JP2010070310A - Article collection item quantity determination method and article collection item quantity determination system for each operator in logistics warehouse - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an article collection item quantity determination method and an article collection item quantity determination system capable of correctly collecting an article collecting achievement of each operator and reducing the waiting time for a next process start in a logistics warehouse. <P>SOLUTION: The article collection item quantity determination system 1 consisting of a host computer 2 and a plurality of portable terminals 11-13 is used. The article collection item quantity determination method includes a time storing stage for storing the time when each operator conducts a predetermined operation, a respective item operation time calculation stage for calculating a respective item operation time which is the time that each operator takes to conduct an operation about an item, an average operation time calculation stage for calculating an average operation time per item which is the average value of operation time per item, an article collection item number calculation stage for calculating the number of items to be collected by each operator so that total operation time of each operator becomes equal in a next picking process and an article item number determination stage for determining the number of items for each operator to collect articles in the next picking process. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a method and system for determining the number of items to be collected by each worker in a picking process in a distribution warehouse.

  In the field of logistics, it is known that after collecting all items to be shipped, work is performed by a so-called batch picking method in which the collected items are sorted by destination. In this method, after a picking process in which a plurality of workers collect a predetermined number of items stored in a plurality of locations for each item for each predetermined item is completed, each worker collects the items in the picking process. The product is transferred to a sorting process for sorting the ordered items for each shipping destination.

  By the way, conventionally, for the purpose of managing the work time of each worker in the picking process, the supervisor accompanied the worker and sometimes measured the time required for each work of the worker with a stopwatch or the like. . However, in this case, it is difficult for the supervisor to accompany the worker every time work is performed by the worker. For this reason, it has been difficult to accurately grasp the improvement of the skill level of workers who change from day to day. Further, when the worker himself / herself measures his / her work time with a stopwatch or the like, the work time must be measured while working, and there is a possibility that an error occurs in the measured time.

  In the work record collection system and work record collection method disclosed in Patent Document 1, the work record for each worker is collected using an ID tag for identifying a worker, an ID tag for identifying a work target article, and the like. In this system and method, the work time of each worker is estimated based on the working time of the work equipment operated by the worker. Therefore, the system and the method cannot be applied as they are to the work performed without operating the work equipment or the like, such as the collection work in the picking process described above.

  On the other hand, the number of items each worker is in charge of collecting in the picking process is instructed to the worker by the supervisor's experience. Therefore, an inappropriate number of items will be allocated depending on the work ability of each worker, and between the person who first completed the collection work for all the items for which he is responsible and the person who finally completed the collection work. In some cases, there was a difference in work completion time. The sorting process, which is the next process of the picking process, cannot be started unless all the collection operations in the picking process are completed. Therefore, if there is a difference in the collection work completion time of each worker, the sorting process cannot be started until the last person who completes the collection work completes the work. It was mimicking the decline.

In the loading / unloading instruction system and the loading / unloading instruction method disclosed in Patent Document 2, it is indicated that in a distribution warehouse that unloads loads by a plurality of elevators, an instruction for shipping is performed based on the capacity data of the elevators. As a result, a plurality of elevators are efficiently used to reduce the waiting time for delivery. However, since this system and method are also used for instructing final delivery based on the capability data of the elevator operated as work equipment, work equipment and the like can be used as in the collection work in the picking process described above. The system and method cannot be applied as they are to work performed without operation.
JP 2005-182656 A JP 2002-179222 A

  An object of the present invention is to provide a collection item number determination method and a collection item number determination system capable of accurately collecting collection work results for each worker and reducing waiting time until the next process start in a distribution warehouse. It is to provide.

  In order to achieve the above object, the invention of the method for determining the number of collected items according to claim 1 uses a system comprising a host computer and a plurality of terminals communicably connected to the host computer, and each operation in the picking process. A time storage stage in which the host computer stores time when event information indicating a result of a plurality of predetermined work of the user is transmitted from the terminal to the host computer, and the host computer stores the time information in the time storage stage. The work time per item for calculating the work time per item, which is the time required for the plurality of predetermined work performed by each worker for one item, for every item in charge of collection. A calculation step, and the work for each item of each worker calculated by the host computer in the calculation step for each item And an average work time calculating step for calculating, for each worker, an average work time for each item, which is an average value of the work time for each item, based on the number of items each worker is in charge of collecting, and by the host computer Based on the average work time for each item calculated in the average work time calculation step, the number of items to be collected is determined for each worker so that the total work time of each worker is equal in the next picking process. In the next picking process, each worker is in charge of collecting items based on the number of items to be collected calculated in the above step and the number of items for each worker calculated in the collected item number calculating step by the host computer. And a collection item number determination step for determining the number of items to be collected.

