JP2019144632A - Work support program, work support method and information processing device - Google Patents

Abstract

To achieve efficiency in picking work.SOLUTION: An information processing device 101 determines fatigue degree of a target worker on the basis of travel result information during a work period of that day of the target worker. The information processing device 101 refers to a storage unit 110 which stores traffic line distances for each picking work scheduled at a zone assigned to the target worker, and determines the picking work assigned to the target worker on the basis of the determined fatigue degree. The information processing device 101 outputs the execution command of the determined picking work.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a work support program, a work support method, and an information processing apparatus.

  In recent years, picking operations using wireless terminals are performed in distribution centers and warehouses. For example, the worker uses a wireless terminal to accept a picking instruction and perform the instructed picking work. The picking operation is an operation for taking out a product from a shelf.

  As a prior art, for example, there is a system that predicts the time required for work from order reception to shipment, or the time required for shipment from the middle of picking work. In addition, the fatigue level of the waist and feet in the standing posture work is digitized based on the work time restraint rate of each work process, the total time by work, and the number of walks by work, to the waist and foot of the work process. There is a thing that quantitatively evaluates the burden. In addition, the operation status data of the operation rate, work time, cycle time and non-defective product rate in the operation of the production process including manual work is taken in, the database for each work process and worker is created, and the production process is simulated based on the database. Some go and calculate the staffing.

JP 2001-322707 A JP 2003-10157 A JP 2007-72754 A

  However, with the prior art, it is difficult to improve the efficiency of picking work in a distribution center or a warehouse.

  In one aspect, an object of the present invention is to improve the efficiency of picking work.

  In one embodiment, the fatigue level of the target worker is determined based on the movement result information in the work period of the current day of the target worker, and for each picking work scheduled to be performed in the zone in charge of the target worker, Referring to a storage unit that stores a flow line distance indicating a flow line length when performing the picking work, based on the determined fatigue level, a picking work to be assigned to the target worker is determined and determined. A work support program is provided that outputs an instruction to perform the picking work.

  According to one aspect of the present invention, the efficiency of picking work can be improved.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of an example of the work support method according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a system configuration example of the work support system 200. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of the information processing apparatus 101. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of the wireless terminal Ti. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents stored in the worker management DB 220. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents stored in the zone management DB 230. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents stored in the picking work management DB 240. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents stored in the work performance DB 250. FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of the information processing apparatus 101. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a screen example of the picking instruction screen 1000. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a work support processing procedure of the information processing apparatus 101. FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a specific processing procedure of the score calculation process. FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a specific processing procedure of the fatigue level determination processing. FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a specific processing procedure of the work determination process. FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the execution completion notification processing procedure of the wireless terminal Ti.

  Exemplary embodiments of a work support program, a work support method, and an information processing apparatus according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

(Embodiment)
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of an example of the work support method according to the embodiment. In FIG. 1, an information processing apparatus 101 is a computer that supports picking work. Here, the picking operation is an operation in which goods managed as stock are taken out from the shelves in a distribution center, a warehouse, or the like, and sorted according to stores, directions, or the like.

  At distribution centers, warehouses, etc., picking instructions are issued to each worker using a wireless terminal carried by each worker. The picking instruction is an instruction as to how many products are taken out from which shelves in which zones in the distribution center. A zone is an area divided by dividing a distribution center. The zone may be one room or warehouse in the distribution center. Each zone is provided with one or more shelves (rack), and products are placed on each shelf.

  Here, the distribution center is often operated 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and the working hours and working modes of workers working in the distribution center are often various. For this reason, even at the same time, some people have not accumulated fatigue because they have just started work. Some people.

  In addition, there are various levels of physical strength of workers, and even among workers who have started work at the same timing, there are some people who have not accumulated much fatigue and others who have accumulated fatigue. For example, the physical fitness level of elderly workers tends to be lower than that of young workers. In addition, the physical fitness level of female workers tends to be lower than that of male workers.

  On the other hand, if a heavy picking operation is assigned to a worker who has accumulated fatigue, the work time may be increased and the efficiency of the entire picking operation may be reduced. In addition, the worker's fatigue may further accumulate and affect subsequent operations. That is, it is difficult to increase the efficiency of the entire picking operation with a uniform picking instruction.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, when a picking instruction is given to the worker, the worker's fatigue level is determined, and the work support for improving the efficiency of the picking task by assigning the picking task according to the determined fatigue level. A method will be described. Hereinafter, a processing example of the information processing apparatus 101 will be described.

