JP2009298522A - Picking system and management device of picking system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a picking system capable of completing picking work by a predetermined time, and a management device for the system. <P>SOLUTION: This picking system executes the picking work based on picking work instruction information transmitted from the management device. When the picking work instruction information is requested from a worker, the picking work instruction information in time for a work finishing time set in advance is selected by considering work processing ability, a work finishing time and a work amount of the worker. The selected picking work instruction information is allocated to the worker. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a picking system and a management device that transmit a picking instruction information request from a picking cart to a host device and perform a picking operation based on an instruction transmitted from the host device.

Picking instruction information transmitted from the host device is received by the receiving unit of the picking cart, the received picking instruction information is displayed on the display unit, and the worker performs the picking work based on the displayed picking instruction information As shown in Patent Document 1, the system is already implemented in a warehouse such as a distribution center.
JP-A-3-143802

  In the above picking system, there is a case where the shipping time of the picked article is determined, and an attempt is made to preferentially carry out the work having a short shipping time. However, since the picking work processing capability of each worker performing the picking work is different, there has been a problem that the picking work is not completed by a predetermined picking work completion time. In addition, for example, the leaving time and lunch break start time may vary from worker to worker, and if the previous work is finished when the work time or lunch break time is approached and the next work is instructed, the worker There is a problem that a work amount of work that does not finish by the work end time is instructed and the work is not completed by the time determined as a result.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object of the present invention is to provide a picking system and a management device capable of completing a picking operation by a predetermined time.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, the present invention receives a picking work instruction information for instructing an article to be picked transmitted from a management device, and performs a picking work based on the received picking work instruction information. , Picking work instruction information storage means for storing picking work instruction information, worker information storage means for storing work processing capability information for each worker, and an instruction request for identifying a worker and requesting picking work instruction information An instruction request information receiving means for receiving information, a reading means for reading work processing capability information from the worker information storage means when the instruction request information receiving means receives the instruction request information, and a picking work from the picking work instruction information storage means Extraction means for extracting the instruction information and the operation related to the extracted picking work instruction information Picking work instructions extracted based on the calculation means for calculating the work amount until the completion of the work, the calculated work amount, the read work processing capacity information, the current time, and the preset time Instruction request information includes a determination unit that determines whether or not a work based on information is completed by a preset time, and picking work instruction information that is determined to be completed by a preset time by the determination unit. And a control means for assigning and transmitting to the worker who transmitted the message.

  In the picking system according to the present invention, the preset time is a work end time determined for each picking work instruction information, and the work end time is stored in the picking work information storage unit. It is characterized by.

  Further, according to the present invention, in the above picking system, when it is determined by the determining means that the work based on the picking work instruction information extracted by the work end time is not completed, the extracting means extracts from the picking work instruction information storage means Picking work instruction information other than the picking work instruction information that has been extracted, and the determining means determines whether or not the work based on the extracted picking work instruction information is completed by the end time of the work. To do.

  As described above, when instruction request information for requesting picking work instruction information is received, picking work instruction information in time for a preset time is assigned to the worker in consideration of the ability of the worker. The work of the work instruction information is in time for the work end time.

  The present invention further includes a work progress information storage means for sequentially updating and storing the picking work progress information of each worker in the picking system, and the worker who has transmitted the instruction request information when assigning the work to the worker. Reading means for reading picking work progress information of other workers, specifying means for reading and specifying picking work processing capability information of workers other than the worker who has transmitted the instruction request information, and the specifying Based on the picking work processing capacity information that has been read and the picking work progress information that has been read, the scheduled completion time required for completion of the picking work currently being advanced by the worker other than the worker who sent the instruction request information, and the instruction Extraction work completion schedule when an operator other than the worker who transmitted the request information executes the extracted picking work instruction information. A calculation means for calculating time, and the determination means determines whether or not the worker who has transmitted the instruction request information completes the picking work earlier than other workers, and is determined to be completed The control means assigns the extracted picking work instruction information to the worker who transmitted the instruction request information.

  As described above, when the instruction request information requesting the picking work instruction information is received, the picking work instruction information in time for the work end time is simply extracted and not assigned to the worker, but other work at that time It is possible to grasp the progress status of the worker's work and assign the instruction request information to the worker who has transmitted the instruction request information in consideration of whether other workers can complete the work earlier.

  In the picking system according to the present invention, the preset time is a work end time for each worker.

  In the picking system according to the present invention, when the determination unit determines that the work based on the picking work instruction information extracted by the work end time is not completed, the extraction unit extracts from the picking work instruction information storage unit. Picking work instruction information other than the picking work instruction information thus extracted is extracted, and the determining means determines whether or not the work based on the extracted picking work instruction information is completed by the work end time.

  As described above, when receiving the instruction request information requesting the picking work instruction information, the picking work instruction information is sent to the worker in time for the work end time of the worker in consideration of the work ability of the worker. Can be assigned.

  In the picking system, the picking work instruction information extracted is picking work instruction information including a plurality of pieces of position information in which the worker moves to different positions and performs the picking work at each position. When the determination means determines that the work of the picking work instruction information extracted by a preset time cannot be completed, the picking work instruction information including a plurality of position information is divided based on the position information. The work instruction dividing means, the re-extracting means for re-extracting one of the picking instruction information divided by the work instruction dividing means, and the judging means are extracted by the re-extracting means and the divided picking instruction information It is characterized by determining whether the picking work is completed.

  As described above, when the picking work instruction information includes a plurality of pieces of position information, the picking work instruction information is divided, and it is determined whether the picking work is in time for the one picking work instruction information. The possibility of being in time by the scheduled time increases.

  Further, the present invention is characterized in that in the above picking system, there is provided updating means for updating the work processing capability information for each worker in the worker information storage means according to the work of the worker.

  As described above, the work processing capability information is updated according to the work, and therefore, determination is made with more correct work processing capability information.