According to the present invention, since the work time of each worker is calculated based on the time when the event information indicating the result of the predetermined work of the worker is transmitted to the host computer, the work of each worker in the distribution warehouse is performed. Achievements can be collected automatically and accurately.
Further, according to the present invention, the average work time for each worker is calculated based on the work time for each item in the collected work results and the number of items for which the worker is in charge of collection. Based on the average work time for each worker's item calculated in this way, the number of items to be collected should be determined for each worker so that the total work time of each worker will be equal in the next picking process. To calculate. Based on the calculated number of items for each worker, the number of items to be collected by each worker in the next picking process is determined. Based on the allocation of the number of items determined in this way, if the instruction of the collection work is given to each worker, the work time of each worker in the next picking process becomes almost the same, and each worker is almost Collecting work can be completed at the same time. Thereby, the time difference between the worker who finished the collection work first and the worker who finished the collection work last can be minimized. Accordingly, it is possible to shorten the waiting time until the start of the process to be withheld after the picking process.

  In the invention according to claim 2, the work time for each item calculated in the work time calculation step for each item is that the items stored in the predetermined place after the worker arrives at the predetermined place are taken out. A pick-up time that is a time until completion, a remaining amount count time that is a time from when the removal of the item is completed until the remaining amount after the item is taken out at the predetermined location is completed, and the item Travel time, which is the time from when the remaining amount is counted until the next predetermined location is reached.

  Further, in the invention according to claim 3, the pick-up time includes the time when information indicating that the worker has arrived at the predetermined location is transmitted as arrival event information from the terminal to the host computer, Information indicating that the person has completed the retrieval of the item stored in the predetermined location is a time interval with respect to the time when the terminal is transmitted from the terminal to the host computer as pickup completion event information, The remaining amount count time includes information indicating that the time when the pickup completion event information is transmitted to the host computer and that the operator has finished counting the remaining amount after the item is taken out at the predetermined location. Time when the terminal is transmitted from the terminal to the host computer as remaining amount count completion event information The travel time includes the time when the remaining count completion event information is transmitted to the host computer and information indicating that the worker has arrived at the next predetermined location. This is a time interval from the time when the event information is transmitted from the terminal to the host computer.

  As described above, the work performance of each worker can be collected more accurately by subdividing the work in the picking process for each work content and measuring each work time. Thereby, in the next picking process, the number of items that each worker should be in charge of collecting can be determined more appropriately. As a result, it is possible to further reduce the waiting time until the start of the process to be withdrawn after the picking process.

  In the invention according to claim 4, in the collected item number calculation stage, the average unit work time of a specific worker calculated in the average work time calculation stage is divided by the item unit average work time of another worker. The value is a specific person ability value that indicates the ability ratio of the other worker to the specific worker, and the reference item number that is the number of items that the specific worker should be in charge of collecting in the next picking process is By dividing the total number of items to be collected in the next picking process by “1” plus the sum “α” of the above-mentioned specific person ability values for other workers (1 + α) The number of items to be calculated and to be collected by the other worker in the next picking step is calculated by multiplying the reference item number by the specific ability value for the other worker. Thereby, it is possible to efficiently calculate the number of items to be collected by each worker in the next picking process.

  In the invention according to claim 5, the host computer and the terminal are communicably connected via a wireless LAN. Accordingly, each worker can carry the collection work with the terminal, so that the event information can be easily transmitted from the terminal to the host computer. In addition, for example, the number of necessary terminals can be reduced and the connection environment between the host computer and the terminal can be reduced as compared with a case where the terminal is connected to the host computer by wire and provided in each place where the item is stored. Can be made simple.

  The invention of the collected item number determination system according to claim 6 is an invention of a system corresponding to the invention according to claim 1. Therefore, according to the present invention, as in the invention according to claim 1, the work performance of each worker in the distribution warehouse can be collected automatically and accurately, and the waiting time until the start of the process to refrain after the picking process Can be shortened. Note that each function of the plurality of means provided in the present invention is realized by an arbitrary combination of hardware resources whose functions are specified by the configuration itself and hardware resources whose functions are specified by software. The functions of the plurality of means are not limited to those realized by hardware resources that are physically independent of each other.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
<System configuration>
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a collected item number determination system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The collected item number determination system 1 includes a host computer 2 and a plurality of portable terminals. The mobile terminals 11 to 13 are connected to the host computer 2 through a wireless LAN so as to be communicable.

  The host computer 2 includes a CPU as an arithmetic device (not shown), storage means, and the like. The storage means includes, for example, a memory such as a ROM and a RAM, an external storage device, and the like. The host computer 2 is connected to peripheral devices such as an input device, a display device, and a printing device (not shown). The storage means of the host computer 2 stores software as a program.

  The mobile terminals 11 to 13 include a CPU (not shown) as a computing device, storage means, wireless connection means, input means, and the like. The storage means of the portable terminals 11 to 13 stores software as a program. In addition, the mobile terminals 11 to 13 include a display unit, a reading unit, a sound generation unit, and the like. The portable terminals 11 to 13 can display the information stored in the storage unit using the display unit. In addition, the mobile terminals 11 to 13 can read, for example, information displayed on a barcode or the like or information stored in an IC tag by a reading unit. Further, the mobile terminals 11 to 13 can wirelessly transmit and receive information to and from the host computer 2 via the antenna 3 included in the host computer 2 by wireless connection means. At this time, the mobile terminals 11 to 13 can transmit information to which the identification ID unique to each terminal is added to the host computer 2. Thereby, the host computer 2 can identify the portable terminal of the transmission source for the received information.

