 6 with a small set number of loading / unloading is selected as the shipping destination.

  When the entry / exit port number and the storage unit number are determined in this way, the data of the product number and its number in the work request data are taken in, for example, a data format of “entry / shipment-entry / exit port number-storage unit number-product number-number” Work instruction data for taking The work instruction data means a work command for loading goods from the loading / unloading port 6 of the loading / unloading port number to the storage unit 3a of the storage unit number in the case of “Receiving”, and storage of the storage unit number in the case of “Shipping”. This means a work command for unloading the cargo from the part 3a to the loading / unloading port 6 of the loading / unloading port number.

  The work instruction data is output to the crane controller 7 and stored in a predetermined storage area in the database 11. When the crane controller 7 inputs the work instruction data, the crane controller 7 transmits the work instruction data to the stacker crane 5. The stacker crane 5 performs a loading / unloading operation designated based on the work instruction data received from the crane controller 7. In addition, the goods received in the automatic warehouse 2 are conveyed by the conveyance means (not shown) by which the operation is controlled by the inventory management computer 10 to the warehousing entrance 6 of the warehousing source.

  When the warehousing operation by the stacker crane 5 is completed, a warehousing completion report signal is output from the crane controller 7 to the inventory management computer 10. The inventory management computer 10 determines that the work based on the warehousing request data is completed based on the warehousing completion report signal. Then, inventory management data is updated. When the delivery operation by the stacker crane 5 is completed, a delivery completion report signal is output from the crane controller 7 to the inventory management computer 10. Based on the delivery completion report signal, the inventory management computer 10 determines that the work based on the delivery request data has been completed. Then, inventory management data is updated.

  When a form output event occurs, the inventory management computer 10 executes form output and a series of operations associated therewith according to the flowchart shown in FIG. The inventory management computer 10 first creates print queue data in step S1. The created print queue data is stored in the print queue storage table as data for normal print processing. In step S2, the inventory management computer 10 outputs print processing data to the printer 14 to output (print) the form. The form is printed as real-time data by the printer 14.

  Next, the inventory management computer 10 duplicates the print queue data in step S3, and stores the print queue data duplicated in step S4 in the reprint data storage table of the database 11 as reprint data. At this time, the reprint data is stored with a file name consisting of a 17-digit number representing the year, month, day, hour, minute, second, and millisecond when the print queue data is output (printed). In step S5, the inventory management computer 10 deletes the print queue data stored in the print queue storage table. The above steps are performed every time a form output event occurs.

  The conventional work corresponding to this series of work is performed according to the flowchart shown in FIG. That is, each process of print queue data creation at step S1, form output at step S2, and print queue data deletion at step S3a is executed. In other words, since there is no data for reprinting when the print queue data is deleted after the form is output, it is impossible to reprint the form.

  However, in this embodiment, the inventory management computer 10 copies the print queue data (step S3) before the print queue data deletion (step S5), and stores reprint data as reprint data of the duplicated print queue data. Since the data is stored in the table (step S4), it is possible to reprint the form once output.

  When reprinting a form, the operator operates the input device 12 to display the screen 16 shown in FIG. 3 on the display device 13. Next, the reprint button 18 is pressed on the screen 16 to display the screen 19 shown in FIG. In the display area 20 on the screen 19, reprintable reprint data is displayed as a 17-digit number file name representing the year, month, day, hour, minute, second, and millisecond when outputting the print queue data for the form. The reprint data is held according to the holding period and the number of cases set in the setting file, and the operator selects a file name corresponding to the target reprint data. Since the selected file name is highlighted, the print button 21 is pressed while the file name is highlighted. As a result, the reprint data is output to the printer 14 and the form is reprinted. The reprint data whose file name is displayed in the display area 20 can be reprinted any number of times.

  The reprint data stored in the reprint data storage table is automatically deleted when a preset retention period is reached. Even if the preset retention period is not reached, when the number of reprint data stored in the reprint data storage table reaches the set number, files exceeding the set number are automatically deleted in order from the oldest data. The

This embodiment has the following effects.
(1) A database 11 for storing at least data relating to inventory status, an inventory management computer 10 connected to the database 11 for managing data relating to inventory status, and a printer 14 connected to the inventory management computer 10 are provided. ing. When the inventory management computer 10 makes an warehousing reservation or a warehousing reservation so that the data related to the inventory status in the database 11 is changed, it creates print queue data for form output based on the inventory status, and the print queue data. Are stored in the database 11 as reprint data. Then, after the form is printed and the print queue data is deleted, the same form can be output again by selecting the reprint data stored in the database 11 by the reprint data selection means. Therefore, the same form can be output (printed) again after the form data is output once without separately preparing a network printer or an image file creation application. Further, it is inexpensive because there is no need to separately prepare a network printer or an image file creation application.

  (2) The inventory management computer 10 manages the inventory status of the automatic warehouse 2 in the distribution system 1 including the automatic warehouse 2. Therefore, by managing the loading / unloading instruction to the stacker crane 5 that loads and unloads the cargo in the automatic warehouse 2, it can be effectively used in an inventory management system having a large number of forms.