  Further, the present invention is a management apparatus for a picking system that receives picking work instruction information for instructing an article to be picked transmitted from the management apparatus at a receiving unit, and executes the picking work based on the received picking work instruction information. A picking instruction information storage means for storing picking work instruction information; a worker information storage means for storing work processing capability information for each worker; and an instruction request for identifying a worker and requesting picking work instruction information An instruction request information receiving means for receiving information, a reading means for reading work processing capability information from the worker information storage means when the instruction request information receiving means receives the instruction request information, and a picking work from the picking work instruction information storage means The extraction means for extracting the instruction information and the work related to the extracted picking work instruction information are completed. Based on the picking work instruction information extracted based on the calculation means for calculating the work amount up to, the calculated work amount, the read work processing capability information, the current time, and the preset time The determination means for determining whether or not the work is completed at a preset time, and the worker who has transmitted the instruction request information on the picking work instruction information determined to be completed at the preset time by the determination means. And a control means for allocating and transmitting to.

  Further, according to the present invention, in the management apparatus of the picking system, when the determination unit determines that the work based on the picking work instruction information extracted by the work end time is not completed, the extraction unit includes the picking work instruction information. Picking work instruction information other than the picking work instruction information extracted from the storage means is extracted, and the determining means determines whether or not the work based on the extracted picking work instruction information is completed by the end time of the work. It is characterized by that.

  According to the first to third aspects of the present invention, when instruction request information for requesting picking work instruction information is received, a preset time such as a picking work instruction, for example, is selected in consideration of the ability of the worker. Since the picking work instruction information in time for the work end time is assigned to the worker, the work of the picking work instruction information is in time for the work end time, and more efficient picking work instruction information can be instructed.

  According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, when receiving the instruction request information for requesting the picking work instruction information, the picking work instruction information in time for the work end time is simply extracted and not allocated to the worker. The progress status of other workers at the time can be grasped, and it can be assigned to the worker who sent the instruction request information in consideration of whether other workers can complete the work earlier. It is possible to operate efficiently as a whole picking system.

  According to the fifth and sixth aspects of the present invention, when there is instruction request information for requesting picking work instruction information from an operator, the worker's work ability is taken into consideration, for example, the worker's working time Since the picking work instruction information is instructed in time for the work end time such as the above, efficient picking work instruction information can be instructed.

  According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, in the case of picking work instruction information including a plurality of pieces of position information, the picking work instruction information is divided, and it is determined whether the picking work is in time for the divided picking instruction information. Therefore, the possibility of being in time by a preset time increases. Further, even when there is no picking work instruction information to be assigned, picking work instruction information can be given.

  According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, since the work capability information for each worker is updated according to the progress of the work, the work can be performed by the more correct work capability information by the time set in the picking work instruction information. It is possible to determine whether to complete.

  According to the management device of the ninth and tenth aspects of the present invention, when instruction request information for requesting picking work instruction information is received, a predetermined time, for example, picking, is taken into consideration for the ability of the worker. Since the picking work instruction information in time for the work end time for each work is assigned to the worker, the work is in time for the work end time, and more efficient picking work instruction information can be instructed.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. For picking goods (goods), so-called picking-type picking in which goods are lined up on display shelves in a warehouse, the designated goods are taken out from the display shelves, and stored in a container mounted on the cart, There is a so-called seeding type picking in which goods (commodities) are placed on the shelf, and shelves are divided for each delivery destination, for example, and the goods are placed on the shelves. The picking system according to the present invention can be applied to both picking picking and sowing picking. Here, a case of using for picking picking will be described.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a side configuration example of a picking cart used in a picking system according to the present invention. As shown in the figure, one picking cart 10 is partitioned into two upper and lower stages, two platform scales 11 and 12 are provided on the lower stage, and two platform scales 13 and 14 are provided on the upper stage. Each of the platform scales 11 to 14 can be equipped with a container 32 for storing picked items such as a folding container.

  The picking cart 10 is provided with a handle 15 for pushing, and an operator can see various data such as instruction data for picking while pushing the picking cart 10 in front (front) of the handle 15. A first display unit 16 is provided. A second display unit 17 is provided on the side of the picking cart 10 so that various data such as instruction data can be viewed while performing the picking operation. A printer 18 is provided on the upper side of the picking cart 10. The printer 18 can issue a label to be attached to a container that accommodates the picked article. Although not shown, an antenna for communicating with a higher-level management device is provided in the first display unit 16. Further, although not shown, a scanner is provided for reading a barcode of an article to be picked.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a system configuration example of the picking system according to the present invention. Each of the picking carts 10-1, 10-2,... 10-n can communicate with the management apparatus 100 via the wireless router 101. The wireless router 101 is an access point having a router function, and can be simultaneously connected to the wireless LAN 102 and a wired LAN (not shown). In addition, the host computer 200 can be simultaneously connected to the wireless LAN 103 and a wired LAN (not shown) as an upper level of the management apparatus 100. The order data of the article (product) transmitted from the host computer 200 is transmitted to the management apparatus 100.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a system configuration of the picking cart 10. The picking cart 10 includes a CPU 20, a RAM 21, a ROM 22, a first display unit 16, a second display unit 17, a charging power supply unit 23, a communication unit 24, a first weighing unit (base scale 13) 25, and a second weighing unit (base scale 14). 26, a third weighing unit (table scale 11) 27, a fourth weighing unit (table scale 12) 28, a scanner 30, a printer 18, and a speaker unit 31. The CPU 20 executes various calculations and controls each part of the picking cart 10. The RAM 21 stores data read by the CPU 20, flags and registers used when the CPU 20 performs processing, picking instruction data transmitted from the management device 100, and the like. The ROM 22 stores a program for operating the CPU 20.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a system configuration of the management apparatus 100. The hardware is the same as that of a normal personal computer, and an arithmetic processing unit (CPU) 40 (reading means, extracting means, specifying means, calculating means, judging means, control means), a RAM 42 serving as a work area for arithmetic processing, and a basic program ROM 43 for storing, hard disk (HDD) 41 (picking work instruction information storage means) for storing various files and data, operation unit 44 including a keyboard and a mouse, a clock unit 46 for measuring the current time, the host computer 200 and the like A communication unit 47 (instruction request information receiving means) for communicating with the picking cart 10 is provided, which are connected by a bus line 48. As will be described in detail later, the hard disk (HDD) 41 stores a worker file that defines worker ability information and work time information, a progress status file that stores the progress of work such as picking work, and picking work instruction information. A work instruction file to be stored is stored.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a planar layout of a warehouse that performs a picking operation using the picking system according to the present invention. As shown in the drawing, a plurality of article (product) display shelves 51 are arranged in the warehouse 50 at a predetermined interval. Each shelf is given a “location number” 53 for each shelf. “Location No.” 53 is allocated by the position information indicating the position where the article is arranged so that the position of each article display shelf 51 and the article in the article display shelf 51 can be specified in the warehouse 50 according to a certain rule. Is. Since each worker is familiar with the location information, the destination can be understood by looking at the location information displayed on the first display unit 16 and the second display unit 17 of the picking cart 10. In addition, each item display shelf 51 is printed and affixed on a label or the like so that the location information can be visually recognized, so that the user can see the label and move to the designated shelf. For example, the location No. displayed on the route B from the start point 52 in FIG. The picking operation is performed at the position 53 and moved to the delivery area 54.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a work instruction file. The work instruction file is created based on order data transmitted from the host computer 200. One line and one line of the work instruction file are information for instructing the work. For one work, “container No.”, “shipment quantity (picking quantity)”, “location number”, “product code”. "Delivery destination code", "shipping time (work end time)", "worker number (code)", etc. are set. The work for which no shipping time is set here is the last working time of the day (for example, 20:00 hours) and the shipping time (work end time). The work instruction file is stored in the hard disk (HDD) 41 as described above.