  The software stored in the host computer 2 and the mobile terminals 11 to 13 cooperates with hardware resources so that a plurality of workers can store items stored in a plurality of locations in the distribution warehouse. In a physical distribution process including a picking process for collecting a predetermined number of items for each item, the number of items that each worker is responsible for collecting is determined in the next picking process.

<Method for determining the number of collected items>
Hereinafter, a specific method for determining the number of items that each worker should be in charge of collecting in the next picking process using the collected item number determining system 1 will be described.

First, for example, as shown in FIG. 2, a collection item number determination system 1 when three workers (A, B, and B) collect items A1 to A3, B1 to B3, and C1 to C3 in the picking process. The operation of will be described. The phrase “item” means an item of an item that can be an object of distribution such as a product or a part. Hereinafter, the term is used with the same meaning. In addition, each item is stored in a predetermined position (hereinafter, the “position” is referred to as a location) in storage shelves installed at a plurality of locations in the distribution warehouse.
Here, the items A1, B1, and C1 are items for the customer Cus1, the items A2, B2, and C2 are items for the customer Cus2, and the items A3, B3, and C3 are items for the customer Cus3. In addition, the items A1 to A3, B1 to B3, and C1 to C3 are stored in locations (A to K), respectively.

  Before the picking process is started, the host computer 2 determines the number of items to be collected by each worker and the items in charge, displays the results on the display device as a picking list, and prints on the paper by the printing device. To do. In other words, the picking list serves as an instruction for collecting work. The host computer 2 determines the number of items to be allocated to the worker according to a predetermined rule when there is a worker who does not have capability data regarding past collection work among the workers. In the example shown in FIG. 2, since none of the former, the second, and the second one has the ability data relating to the past collection work, the host computer 2 divides the number of items (9) into three workers and the workers. The number of items (3) for each item is determined, and a picking list in which items are assigned to each worker is created.

Specifically, the host computer 2 creates a picking list as shown in FIG. In the picking list pL, items to be collected are listed for each worker. In this picking list pL, it is understood that A is in charge of items A1 to A3, B is in charge of items B1 to B3, and Aka is in charge of items C1 to C3. That is, in this case, it is shown that each of the three persons, Party A, Party B, and niece, is in charge of three types (number of items). In addition, in the picking list pL, for each item, information relating to a stored location, a delivery quantity, a shipping destination, and the like are associated. The picking list pL is stored in the storage unit of the host computer 2, displayed on the display device, and printed on paper by the printing device. Further, the host computer 2 stores an item inventory list indicating the inventory of items as shown in FIG. Items to be collected are listed in the item inventory list iL, and the location and the information regarding the inventory amount are associated with each item.
At the start of the picking process, Party A, Party B, and Samurai carry mobile terminals 11-13, respectively. Each worker confirms the picking list pL displayed on the display device of the host computer 2 and possesses the printed picking list pL.

<Worker's work and host computer processing flow>
Next, the work of each worker (the former, the second, and the second) in the picking process and the processing flow of the host computer 2 associated therewith will be described using FIG. FIG. 4 shows the work of each worker in the picking process and the corresponding processing flow of the host computer 2 in a table format.

When the former moves to the location (A) where the item (A1) is stored according to the picking list pL, and the barcode attached to the location is read by the portable terminal 11, the portable terminal 11 is recorded in the barcode. The information (a) of the current location is wirelessly transmitted to the host computer 2 (step 101: hereinafter referred to as S101).
At this time, when the host computer 2 receives location information (a) as arrival event information from the former mobile terminal 11, the host computer 2 stores the time at that time in the storage means as Ti11.
At this time, if the host computer 2 compares the received location information with the information (a) of the location to which the former in the picking list pL should first move, Is determined to be incorrect, and the destination is notified of the error. Specifically, this notification is performed, for example, by emitting a beep sound or a sound from the sound generation unit of the mobile terminal 11.

After S101, Party A takes out the item (A1) from the storage shelf for the quantity of goods shown in the picking list pL, reads the barcode attached to the item with the mobile terminal 11, and then takes out the item And the number is input to the mobile terminal 11. Then, the mobile terminal 11 wirelessly transmits the barcode information (A1) attached to the item and the input information (quantity) to the host computer 2 (S102).
At this time, when the host computer 2 receives from the former portable terminal 11 the information of the item and the number of items taken out (A1, quantity) as the pickup completion event information indicating that the item extraction operation has been completed, The time at that time is stored as Ti12 in the storage means.
At this time, the host computer 2 compares the received item and quantity information with the information (A1, quantity) in the picking list pL and if the information is different, the retrieved item Is wrong, or the quantity of items taken out is wrong, and these mistakes are notified to the former by a beep or voice.