  (3) Reprint data deletion means for automatically deleting reprint data stored (stored) in the database 11 based on preset deletion conditions is provided. Therefore, unnecessary reprint data is automatically deleted, and the load on the system can be suppressed.

  (4) The deletion condition can be changed by the input device 12. Therefore, the reprint data deletion condition stored in the database 11 can be freely changed according to the situation.

  (5) The reprint data selection means for outputting the reprint data stored in the database 11 to the printer 14 includes the input device 12, the reprint button 18 on the screen 16 displayed on the display device 13, the screen Since it is composed of the display area 20 on 19, the form can be reprinted by the same operation method as other functions of the inventory management system. Therefore, it is convenient for the operator.

  (6) The reprint data stored in the database 11 is a number representing the time at the time when the print queue data is output (printed) (in this embodiment, a 17-digit number representing year / month / day / hour / minute / second / millisecond). Are stored in the reprint data storage table provided in the database 11. Therefore, it is easy for the operator to confirm the reprint data.

The embodiment is not limited to the above, and may be configured as follows, for example.
○ When using a number that represents the time when print queue data is output (printed) in the file name of reprint data, it is not limited to a 17-digit number that represents year, month, day, hour, minute, second, and millisecond. It may be a 14-digit number that represents minutes, seconds, a 15-digit number that does not include the year, represents a month, date, hour, minute, second, and a 10-digit number that represents a month, date, hour, minute, and second. The reprint data can be easily distinguished without displaying the time up to milliseconds.

  ○ Among the reprint data stored in the database 11, even when the specific reprint data corresponds to the old reprint data that should be deleted when the retention period or the number of cases that have been preset as the deletion condition is reached, The deletion may not be performed. For example, an instruction input confirmation unit indicating selection or non-selection is displayed in the display area 20 of the screen 19 corresponding to each displayed file. When a file is selected, a check mark (for example, the instruction input confirmation unit is displayed). , T)) is displayed. When the operator marks a specific reprint data file with a predetermined mark (check mark), the reprint data of the file with the mark cannot be deleted. In the case of deletion, if the predetermined mark is removed, it is deleted when the deletion condition is satisfied.

  The deletion condition for the reprint data may be only the number of holding cases or only the holding period. For example, if the deletion condition is set only by the number of retained items, the reprint data will be retained until the set number of reprint data is retained, and if the deletion condition is set only by the retention period, the number of items will be counted when the retention period elapses. Regardless, the reprint data is deleted even if the number of retained cases is one.

  ○ The print queue data can be copied and stored in the reprint data storage table as the reprint data of the duplicated print queue data before deleting the print queue data, or before the form output. .

The retention number or retention period, which is a condition for deleting the reprint data, may not be changed from the initial setting.
○ It may be applied to inventory management in a logistics system without an automatic warehouse.

The following technical idea (invention) can be understood from the embodiment.
(1) In the invention described in claim 3 or claim 4, the deletion condition is that the number of reprint data stored in the storage means reaches a set holding number or a setting holding period.

  (2) In the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 4, the reprint data is stored with a file name composed of a number representing a time at the time when the print queue data is output.

(3) A program used in an inventory management system connected to a database for storing at least data relating to inventory status and performing management of the data relating to inventory status by a computer,
The computer,
When data relating to the stock status of the database is changed, print queue data creating means for creating print queue data for form output based on the stock status;
Print queue data duplicating means for duplicating the print queue data;
Means for storing the duplicated print queue data in a storage means as reprint data;
A program for functioning as reprint data selection means for selecting reprint data to be reprinted from among the reprint data stored in the storage means.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a physical distribution system according to an embodiment. FIG. 5A is a flowchart illustrating a reprint data copy storage processing procedure, and FIG. 5B is a flowchart illustrating a prior art processing procedure. The schematic diagram which shows the screen used when performing reprinting. The schematic diagram which shows the screen used when selecting reprint data similarly.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Logistics system, 2 ... Automatic warehouse, 10 ... Inventory management means, Print queue data creation means, Print queue data duplication means, Reprint data deletion means The stock management computer, 11 ... Database as a storage means, 12 ... An input device serving as an input unit and a reprinting data selection unit, 14... A printer as a printing unit, 18.

Claims (4)

A database for storing at least data relating to inventory status;
Inventory management means connected to the database for managing data relating to the inventory status;
Printing means connected to the inventory management means;
Print queue data creation means for creating print queue data for form output based on the inventory status when data relating to the inventory status of the database is changed by the inventory management means;
Print queue data duplicating means for duplicating the print queue data;
Storage means for storing the duplicated print queue data as reprint data;
An inventory management system comprising: reprint data selection means for selecting reprint data to be reprinted from the reprint data stored in the storage means.   2. The inventory management system according to claim 1, wherein the inventory management means manages inventory status of the automatic warehouse in a distribution system having an automatic warehouse.   The inventory management system according to claim 1, further comprising a reprint data deletion unit that automatically deletes the reprint data stored in the storage unit based on a preset deletion condition.   The inventory management system according to claim 3, wherein the deletion condition can be set and changed by an input unit.

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