  The container No. Is a container number in which an article (product) picked by the work instruction is stored. The shipment quantity (picking quantity) is the number of articles (products) to be picked, the location number. Is information specifying the location of the article (product) on the article display shelf 51 of the warehouse 50, and the product code is information specifying the product (article). The delivery destination code is information for specifying the delivery destination. In addition, for example, the delivery time code is set as a key when there is a request from the delivery destination to ship by 10:00. Further, when the shipping time is not set, it means that the work is completed by the work end time of the day (for example, 20:00) as described above. In the case of picking work instruction data for which the shipping time is set, the CPU 40 of the management apparatus 100 performs control so that the picking work instruction data for which no shipping time is set is prioritized and transmitted to the picking cart 10. To do.

  One line of the work instruction file indicates the work. Here, as shown in FIG. 1, since the picking cart 10 equipped with the four containers 32 is used, picking work instruction data for the four containers 32 (FIG. 6). D1, D2,... Of the picking work instruction information transmitted from the management apparatus 100 to the picking cart 10 in response to a single instruction request signal transmitted from the picking cart 10. However, here, one container No. In this example, only one article (product) is picked, but this is not a limitation. A work instruction for picking a plurality of articles may be used. In addition, which four container Nos. Whether to combine the picking work instruction data is determined by calculation processing by the CPU 40 of the management apparatus 100 so that the moving distance of the picking cart 10 is shortened as much as possible in consideration of the location where the article is located. That is, here, when the management apparatus 100 receives an instruction request signal from the picking cart 10, any four sets of picking work instruction data are transmitted to the picking cart 10 in time for the requested worker's work time. Controls what to do.

  The worker number (code) is the worker code of the picking cart 10 that has transmitted the picking work instruction data from the management device 100. Before starting the work with the picking cart 10, as shown in FIG. 7, the “worker number” and the “worker name” are entered on the display surface of the first display unit 16 of the picking cart 10. The data is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 21. Since the instruction request signal transmitted from the picking cart 10 is transmitted together with the “worker number” and “worker name”, the worker who transmitted the instruction request signal is specified in the transmitted picking work instruction data. The operator code to be stored can be stored in four sets of instruction data instructing the work.

  In addition, since four containers 32 are mounted on one picking cart 10, four types of container numbers. The picking work instruction data is transmitted to the corresponding picking cart 10. That is, for example, the location No. BH200 to S5405 (see D1 in FIG. 6) is one work instruction, and picking an article at four locations means that the one work instruction is completed. However, here, four types of container numbers. Since the four containers 32 are mounted on the picking cart 10, only four types are used. Even if four containers are mounted, three or two container Nos. The instruction data corresponding to the above may be used as a single work instruction. As described above, one container No. The work instruction may consist of picking work instruction data for moving a plurality of locations and picking a plurality of articles (goods).

  As shown in FIG. 1, the first display unit 16 is provided in front of (in front of) the handle 15 and is configured as a liquid crystal touch panel. The second display unit 17 is provided on the side surface of the picking cart 10 and is configured as a liquid crystal touch panel in the same manner as the first display unit 16. The charging power supply unit 23 supplies power to each device mounted on the charged picking cart 10. As shown in FIG. 2, the communication unit 24 communicates with the upper management apparatus 100 via the wireless LAN 102. The scanner 30 is provided for reading a barcode attached to an article. The first weighing unit 25 to the fourth weighing unit 28 are mounted with containers for storing the picked items such as the folding type as described above. Further, the printer 18 prints and issues a label to be attached to each container and a picked result. The speaker unit 31 is provided to notify an error by sound.

  The container No. mounted on each weighing unit 25 to 28 (table scales 11 to 14) of the picking cart 10 is displayed. Indicates one delivery destination. Based on a large amount of order data received from a large number of stores or the like, the upper management device 100 generates instruction data that can be efficiently picked with a short moving distance when picking with the same picking cart 10. It transmits to each picking cart 10.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an operation flow of picking work. First, before the picking work is started, the first display unit 16 of the picking cart 10 has screens of “worker number”, “worker name”, “switch key”, and “ten-key” as shown in FIG. It is displayed. First, in step ST1, when the worker of the picking work inputs the worker number, the input of the worker number is accepted, and an initial screen is displayed on the first display unit 16 as shown in FIG. This initial screen displays a location information area where location information is displayed, an instruction data area where instruction data is displayed, and a container information area indicating each container. No information is displayed in each area. Absent. Subsequently, in step ST2, the “start” key on the displayed touch panel is pressed.