After S102, Party A counts the number of items (A1) remaining on the storage shelf at location (A) after taking out the item (A1), that is, the remaining amount, and inputs the number to portable terminal 11. Then, the portable terminal 11 wirelessly transmits the input information (remaining amount) to the host computer 2 (S103).
At this time, when the host computer 2 receives from the former mobile terminal 11 information on the remaining amount of the item (remaining amount) as remaining amount count completion event information indicating that the remaining amount of the item has been counted, The time of the time is stored in the storage means as Ti13.
At this time, the host computer 2 compares the received information on the remaining amount of the item with the information on the item inventory list iL and the picking list pL (value obtained by subtracting the quantity of goods delivered from the inventory amount), and the respective information is different. In this case, it is determined that the remaining amount of the counted item is incorrect, and this error is notified to the former by a beep sound or voice.

  After S103, the former places the taken item (A1) on the carriage, moves to the location (A) where the next item (A2) is stored according to the picking list pL, and the barcode attached to the location. Is read by the portable terminal 11. Then, the portable terminal 11 wirelessly transmits the location information (A) recorded in the barcode to the host computer 2. Thus, the former performs the same work as the work in S101. As a result, the host computer 2 receives location information (A) as arrival event information from the former mobile terminal 11, and stores the time at that time as Ti21 in the storage means.

Thereafter, the host computer 2 performs the same operation as S102 and S103 on the item (A2), so that the host computer 2 receives the remaining time count completion event information with Ti22 as the time when the pickup completion event information is received. The time when this is done is stored in the storage means as Ti23.
Further, when the host computer 2 performs the same work as S101 to S103 on the item (A3), the host computer 2 receives the pick-up completion event information with Ti31 as the time when the arrival event information is received. The time when the remaining amount count completion event information is received is stored in the storage means as Ti33.

On the other hand, the second party and the second party start S201 and S301 including the same work as S101 at the same time that the former starts the work of S101. That is, the second party and the second party start collecting work at the same time as First Party and perform the same work in parallel (work in S201 to S203, work in S301 to S303). As a result, when the host computer 2 performs the same work as S101 to S103 on the item (B1, B2, B3), the time when each event information indicating the result of the work of the second party is received. Each is stored in the storage means. Similarly, when the host computer 2 performs the same operation as S101 to S103 on the item (C1, C2, C3), the host computer 2 receives each event information indicating the result of the task of the bag. Each time is stored in the storage means. At this time, if there is an error in the location where the second or second party is moved, the item and quantity taken out, and the remaining amount of the item, the second or third party is notified of these errors in the same manner as in S101 to S103.
Thus, the host computer 2 functions as a time storage means, and collects the work results of each worker by storing the time when the event information indicating the result of each work of each worker is received in the storage means. To do.

<Work performance collection process using the collection item number determination system>
Regarding the above-mentioned “the work of each worker (A, B, and B) in the picking process and the flow of processing of the host computer 2 associated therewith”, the processing as the collected item number determination system 1 that collects the work results of each worker The flow of is as shown in FIG.
In step S <b> 501, the host computer 2 determines whether event information is received from the wireless device A (the mobile terminal 11). If event information is received from the former (S501: YES), the process proceeds to S502. On the other hand, if event information from Party A has not been received (S501: NO), the process proceeds to S511.

  In S502, when the host computer 2 receives event information indicating location information reading, item information reading, or remaining amount input by the former A, the host computer 2 stores the time at that time in the storage means. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S503. Note that the processing of the host computer 2 in S502 corresponds to the processing of the host computer 2 in S101 to S103 described above.

  In S503, the host computer 2 determines whether or not the work at the last location in the former is completed from the event information received in S502 and the picking list pL. When it is determined that the work at the last location of the former is completed (S503: YES), the process proceeds to S550. On the other hand, when it is determined that the work at the last location of the former is not completed (S503: NO), the process returns to S501.

  In S511, the host computer 2 determines whether or not event information is received from the wireless device (portable terminal 12). If event information is received from the second party (S511: YES), the process proceeds to S512. On the other hand, when the event information from the second party has not been received (S511: NO), the process proceeds to S521.

  In S512, when event information indicating location information reading, item information reading, or remaining amount input is received by the second party, the time at that time is stored in the storage means. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S513. Note that the processing of the host computer 2 in S512 corresponds to the processing of the host computer 2 in S201 to S203 described above.

  In S513, the host computer 2 determines from the event information received in S512 and the picking list pL whether or not the work at the last location of B is completed. If it is determined that the work at the last location of the second party has been completed (S513: YES), the process proceeds to S550. On the other hand, if it is determined that the work at the last location of the second party has not been completed (S513: NO), the process returns to S501.

  In S521, the host computer 2 determines whether event information from the wireless bag (mobile terminal 13) has been received. When the event information from the bag is received (S521: YES), the process proceeds to S522. On the other hand, when the event information from the bag has not been received (S521: NO), the process returns to S501.

  In S522, when event information indicating reading of location information by bag, reading of item information, or input of remaining amount is received, the time at that time is stored in the storage means. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S523. Note that the processing of the host computer 2 in S522 corresponds to the processing of the host computer 2 in S301 to S303 described above.

  In S523, the host computer 2 determines from the event information received in S522 and the picking list pL whether or not the work at the last location of the bag is completed. When it is determined that the work at the last location of the bag is completed (S523: YES), the process proceeds to S550. On the other hand, when it is determined that the work at the last location of the bag is not completed (S523: NO), the process returns to S501.

In S550, the host computer 2 determines whether or not collection of work results of all workers has been completed. When it is determined that the collection of work results of all workers has been completed (S550: YES), the collected item number determination system 1 ends the process of collecting the work results of each worker shown in FIG. On the other hand, when it is determined that the collection of work results of all workers has not been completed (S550: NO), the process returns to S501.
As described above, the work results of each worker in the picking process are collected by the processing of S501 to S550.

  In FIG. 2, A indicates that the collection work is completed at point a, B completes the collection work at point b, and 丙 indicates that the collection work is completed at point c. Here, the M point indicates the time when the first, the second, and the heel started collecting work at the same time, and the N point is the time when the last worker (丙) completed the collecting work, that is, all three workers. This shows the point in time when the collection work is completed. A point from the point M to the point N indicates a picking process, and a point after the point N indicates a sorting process for sorting items to a shipping destination for each customer. In this example, since there is a difference between the work completion time of A and B and the work completion time of the heel, it can be seen that there is a waiting time before the start of the sorting process, which is the next process of the picking process.

<Collection item number determination processing by the collection item number determination system>
Next, the flow of processing performed by the collected item number determination system 1 after collecting the work results of each worker (after S501 to S550) will be described based on FIG. The collected item number determination system 1 determines the number of items to be collected by each worker in the next picking process by the process shown in FIG. 6, and creates a picking list for the next collecting operation. . Then, by displaying and printing the created picking list, each worker is instructed to collect goods in the next picking process.

  First, in S <b> 601, a collection worker in the next picking process is registered in the host computer 2. For example, if there are three workers in the next picking process, A, B, and A, enter A, B, and A into the host computer 2 and register them. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S602.

  In S <b> 602, the host computer 2 calculates a work time for each item, which is a time required for a predetermined work performed by each worker regarding one item in the last picking process, for every item in charge of collection. . At this time, the host computer 2 functions as a work time calculation unit for each item.

Specifically, first, the host computer 2 has a pick-up time Tpi1 which is the time required for the former to take out the item (A1), and a remaining amount count which is the time required for the former to count the remaining amount of the item (A1). A time Tci1 and a travel time Tmi12, which is a time required for the former to travel to the next location (A), are calculated. Tpi1, Tci1 and Tmi12 are calculated by the following equations.
Tpi1 = Ti12−Ti11 (Formula 1)
Tci1 = Ti13-Ti12 (Formula 2)
Tmi12 = Ti21−Ti13 (Formula 3)

  Note that Ti11, Ti12, Ti13, and Ti21 in the above formulas are the times stored by the host computer 2 in the above-described S502, that is, the steps of S101 to S103, and the times when the first arrives at the location (a), respectively. , Time when A completes taking out item (A1), time when A completes counting the remaining amount of item (A1), and time when A arrives at the next location (A). .

  Subsequently, the host computer 2 uses the same formula as the above formulas 1 to 3 to pick up the time required for taking out the item (A2) as the time when the instep performs each work related to the item (A2). The time Tpi2, the remaining amount counting time Tci2 that is the time required for counting the remaining amount of the item (A2), and the moving time Tmi23 that is the time required to move to the next location (c) are calculated.

  Furthermore, the host computer 2 counts the pickup time Tpi3, which is the time required for taking out the item (A3), and the remaining amount of the item (A3) as the time when the user performs each work related to the item (A3). The remaining time counting time Tci3, which is the time required, is calculated. In this way, since there is no location to move to after the last location, the work time for each item at the last location is referred to as “time taken to move to the next location after the remaining amount count” Such time is not included.

Similarly, the host computer 2 calculates a pick-up time, a remaining amount counting time, and a moving time when the second person performs each work related to the items B1 to B3. Further, the host computer 2 calculates a pick-up time, a remaining amount counting time, and a moving time when the bag performs each work related to the items C1 to C3.
After S602, the process proceeds to S603.

  In S603, the host computer 2 determines each work (take-out, remaining amount count) for each item based on the work time for each item of each worker calculated in S602 and the number of items each worker is in charge of collecting. , Movement) average work time is calculated for each worker. At this time, the host computer 2 functions as an average work time calculation unit.

Specifically, first, the host computer 2 calculates an average pickup time Tap, an average remaining amount count time Tac, and an average movement time Tam for each item of the former. Tap, Tac, and Tam are calculated by the following equations.
Tap = (Tpi1 + Tpi2 + Tpi3) / 3 (Expression 4)
Tac = (Tci1 + Tci2 + Tci3) / 3 (Expression 5)
Tam = (Tmi12 + Tmi23) / 2 (Expression 6)

Here, when the number of items handled by the operator is n, Tap, Tac, and Tam are calculated by the following equations.
Tap = (Tpi1 + Tpi2 +... + Tpin) / n (Expression 7)
Tac = (Tci1 + Tci2 +... + Tcin) / n (Expression 8)
Tam = (Tmi12 + Tmi23 +... + Tmi (n-1) n) / n (Expression 9)

Subsequently, the host computer 2 calculates the average pick-up time, the average remaining amount count time, and the average movement time per item of the second item by the same formulas as the above formulas 4-6. Further, the host computer 2 calculates the average pick-up time, average remaining count time, and average movement time of the bag.
After S603, the process proceeds to S604.