  When the “start” key is pressed, the CPU 20 of the picking cart 10 requests instruction data from the management device 100 via the communication unit, and the CPU 20 picks the picking device for picking from the management device 100 via the communication unit 24. The work instruction data is received, and the picking work instruction data is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 21. In step ST3, the instruction data container No. Four labels are issued from the printer 18 for each label. Each label corresponds to each container, and the mounting positions A, B, C, and D are printed at the corners of the four labels to be issued. Since the upper row of the picking cart 10 is predetermined as A and B, and the lower row is determined as C and D, the worker (person in charge) puts the issued label on the side surface of the container at the mounting positions A, B, C, and D. paste. Each pasted label is printed with the store name and branch of the delivery destination based on the delivery destination information set for each container No. of the picking instruction data. Etc. are barcoded and printed.

  Barcodes indicating A, B, C, and D are attached to the locations of the containers of the picking cart 10. In step ST4, the barcode of the label attached to the container in step ST3 and the barcode printed on the label attached to the A position of the picking cart 10 are read by the scanner 30, and the position of the container is not wrong. Is confirmed. In the same manner as described above, the barcode printed on the label attached to the B, C, D position of the picking cart 10 and the label attached to the side surface of the container mounted at the B, C, D position are printed. The scanned barcode is read by the scanner 30, and it is confirmed whether the container position is correct. Here, the time from when the start key in step ST2 is pressed until the last correspondence of the containers A, B, C, and D in step ST4 is measured as the pre-preparation ability.

  When confirmation of the correspondence of all containers A, B, C, and D is completed in step ST4, in step ST5, the first article of the instruction data received in step ST3, for example, “BH-200” shown in FIG. And the like are displayed on both the first display unit 16 and the second display unit 17. Subsequently, in step ST6, the worker moves the picking cart 10 to the location displayed on the display unit, and reads the barcode attached to the article located at the location by the scanner 30. The time until the JAN code from step ST5 to step ST6 is read is measured as the time for calculating the walking ability. And since the place which starts the picking cart 10 in the warehouse 50 is predetermined as shown in the start point 52 of FIG. 5, the distance from this start point 52 to the said location No. 53 is calculated. Then, the walking speed is calculated by dividing the calculated distance by the time measured as the walking ability, and this becomes the walking ability. Since the location position in the warehouse 50 is determined in advance as coordinates, the distance can be calculated based on the coordinates.

  Next, in step ST7, when the JAN code of the instruction data received in step ST2 matches the JAN code read from the barcode attached to the article, the display as shown in FIG. And the second display unit 17. That is, the corresponding location number “BH200” is displayed in the location information area, and “shipment quantity: 1” is displayed in the instruction data area. Container No. Is displayed on both the first display section 16 and the second display section 17 with the product name “AAAA” located in the location number “BH200”. In step ST8, the operator takes out the instructed product (article) and puts it into the container at the A position.

  Next, in step ST9, the CPU 20 equals the weight of the product name “AAAA” stored in the RAM 21 to the weight data output from the first weighing unit (base scale 13) 25 on which the container at position A is placed. To determine whether it is the correct weight. If the weight is correct (YES), the process proceeds to step ST10, and the instruction data displayed in the container information area is erased from both the first display unit 16 and the second display unit 17 as shown in FIG. The display prompts you to press. On the other hand, if the weight is not correct (NO) in step ST9, the process proceeds to step ST13. If the values do not match, an error indicating that there is no number is displayed, and the first display unit 16 and the first display unit 16 indicate that the correct number is to be input. 2 is displayed on both display units 17.

  The product (article) of the shipment quantity instructed in step ST7 is put into the container A, and when completed, the completion key is pressed, so that the picking instruction data from step ST7 to step ST10 is displayed and then the picking is completed. Measure the time until. Then, when the measurement time is divided by the number of picking instructions, the picking time per picking number is calculated as the picking ability.

  Next, in step ST10, when the completion key is pressed, the data worked at the corresponding location number is sent to the management apparatus 100. In this case, information on the shipment quantity: “1” is transmitted, and the result file of the management apparatus 100 is updated. Next, in step ST11, it is determined whether or not there is instruction data for the next location among the instruction data stored in the RAM 21, and if there is (YES), the process proceeds to step ST5 and the above processing is repeated. If not (NO), the process proceeds to step ST12.

  If there is a next product (article) in step ST11, the next location is displayed. As measured in steps ST5 to ST6, the location from the location No. to the next designated location is displayed. The distance is calculated, the walking ability is similarly calculated, and the walking speed of the worker number is sequentially stored. The picking ability is similarly calculated and stored sequentially. When sequentially stored, an average value including the stored data is calculated at the same time, stored at the top, and each capability information is updated. Then, when the worker number is specified and the worker ability is read out, each of the averaged ability information is read out.

  In step ST12, the fact that all work has been completed is displayed on both the first display unit 16 and the second display unit 17, the picking cart 10 is moved to a predetermined position (the delivery area 54 in FIG. 5), and the container is moved. You are instructed to drop it in place. In step ST13, when there is no weight, an error indicating that the number is not displayed is displayed, and a display indicating that the correct number is input is displayed on both the first display unit 16 and the second display unit 17. .

  In step ST12, the next location number is not displayed, and the picking instruction is displayed in the first display unit 16 and the instruction data area of the second display unit 17 and the container information area (see FIG. 9) of the picking cart 10. When the data is not displayed, a display indicating that all data is completed is displayed on the first display unit 16 and the second display unit 17, and the picking operation for one instruction is completed by pressing the completion key. When the picking work is completed, the worker moves the picking cart 10 to the delivery area 54 (see FIG. 5), and lowers the container from the picking cart 10 to shift to preparation for delivery. Then, for the next picking instruction, the worker places the container 32 on the platform of the picking cart 10 as shown in FIG. 1, moves to the start point 52 in FIG. 5, and presses the start key in step ST2. Thus, the next picking operation is instructed. Here, the time (seconds) from the work end display in step ST12 until the next start key is pressed in step ST2 is measured. This measured time becomes the clean-up ability.