  In S604, the host computer 2 calculates the predicted picking work time for each worker based on the average work time of each work per item of each worker calculated in S603. Here, the predicted picking work time is an estimated value of time required for collection work (takeout, remaining amount count, movement) per item when a certain worker performs collection work in the next picking process. means.

Specifically, the host computer 2 calculates the predicted picking work time of T as T1 by summing up the average pickup time Tap, the average remaining count time Tac, and the average movement time Tam calculated in S603. Further, the host computer 2 calculates the predicted picking work time of B as T2 from the average pick-up time of B, the average remaining count time and the average moving time calculated in S603. Further, the host computer 2 calculates the predicted picking work time of the bag as T3 from the average pick-up time of the bag calculated in S603, the average remaining amount count time, and the average movement time.
After S604, the process proceeds to S605.

  In S605, the host computer 2 counts the number of items to be in charge of collection so that the total work time of each worker becomes equal in the next picking process based on the predicted picking work time of each worker calculated in S604. Is calculated for each worker registered in S601. At this time, the host computer 2 functions as means for calculating the number of collected items.

Specifically, if the total number of items to be collected in the next picking process is S0, the number of items S1 should be in charge of collection in the next picking process, and B will be collected in the next picking process. The number of items S2 to be in charge of and the number of items S3 to be in charge of collection in the next picking process are calculated by the host computer 2 by the following formula.
S1 = S0 / (1 + T1 / T2 + T1 / T3) (Equation 10)
S2 = S1 · T1 / T2 (Formula 11)
S3 = S1 · T1 / T3 (Equation 12)

  Here, the value obtained by dividing the predicted picking work time T1 of the former by the predicted picking work times T2 and T3 of the other workers (Otsuka and Sakai), respectively, Assuming that the anti-capacity value (T1 / T3), as shown in Equation 10, the number of items (S1) that should be in charge of collection in the next picking process is the item that is collected in the next picking process. Calculated by dividing the total number of numbers (S0) by “1” plus the sum of B's armor ability value (T1 / T2) and Samurai ’s armor ability value (T1 / T3). .

Further, as shown in Equation 11, the number of items (S2) that B should be in charge of collection in the next picking process is the same as the number of items (S1) in which A is to be in charge of collection in the next picking process. It is calculated by multiplying the anti-armor ability value (T1 / T2).
Furthermore, as shown in Equation 12, the number of items (S3) that should be in charge of collection in the next picking process (S3) is the same as the number of items (S1) that should be in charge of collection in the next picking process. It is calculated by multiplying the anti-armor ability value (T1 / T3).
In addition, when the number of items (S1, S2, S3) calculated by Formulas 10-12 becomes a decimal, it is made an integer by rounding off after the decimal point.

For example, the items for which collection is performed in the next picking process are calculated as T1 = 1, T2 = 1, and T3 = 2 for each of the collection workers registered in S601 (Exhibit A, B, and Tsubaki). Are A1 to A10, B1 to B10, and C1 to C10 (total number of items S0 = 30), S1, S2, and S3 are as follows.
S1 = 30 / (1 + 1/1 + 1/2) = 12
S2 = 12/1/1 = 12
S3 = 12.01 / 2 = 6

When there are m workers registered in S601, that is, m workers who perform collection work in the next picking process, S1 to Sm are calculated by the following expressions.
S1 = S0 / (1 + T1 / T2 +... + T1 / Tm) (Equation 13)
S2 = S1 · T1 / T2 (Formula 14)
:
Sm = S1 · T1 / Tm (Expression 15)
After S605, the process proceeds to S606.

In S606, the host computer 2 determines the number of items to be collected by each worker in the next picking process based on the number of items for each worker calculated in S605. At this time, the host computer 2 functions as a collected item number determining means.
Specifically, the host computer 2 determines the number of items (S0) to be collected in the next picking process based on the number of items (S1, S2, S3) for each worker calculated in S605 for each worker. Assign to.

For example, as described above, S1, S2, and S3 are calculated as S1 = 12, S2 = 12, and S3 = 6 in S605 as described above, and when S0 = 30, the host computer 2 sets the number of items 12 to the former, Assign 12 items and 6 items to the bag.
After S606, the process proceeds to S607.

In S607, the host computer 2 creates a picking list based on the number of items assigned to each worker in S606.
For example, when the number of items 12 is assigned to Party A, the number of items 12 is assigned to Party B, and the number of items 6 is assigned to Party IV, as shown above, Items A1 to A10, B1, and B2 (12 items in total) are assigned to Party A. Items B3 to B10 and C1 to C4 (12 items in total) are assigned to the items, items C5 to C10 (6 items in total) are assigned to the bag, and a picking list based on this assignment is created.
Then, the host computer 2 stores the created picking list in the storage unit, displays it on the display device, and prints it on paper by the printing device.
When the process of S607 is completed, the host computer 2 ends the process shown in FIG.

  The picking list displayed and printed in S607 serves as an instruction for collecting work in the next picking process. If each worker performs the collection work according to the picking list, the work time of each worker in the picking process becomes almost the same, and each worker can finish the collection work almost simultaneously.

As described above, the collected item number determination system 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention includes the time storage means, the work time calculation means for each item, the average work time calculation means, the collected item number calculation means, the collected item number. Functions as a determination means.
The collected item number determination system 1 uses the time storage means and the work time calculation means for each item based on the time when the event information indicating the result of the predetermined work of the worker is transmitted to the host computer. Since the work time is calculated, the work results of each worker in the distribution warehouse can be collected automatically and accurately.

  Further, the collected item number determination system 1 uses the average work time calculation means to determine the items of each worker based on the work time for each item among the collected work results and the number of items for which the worker has been in charge of collection. Calculate the average working time of the unit. Based on the average work time of each worker's item calculated in this way, the collection item number calculation means is in charge of collection so that the total work time of each worker will be equal in the next picking process. The number of items to be calculated is calculated for each worker. Then, based on the calculated number of items for each worker, the number of items to be collected is determined by the collected item number determination means in the next picking process. Based on the allocation of the number of items determined in this way, if the instruction of the collection work is given to each worker, the work time of each worker in the next picking process becomes almost the same, and each worker is almost Collecting work can be completed at the same time. Thereby, the time difference between the worker who finished the collection work first and the worker who finished the collection work last can be minimized. Accordingly, it is possible to shorten the waiting time until the start of the process to be withheld after the picking process.

  In the collected item number determination system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, the work in each picking process is subdivided into work contents, and each work time is measured to measure each work time more accurately. Can be collected. Thereby, in the next picking process, the number of items that each worker should be in charge of collecting can be determined more appropriately. As a result, it is possible to further reduce the waiting time until the start of the process to be withdrawn after the picking process.

  The collected item number determination system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention efficiently calculates the number of items that each worker should be responsible for collecting in the next picking process by the collected item number calculation means. Can do.

  Furthermore, the collected item number determination system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is configured by connecting a host computer 2 and a portable terminal so that they can communicate with each other via a wireless LAN. Thereby, each worker can carry the collection work with the portable terminal, so that it is easy to transmit event information indicating the result of the work from the terminal to the host computer. Also, for example, the number of necessary terminals can be reduced and the connection between the host computer and the terminal can be reduced as compared with the case where the terminal is connected to the host computer by wire and is provided for each location or storage shelf where the items are stored. The environment can be simplified.

(Other embodiments)
In the above-mentioned embodiment, the example which comprises the collection item number determination system by three portable terminals and the host computer was shown. In another embodiment of the present invention, the number of portable terminals constituting the collected item number determination system is not limited to three, and may be increased or decreased according to the number of workers.

  In the above-described embodiment, the example in which the host computer and the mobile terminal are connected by the wireless LAN has been described. In another embodiment of the present invention, the portable terminal may be provided for each location or storage shelf where items are stored, instead of a wired terminal.

  Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, an example in which a barcode is attached to each location and each item and this is read by the mobile terminal has been shown. In another embodiment of the present invention, instead of a bar code, an IC tag or the like that can hold unique information may be attached to each location and each item and read by a mobile terminal.

  In another embodiment of the present invention, when an item is allocated to each worker after processing by the collected item number determining means, it may be randomly allocated from among items to be collected in the next picking process. Good. Alternatively, the items may be assigned so that the total number of items taken out by each worker (the sum of the number of items delivered for each item) is approximately the same based on the planned value of the quantity of items to be collected. .

  In the above-described embodiment, an example of operation under the condition (location: item = 1: 1) in which one item is stored in one location is shown. On the other hand, the present invention operates in the same manner as the above-described embodiment even when a plurality of (N) items are stored in one location (location: item = 1: N), and similar effects are obtained. Can be played.

  As described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be applied to various embodiments without departing from the gist thereof.

The schematic diagram which shows the structure of the collection item number determination system by one Embodiment of this invention. The conceptual diagram which shows an example of the flow of each worker's operation | work when collecting a worker's work performance using the collection item number determination system by one Embodiment of this invention. The figure which shows an example of the picking list | wrist used by the collection item number determination system by one Embodiment of this invention, and an item stock list. The figure which shows the flow of a worker's operation | work when a worker's work performance is collected using the collection item number determination system by one Embodiment of this invention, and the process of a host computer. The flowchart which shows the flow of a process when the collection item number determination system by one Embodiment of this invention collects a worker's work performance. The flowchart which shows the flow of a process when the collection item number determination system by one Embodiment of this invention determines the item number which each worker should be in charge of collection at the next picking process.