  Each time the pre-preparation ability, walking ability, picking ability, and clean-up ability are calculated / calculated as described above, each value is stored in the worker file sequentially, and the average value is the highest for each worker. It memorizes in the upper line, and this becomes each ability of the person in charge. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the worker file. As shown in the figure, the worker file includes “worker number”, “preparation ability (seconds)”, “walking speed (m / second)”, “picking speed (seconds / piece)”, “post-cleaning ability ( Second) "," attendance time ", and" leaving time ". In the portion B of “Preparation Ability (sec)”, “Walking Speed (m / sec)”, “Bicking Speed (sec / piece)”, and “After-cleaning Ability (sec)”, each picking operation The calculated / calculated value is stored as history information, and the average value is stored in the portion A, that is, the top row.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a progress file indicating the progress status of the instructed picking work. As shown in the figure, the progress file stores the worker number and the corresponding progress status. As described in the work instruction file shown in FIG. 6, one picking work instruction includes four container numbers. Indicated by data consisting of Then, the location No. required for one picking work instruction is set. Each time the picking operation at one location is completed, the completion key displayed on the first display unit 16 and the second display unit 17 of the picking cart 10 is pressed. Each time the operation is completed, the number of molecules is counted up by one. When all of the work with one picking work instruction is completed, for example, when the number of workers with the worker number “1111” in the progress file becomes 4/4, all the work with one picking work instruction is finished. It is judged that it was done, and it is deleted from the progress file. Then, when new picking starts and picking instruction data is transmitted to the worker with worker number “1111”, an item with worker number “1111” is generated in the new progress file. As described above, the progress file is used for managing the progress of the work for each worker, and is updated each time work at one location is completed.

  The operation flow of the picking work shown in FIG. 8 is a basic operation flow. However, in the present invention, in order to complete the picking work by a predetermined time, the worker who has transmitted an instruction request signal from the management apparatus 100 is used. The picking work instruction data is presented in consideration of the work end time (shipping time), the ability of the worker, the worker's leaving time, and the progress of other workers. In addition, a plurality of picking work instruction data is divided and presented so that the work is finished by the work finish time (shipping time) set by the worker. This will be described in detail below.

[Presentation according to work end time (shipping time)]
FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a processing flow of the CPU 40 of the picking work management apparatus 100 according to the present invention. Here, processing in the case of presenting picking work instruction data in accordance with work end time (shipping time) is shown. In step ST21, when there is an urgent picking work instruction, the operation unit 44 of the management apparatus 100 inputs the work end time (shipping time) to each picking work instruction data in the work instruction file (see FIG. 6). For example, when an urgent delivery instruction is issued after specifying a product from a certain delivery destination, a delivery destination code is set in advance in each picking work instruction data, so the delivery destination code of the delivery destination is designated. Thus, urgent picking work instruction data can be specified. Thereby, when there is an instruction request from the picking cart 10, the picking work instruction data is transmitted to the picking cart 10 as instruction data from the work for which the shipping time is set.

  The management device 100 receives an instruction request signal together with the worker number from the picking cart 10 (step ST22). That is, when the start key is pressed on the picking cart 10, the worker number and the instruction request signal stored in the RAM 21 (see FIG. 3) of the picking cart 10 are transmitted to the management apparatus 100 via the communication unit 24. The management device 100 receives the worker number and the instruction request signal. Subsequently, the worker number is specified from the worker file (see FIG. 13) stored in the hard disk (HDD) 41 (see FIG. 4), the ability information of the worker is read, and temporarily stored in the RAM 42 (step ST23). ). That is, the preparatory ability information, walking speed information, picking speed (pieces / second) information, and post-cleaning ability information of the worker file are read and temporarily stored in the RAM 42. Subsequently, from the work instruction file stored in the hard disk (HDD) 41, from the picking work instruction data closest to the current time among the work for which the work end time is set, first the target picking work instruction data Is extracted (step ST24). In this case, for example, picking work instruction data for which a shipping time of 10:00 is set is extracted.

  It is determined whether the work of the picking work instruction data extracted in step ST24 is in time for the work end time (step ST25). This determination is made as follows. First, the time difference between the shipping time (work end time) set in the picking work instruction data of the work instruction file stored in the hard disk (HDD) 41 and the current time read from the clock unit 46 is calculated. Then, the distance for walking between the locations of all the extracted picking work instruction data is calculated, and the distance required for walking is calculated by dividing the distance by the walking speed information of the worker ability information read in step ST23. . Then, the above-mentioned step ST23 is read out, and the time required for the preparations stored in the RAM 42, the time required for rear clearing, and the calculated time for walking are calculated.

  Then, the time difference between the work end time and the current time read from the clock unit 46 is compared with the total total time to determine whether the work end is in time for the end time (shipping time) (step ST25). ) If YES, the picking work instruction data is sent to the picking cart 10 that sent the instruction request signal in step ST22. If NO, the process returns to step ST24 to extract the picking work instruction data as a target again. Perform (step ST24). In the re-extraction of the picking work instruction data, the picking work whose work end time (shipping time) is closer to the current time, for example, 11:00 is the shipping time, except for the picking work instruction data extracted last time. Extract instruction data. The same operation as described above is repeated for the extracted picking operation instruction data.

[Presentation according to the worker's leave time]
FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a processing flow of the CPU 40 of the management apparatus 100 of the picking system according to the present invention. Here, a process in the case of presenting picking work instruction data in accordance with the worker's leaving time is shown. Unlike the case of the process shown in FIG. 15, the shipment time (work end time) is not set in the picking work instruction data of the work instruction file, and it is determined whether or not it matches the leaving time of the worker who performs the picking work. 3 shows a processing flow in the case of sending picking work instruction data to the picking cart 10 that has sent the instruction request signal. First, the management apparatus 100 receives an instruction request signal together with the worker number from the picking cart 10 (step ST31). Next, the corresponding worker number is identified from the worker file (see FIG. 13) stored in the hard disk (HDD) 41, the ability information of the corresponding worker is read, and the RAM 42 of the management apparatus 100 (see FIG. 4). (Step ST32). That is, pre-preparation ability information, walking speed information, picking speed (pieces / second) information, post-cleaning ability information, and work time are read out and stored in the RAM 42.

  Next, target picking work instruction data is extracted from the work instruction file (step ST33). In this case, it is assumed that the shipping time (work end time) is not set, and the upper four instruction data in the work instruction file, that is, “container No.”, “shipment quantity”, “location No.”, “product” "Code" is extracted sequentially. It is determined whether the picking work instruction data extracted in step ST33 is in time for the worker's departure time (step ST34). If YES, the bicking work instruction data is transmitted to the picking cart 10 that has transmitted the instruction request signal. (NO in step ST35), if NO, return to step ST33 and repeat the process.

  In step ST34, it is determined whether the time for leaving work is in time as follows. First, a time difference between the work time temporarily stored in the RAM 42 in step ST32 and the current time read from the clock unit 46 is calculated. And the distance which the operation | work of the picking work instruction | indication data extracted walks between all the locations is calculated, This distance is divided by the walking speed read by step ST32, and the time concerning walking is calculated. Next, all the picking numbers of each picking work instruction data extracted are added to calculate the total number. Then, the picking speed stored in step ST32 is multiplied by the total number to calculate the total picking time. Then, the pre-preparation and post-cleaning time stored in the RAM 42 in step ST32, the calculated walking time, and the total picking time are all added up to calculate the total time. Then, the time difference between the leaving time and the current time read from the clock unit 46 is compared with the total time to determine whether the time is enough. In addition, since the above is a problem that is close to the work time, the current time when the management apparatus 100 receives the instruction request signal from the picking cart 10 is compared with the preset work time of each individual person. If it is longer than a predetermined time (for example, 1 hour), the determination in step ST34 may not be performed.

[Presentation considering the progress of other workers]
FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a processing flow of the CPU 40 of the management apparatus 100 of the picking system according to the present invention. Here, a processing flow in the case of presenting picking work instruction data in consideration of the progress status of other workers is shown. First, the management apparatus 100 receives an instruction request signal together with the worker number from the picking cart 10 (step ST41). That is, when the start key is pressed on the picking cart 10, the worker number and the instruction request signal stored in the RAM 21 (see FIG. 3) of the picking cart 10 are transmitted to the management device 100, and the management device 100 performs this work. The user number and the instruction request signal are received. The CPU 40 of the management apparatus 100 identifies the corresponding worker number from the worker file (see FIG. 13) stored in the hard disk (HDD) 41, reads the capability information of the worker, and temporarily stores it in the RAM 42. (Step ST42). That is, the preparatory ability information, walking speed information, picking speed information, and post-cleaning ability information of the worker are read and temporarily stored in the RAM 42.

  Next, from the work instruction file (see FIG. 6) stored in the hard disk (HDD) 41, the shipment time closest to the current time from the picking work instruction data in which the shipping time (work end time) is set. Is extracted as target work instruction data, and a picking number of the extracted picking work instruction data is also stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 42. In this case, for example, picking work instruction data for which a shipping time of 10:00 is set is extracted (step ST43). Subsequently, it is determined whether the work of the picking work instruction data extracted in step ST44 is in time for the set shipping time (step ST44). If YES, the process proceeds to the next step ST45, and if NO, the step ST43 is performed. Returning to the process, the picking work instruction data to be extracted is extracted again. In the extraction of the picking work instruction data again, the picking No. stored in the predetermined area of the RAM 42 extracted last time. Picking work instruction data whose shipping time (work end time) is closer to the current time, for example, picking work instruction data whose next 11:00 is the shipping time is extracted from the picking work instruction data other than the picking work instruction data. The determination in step ST44 is repeated for the work instruction data. This determination is made as follows.

  First, the time difference between the set shipping time (work end time) and the current time read from the clock unit 46 is calculated. And the distance which walks between all the locations of the extracted picking operation | work instruction data is calculated, The time which walks is calculated by dividing this distance by the walking speed information read by said step ST42. Next, all the picking numbers of the extracted picking work instruction data are added to calculate the total picking number. Then, the total picking time is calculated by multiplying the picking speed information read out in step ST42 by the total picking number. Then, the total preparation time is calculated by adding all the time required for preparation and clean-up read in step ST42, the time required for walking, and the total picking time. Then, the time difference between the shipping time and the current time read from the clock unit 46 is compared with the total total time to determine whether or not it is in time.

  In step ST45, a progress file (see FIG. 14) that is updated every time work is completed at one location of each worker is referred to. Next, workers other than the worker who has received the instruction request signal in step ST41 are identified in order from the top of the progress file. Then, the capability information of the worker is read from the worker file and temporarily stored in the RAM 42 (step ST46). For example, when the worker number 1112 is specified, each capability information of the worker having the worker number 1112 is read and temporarily stored in the RAM 42. The number of remaining locations of the worker is calculated from the progress file (step ST47). For example, since the worker number 1112 has the progress information of 3/4, it is understood that the work at one location obtained by subtracting 3 from 4 remains.

  Next, the distance calculated from the current working location and the remaining location is read out in step ST46 from the remaining location calculated in step ST47 and the worker number (code) in the work instruction file. The walking time calculated by dividing by the walking speed is multiplied by the picking speed read in step ST46 by the picking instruction number in the remaining locations, and the calculated picking time and further read in step ST46. Then, the time until the completion of the work of the picking work instruction data is calculated (step ST48). Subsequently, a work completion time is calculated when the worker identified in step ST46 performs the work of the picking work instruction data extracted in step ST43 (step ST49).