Explanation of symbols

  1: Collected item number determination system, 2: Host computer (time storage means, item work time calculating means, average work time calculating means, collected item number calculating means, collected item number determining means), 11, 12, 13: Mobile terminal (terminal)

Claims (6)

By a system consisting of a host computer and a plurality of terminals communicably connected to the host computer, a plurality of workers respectively store items stored in a plurality of locations in a distribution warehouse for each predetermined item. This is a method for determining the number of items to be collected for each worker in a distribution warehouse, in which each worker determines the number of items to be collected in the next picking step. And
A time storage step in which the host computer stores a time when event information indicating a plurality of predetermined work results of each worker in the picking process is transmitted from the terminal to the host computer;
Based on the time stored in the time storage step by the host computer, each worker was in charge of collecting the work time for each item, which is the time required for the plurality of predetermined work performed on one item by each worker. The work time calculation stage for each item to be calculated for every item,
Based on the work time for each item calculated in the work time calculation step for each item by the host computer and the number of items for which each worker is in charge of collection, An average work time calculation stage for calculating a certain item unit average work time for each worker,
The number of items to be collected by the host computer based on the average work time for each item calculated in the average work time calculation stage so that the total work time of each worker is equal in the next picking process The number of collected items to be calculated for each worker,
The number of items collected by the host computer based on the number of items for each worker calculated in the step of calculating the number of items collected, and the number of items to be collected by each worker in the next picking process The decision stage;
A method for determining the number of collected items for each worker in a distribution warehouse. The work time per item calculated in the work time calculation per item step is:
Pickup time, which is the time from when the worker arrives at a predetermined location until the removal of the item stored at the predetermined location is completed,
A remaining amount counting time which is a time from when the removal of the item is completed to when counting the remaining amount after the item is taken out at the predetermined place; and
The collection of each worker in the distribution warehouse according to claim 1, further comprising a travel time that is a time from when the remaining amount of the item is counted until the arrival at the next predetermined location. Method for determining the number of items. The pick-up time includes the time when information indicating that the worker has arrived at the predetermined location is transmitted as arrival event information from the terminal to the host computer, and the worker is stored at the predetermined location. The time interval between the time when the information indicating that the take-out of the item is completed is transmitted from the terminal to the host computer as the pickup completion event information,
The remaining amount counting time is information indicating that the time when the pickup completion event information is transmitted to the host computer and that the worker has finished counting the remaining amount after the item is taken out at the predetermined location. Is the time interval with the time when the terminal count is transmitted from the terminal to the host computer as the remaining amount count completion event information,
The travel time includes the time when the remaining amount count completion event information is transmitted to the host computer and information indicating that the worker has arrived at the next predetermined location as arrival event information from the terminal. 3. The method for determining the number of collected items for each worker in a distribution warehouse according to claim 2, wherein the time interval is the time interval from the time when the data was transmitted to the computer. In the stage of calculating the number of collected items,
A value obtained by dividing the average unit work time of the specific worker calculated in the average work time calculation step by the average unit work time of the other worker by the item unit average work time is a ratio of the ability of the other worker to the specific worker. The specific person ability value that indicates
The number of reference items, which is the number of items that a specific worker should be in charge of collection in the next picking process, is set to “1” for the total number of items collected in the next picking process. By dividing by the value (1 + α) that is the sum of the above specific person ability values of “α” plus (1 + α),
The number of items that other workers should be in charge of collecting in the next picking process is calculated by multiplying the reference item number by the specific ability value for the other workers. Item 4. A method for determining the number of collected items for each worker in the distribution warehouse according to any one of Items 1 to 3.   The method for determining the number of collected items for each worker in a distribution warehouse according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the host computer and the terminal are communicably connected via a wireless LAN. . It consists of a host computer and a plurality of terminals communicably connected to the host computer, and a plurality of workers store items stored in a plurality of locations in a distribution warehouse for each predetermined item. A system for determining the number of collected items for each worker in a distribution warehouse that determines the number of items that each worker should be responsible for collecting in the next picking process in a logistics process that includes a picking process that collects the number of items. ,
Time storage means for storing in the host computer the time when event information indicating a plurality of predetermined work results of each worker in the picking process is transmitted from the terminal to the host computer;
Based on the time stored in the time storage means, the work time for each item, which is the time required for the plurality of predetermined work performed by each worker for one item, is set for every item in charge of collection. Work time calculation means for each item to be calculated;
Based on the work time per item of each worker calculated by the work time calculation means per item and the number of items each worker is in charge of collecting, the average work per item which is the average value of the work time per item An average work time calculating means for calculating time for each worker;
Based on the average work time for each item calculated by the average work time calculation means, the number of items to be collected is set for each worker so that the total work time of each worker is equal in the next picking process. Means for calculating the number of collected items to be calculated;
Based on the number of items for each worker calculated by the collected item number calculating means, the collected item number determining means for determining the number of items that each worker should be responsible for collecting in the next picking process;
A system for determining the number of items to be collected for each worker in a distribution warehouse.

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