  Subsequently, the time calculated in step ST48 is added and temporarily stored in the RAM 42 (step ST50). Further, the time calculated in step ST50 is subtracted from the total time calculated in step ST44, and the result is stored in the RAM 42. Temporarily store (step ST51). It is determined whether the processes from step ST46 to step ST51 have been executed by all workers stored in the progress file (step ST52). If YES, the process proceeds to step ST53. If NO, the process returns to step ST46. . In step ST53, it is determined whether or not the value temporarily stored in the RAM 42 in step ST51 has a positive number. If NO, the process proceeds to step ST54. If YES, the process returns to step ST43.

  In the determination of step ST53, YES, that is, there is a positive number means that the worker specified in step ST46 is faster than the worker who received the instruction request signal in step ST41. This means that the work of the extracted picking work instruction data can be processed. Further, NO, that is, a negative number, is determined that the worker who has received the instruction request signal in step ST41 can complete the work earlier than the worker specified in step ST46.

  Therefore, if NO in step ST53, that is, if there is no positive number, the process proceeds to step ST54, and the picking work instruction data extracted in step ST43 is sent to the worker who has received the instruction request signal in step ST41, that is, the instruction request. It transmits to the picking cart 10 which transmitted the signal. If YES in step ST53, that is, if there is a positive number, the other worker can perform the work of the picking work instruction data extracted in step ST43 earlier, so the process returns to step ST43 and the picking work instruction to be processed again. Re-extract the data. When the picking work instruction data is extracted again at step ST43, the picking No. stored last time and stored in the RAM 42 is extracted. The picking work instruction data whose shipping time is closer to the current time, for example, the picking work instruction data whose shipping time is the next 11:00 is extracted from the picking work instruction data other than the above, and the above step ST44 for the extracted work instructions. Repeat the process of ~ ST53.

[Split presentation]
FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a processing flow of the CPU 40 of the management apparatus 100 of the picking system according to the present invention. Here, a processing flow for dividing and processing the picking work instruction data instructed by another worker is shown. An instruction request signal is received from the picking cart 10 together with the worker number. That is, when the start key displayed on the first display unit 16 of the picking cart 10 is pressed, the worker number and the instruction request signal stored in the RAM 21 of the picking cart 10 are transmitted to the management device 100 for management. The apparatus 100 receives the worker number and the instruction request signal (step ST61).

  The CPU 40 of the management apparatus 100 identifies the corresponding worker number from the worker file (see FIG. 13) stored in the hard disk (HDD) 41, reads the capability information of the worker, and temporarily stores it in the RAM 42. (Step ST62). That is, the preparatory ability information, walking speed information, picking speed information, and post-cleaning ability information of the worker are read and temporarily stored in the RAM 42. Subsequently, in the work instruction file (see FIG. 6), picking work instruction data that is close to the current time among picking work instruction data for which the shipping time (work end time) is set is first selected as the target picking work instruction. Extracted as data (step ST63). In this case, for example, picking work instruction data in which a shipping time of 10:00 is set is extracted, and the extracted four picking numbers are stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 42. Remember.

  It is determined whether or not the extracted picking work instruction data is in time for the set shipping time (work end time) (step ST64). This determination is made as follows. First, the time difference between the shipping time and the current time read from the clock unit 46 is calculated. And the distance which walks between all the locations of the work of the extracted picking work instruction | indication data is calculated, This distance is divided by the walking speed read by step ST62, and the time concerning walking is calculated. Next, all the picking numbers of the extracted biking work instruction data are added to calculate the total picking number. Then, the picking speed read in step ST62 is multiplied by the total picking number to calculate the total picking time. Then, the total picking time is calculated from the time required for preparation and clean-up read in step ST62 and the calculated time required for walking. Then, the time difference between the shipping time and the current time read from the clock unit 46 is compared with the total total time to determine whether it is in time. If YES, the process proceeds to step ST65, and if NO, the process proceeds to step ST66.

  In step ST65, the picking work instruction data extracted in step ST63 is transmitted to the worker who has received the instruction request signal, that is, the worker who has received the instruction request signal in step ST61. In step ST66, the four picking numbers temporarily stored in step ST63 are stored. Is divided into a predetermined number of containers. For example, the container is divided into two containers (step ST66). One of the picking work instruction data divided into two divided containers is specified as work instruction data (step ST67). Subsequently, it is determined whether it is in time for the shipping time (step ST68). If YES, the process proceeds to step ST65. If NO, the other picking work instruction data divided in step ST66 is also specified (step ST69). Subsequently, it is determined whether it is in time for the shipping time (step ST70). If YES, the process proceeds to step ST65. If NO, the process returns to step ST63 and repeats the process. Note that the determinations in steps ST68 and ST70 are made in the same manner as in step ST64, but the number of locations is reduced. In addition, in step ST70, No. In the case of, picking no. However, the picking numbers other than those temporarily stored in the RAM 42 are extracted. To extract.

  In the above embodiment, one container No. is stored in the work instruction file. One location number. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Instructions consisting of may be mixed. Moreover, although the example which mounts the four containers 32 in the picking cart 10 was shown in the said embodiment, for example, in the case of one container, one container number. May be transmitted from the management apparatus 100 as a work instruction.

  Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the technical idea described in the claims and the specification and drawings. Is possible. In the above-described embodiment, the work end time for each worker has been described as the work leave time. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be a lunch break start time or a break start time set in advance, for example.

It is a figure which shows the structural example of the picking cart used for the picking system which concerns on this invention. It is a figure which shows the whole system structure of the picking system which concerns on this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the system configuration | structure of a picking cart. It is a block diagram which shows the system configuration | structure of a management apparatus. It is a figure which shows the plane layout of a warehouse. It is a figure which shows an example of a work instruction file. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the display part of a picking cart. It is a figure which shows the operation flow of the picking operation | work of the picking system which concerns on this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of an initial screen of the display part of a picking cart. It is a figure which shows the example of a location display of the display part of a picking cart. It is a figure which shows the example of a display screen of the display part of a picking cart. It is a figure which shows the example of a display screen of the display part of a picking cart. It is a figure which shows an example of an operator file. It is a figure which shows an example of a progress file. It is a figure which shows the processing flow which matches the picking operation | work of the picking system which concerns on this invention with work completion time. It is a figure which shows the processing flow which matches the picking operation | work of the picking system which concerns on this invention with work time. It is a figure which shows the processing flow which processes the picking operation | work of the picking system which concerns on this invention in consideration of the progress situation of the other worker. It is a figure which shows the processing flow which divides and processes the picking operation | work of the picking system which concerns on this invention to another operator.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Picking cart 11-14 Base scale 15 Handle 16 1st display part 17 2nd display part 18 Printer 20 CPU
21 RAM
22 ROM
23 Charging power supply unit 24 Communication unit 25 First weighing unit 26 Second weighing unit 27 Third weighing unit 28 Fourth weighing unit 30 Scanner 31 Speaker unit 32 Container 40 Arithmetic processing unit (CPU)
41 Hard disk (HDD)
42 RAM
43 ROM
44 Operation unit 45 Display unit 46 Clock unit 47 Communication unit 48 Bus line 50 Warehouse 51 Article (product) display shelf 52 Start point 53 Location No.
54 Delivery Area 100 Management Device 101 Wireless Router 102 Wireless LAN
103 wireless LAN
200 Host computer

Claims (10)

In the picking system for receiving picking work instruction information for instructing an article to be picked transmitted from the management device at the receiving unit and executing the picking work based on the received picking work instruction information,
Picking work instruction information storage means for storing the picking work instruction information;
Worker information storage means for storing work processing capability information for each worker;
Instruction request information receiving means for receiving instruction request information for identifying an operator and requesting the picking work instruction information;
When the instruction request information receiving means receives the instruction request information, a reading means for reading work processing capability information from the worker information storage means;
Extraction means for extracting picking work instruction information from the picking work instruction information storage means;
Calculating means for calculating a work amount until the work related to the extracted picking work instruction information is completed;
The work based on the picking work instruction information extracted based on the calculated work amount, the read work processing capacity information, the current time, and a preset time is the preset time. A judging means for judging whether or not to complete by,
Control means for allocating and transmitting the picking work instruction information determined to be completed at a preset time by the determination means to the worker who transmitted the instruction request information;
A picking system characterized by comprising: The picking system according to claim 1.
2. The picking system according to claim 1, wherein the preset time is a work end time determined for each of the picking work instruction information, and the work end time is stored in the picking work instruction information storage means. The picking system according to claim 2,
If the determination means determines that the work based on the extracted picking work instruction information is not completed by the work end time, the extraction means instructs the extracted picking work instruction from the picking work instruction information storage means. Picking work instruction information other than information is extracted, and the determination means determines whether the work based on the extracted picking work instruction information is completed by the end time of the work. The picking system according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
Work progress information storage means for sequentially updating and storing the progress information of the picking work of each worker,
Read means for reading picking work progress information of workers other than the worker who transmitted the instruction request information when assigning work to the worker;
Identifying means for reading and identifying picking work processing capability information of workers other than the worker who has transmitted the instruction request information from the worker information storage means;
Completion schedule required by the completion of the picking work currently being advanced by a worker other than the worker who has transmitted the instruction request information based on the identified picking work processing capability information and the read picking work progress information A calculation means for calculating an extraction work completion scheduled time when a worker other than the worker who transmitted the instruction request information implements the extracted picking work instruction information;
The determination means determines whether or not the worker who has transmitted the instruction request information completes the picking work earlier than the other workers. If it is determined that the picking work is completed, the control means determines that the extracted picking is performed. A picking system, wherein work instruction information is assigned to an operator who has transmitted the instruction request information. The picking system according to claim 1.
The picking system according to claim 1, wherein the preset time is a work end time for each worker. The picking system according to claim 5.
When the determining means determines that the work based on the extracted picking work instruction information is not completed by the work end time, the extracting means instructs the extracted picking work instruction from the picking work instruction information storage means. Picking work instruction information other than information is extracted, and the determination means determines whether or not work based on the extracted picking work instruction information is completed by the work end time. The picking system according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
The extracted picking work instruction information is picking work instruction information including a plurality of pieces of position information in which an operator moves to different positions and performs a picking work at each position,
When it is determined by the determination means that the work of the extracted picking work instruction information cannot be completed by the preset time, the picking work instruction information including the plurality of position information is based on the position information. The work instruction dividing means for dividing, the re-extracting means for re-extracting one of the picking instruction information divided by the work instruction dividing means, and the determining means are extracted by the re-extracting means and divided A picking system for determining whether the picking work is completed for picking instruction information. The picking system according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
A picking system, comprising: an updating means for updating work processing capability information for each worker in the worker information storage means according to the work of the worker. A management apparatus for a picking system that receives picking work instruction information for instructing an article to be picked transmitted from a management apparatus at a receiving unit, and executes the picking work based on the received picking work instruction information,
Picking instruction information storage means for storing the picking work instruction information;
Worker information storage means for storing work processing capability information for each worker;
Instruction request information receiving means for receiving instruction request information for identifying an operator and requesting the picking work instruction information;
When the instruction request information receiving means receives the instruction request information, a reading means for reading work processing capability information from the worker information storage means;
Extraction means for extracting picking work instruction information from the picking work instruction information storage means;
Calculating means for calculating a work amount until the work related to the extracted picking work instruction information is completed;
The work based on the picking work instruction information extracted based on the calculated work amount, the read work processing capacity information, the current time, and a preset time is the preset time. Determining means for determining whether or not to complete,
Control means for allocating and transmitting the picking work instruction information determined to be completed at a preset time by the determination means to the worker who transmitted the instruction request information;
An apparatus for managing a picking system, comprising: In the management apparatus of the picking system of Claim 9,
If the determination means determines that the work based on the extracted picking work instruction information is not completed by the work end time, the extraction means instructs the extracted picking work instruction from the picking work instruction information storage means. Picking work instruction information other than information is extracted, and the determination means determines whether or not the work based on the extracted picking work instruction information is completed by the end time of the work. Management device.

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