  (1) The information processing apparatus 101 determines the fatigue level of the target worker based on the movement record information in the work period on the current day of the target worker. Here, the target worker is a worker who is a target of a picking instruction among a plurality of workers engaged in picking work in a distribution center or a warehouse. The fatigue level of the target worker is an index indicating the fatigue level of the target worker.

  The work period is a period during which picking work is performed. For example, the work period may be a time period from the start to the end of the picking work instructed for picking, or may be a work time period. The movement record information is information for specifying the movement amount that the target worker has moved within the work period. For example, the movement record information is information indicating the number of steps and the movement distance of the target worker.

  Specifically, for example, the information processing apparatus 101 determines that the fatigue level of the target trader is lower as the movement amount of the target worker (for example, the target worker 120) identified from the movement record information is smaller. In other words, the information processing apparatus 101 determines that the fatigue level of the target worker is higher as the movement amount of the target worker specified from the movement record information is larger.

  (2) The information processing apparatus 101 refers to the storage unit 110 and determines the picking work to be assigned to the target worker based on the determined fatigue level. Here, the memory | storage part 110 memorize | stores the flow line distance for every picking work to be performed in the zone which a subject worker takes charge of. The flow line distance indicates the length of the flow line when picking work in the zone. The flow line represents a route along which the worker moves.

  For example, the zone that the target worker is in charge of may be determined manually from a plurality of zones in the distribution center. Also, considering the characteristics of each zone, it is automatically determined from the physical characteristics of the target worker. It may be decided. The processing content for automatically determining the zone from the physical characteristics of the target worker will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Here, the picking work having a longer flow line distance moves a longer distance from the start to the end of the picking work in the zone. That is, it can be said that the picking work with a longer flow line distance has a higher load on the picking work. Therefore, for example, the information processing apparatus 101 determines the picking work to be assigned to the target worker so that the flow line distance becomes shorter as the determined degree of fatigue is higher.

  In the example of FIG. 1, the flow lines 131 and 132 when performing the picking operations A and B for the picking operations A and B scheduled to be performed in the zone 130 that the target worker 120 is in charge of are shown. Here, the flow line 131 of the picking work A is longer than the flow line 132 of the picking work B. That is, it can be said that the picking operation A has a higher load than the picking operation B.

  In this case, when the fatigue level of the determined target worker 120 is low, the information processing apparatus 101 determines that the picking work A is a picking work assigned to the target worker. On the other hand, when the determined degree of fatigue of the target worker 120 is high, the information processing apparatus 101 determines that the picking work B is a picking work assigned to the target worker.

  (3) The information processing apparatus 101 outputs a determined picking work execution instruction. Here, the execution instruction of the picking work indicates, for example, how many products are taken out from which shelves in which zones. Specifically, for example, the information processing apparatus 101 transmits a determined picking work execution instruction to the wireless terminal of the target worker 120 (for example, the wireless terminal Ti illustrated in FIG. 2 described later).

  As described above, according to the information processing apparatus 101, the picking work corresponding to the fatigue level of the target worker is assigned in consideration of the length of the flow line distance of the picking work scheduled to be performed in the zone that the target worker is in charge of. Thus, it is possible to give a picking instruction to the target worker.

  For example, if the fatigue level of the target worker 120 is high, the picking work B having a short flow line distance and a low work load among the picking works A and B can be preferentially assigned. On the other hand, if the fatigue level of the target worker 120 is low, the picking work A having a long flow line distance and a high work load among the picking works A and B can be preferentially assigned. As a result, it is possible to improve the efficiency of picking work in a distribution center, a warehouse, etc., and to equalize the work load on the worker.

(System configuration example of the work support system 200)
Next, a system configuration example of the work support system 200 according to the embodiment will be described. Here, a case where the work support system 200 is applied to a system that supports picking work in a distribution center will be described as an example. In the following description, a plurality of workers who perform picking work in the distribution center may be referred to as “workers W1 to Wn”, and any of the workers W1 to Wn may be referred to as Wi. Yes (i = 1, 2,..., N).

  FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a system configuration example of the work support system 200. In FIG. 2, the work support system 200 includes an information processing apparatus 101, a plurality of access points AP, and a wireless terminal Ti. In the work support system 200, the information processing apparatus 101 and the plurality of access points AP are connected via a wired or wireless network 210. The network 210 is, for example, a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), or the Internet.

  In the example of FIG. 2, only the wireless terminal Ti is displayed, but the work support system 200 includes wireless terminals T1 to Tn of workers W1 to Wn who perform picking work in the distribution center.

  The information processing apparatus 101 includes a worker management DB (Database) 220, a zone management DB 230, a picking work management DB 240, and a work performance DB 250, and supports picking work in the distribution center. The information processing apparatus 101 is, for example, a server or a PC (Personal Computer). The contents stored in the various DBs 220, 230, 240, 250 will be described later with reference to FIGS.

  The access point AP is a computer that is installed at various locations in the distribution center and capable of short-range wireless communication with the wireless terminal Ti. For example, the plurality of access points AP are installed so that short-range wireless communication with the wireless terminal Ti is possible regardless of the position of the wireless terminal Ti in the distribution center.

  The wireless terminal Ti is a computer capable of short-range wireless communication carried by a worker Wi who performs a picking operation in a distribution center. As the short-range wireless communication, for example, communication such as wireless LAN or Bluetooth (registered trademark) can be cited. For example, the wireless terminal Ti may be a dedicated device, or may be a smartphone or a mobile phone.

  For example, SS (Spread Spectrum) wireless communication may be used for communication between the wireless terminal Ti and the access point AP.

  The worker Wi has a sensor S that measures the number of steps. The sensor S is built in the shoe sole of the worker Wi. However, the sensor S may be mounted on the waist of the worker Wi or may be built in the wireless terminal Ti. For example, the sensor S is realized by a pressure sensor, a triaxial acceleration sensor, or the like.

  In the work support system 200, the worker Wi uses the wireless terminal Ti to accept a picking instruction or input a work result of the picking work. For example, the worker Wi inputs his worker ID to the wireless terminal Ti when performing the picking work. When receiving the input of the worker ID, the wireless terminal Ti transmits a picking instruction request including the input worker ID to the information processing apparatus 101. As a result, a picking instruction is transmitted from the information processing apparatus 101 to the wireless terminal Ti.

  The sensor S is connected to the wireless terminal Ti by wireless or wired. For example, the sensor S is connected to the wireless terminal Ti by Bluetooth communication, and periodically transmits the measurement result of the number of steps (for example, at an interval of 1 minute). When receiving the measurement result of the number of steps from the sensor S, the wireless terminal Ti records the received measurement result of the number of steps in association with the reception date and time.

  Note that the wireless terminal Ti may be able to communicate directly with the information processing apparatus 101 via the network 210. In addition, the work support system 200 may include a computer used by the administrator of the work support system 200, such as a PC, a tablet PC, and a smartphone.

(Hardware configuration example of information processing apparatus 101)
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of the information processing apparatus 101. In FIG. 3, the information processing apparatus 101 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 301, a memory 302, an I / F (Interface) 303, a disk drive 304, and a disk 305. Each component is connected by a bus 300.

  Here, the CPU 301 governs overall control of the information processing apparatus 101. The memory 302 includes, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and a flash ROM. Specifically, for example, the flash ROM stores an OS (Operating System) program, the ROM stores an application program, and the RAM is used as a work area of the CPU 301. The program stored in the memory 302 is loaded into the CPU 301 to cause the CPU 301 to execute the coded process.

  The I / F 303 is connected to the network 210 via a communication line, and is connected to an external computer (for example, the access point AP shown in FIG. 2) via the network 210. The I / F 303 controls an interface between the network 210 and the inside of the apparatus, and controls data input / output from an external computer. For example, a modem or a LAN adapter may be employed as the I / F 303.

  The disk drive 304 controls reading / writing of data with respect to the disk 305 according to the control of the CPU 301. The disk 305 stores data written under the control of the disk drive 304. Examples of the disk 305 include a magnetic disk and an optical disk.

  Note that the information processing apparatus 101 may include, for example, an SSD (Solid State Drive), an input device, a display, and the like in addition to the above-described components.

(Hardware configuration example of wireless terminal Ti)
FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of the wireless terminal Ti. In FIG. 4, the wireless terminal Ti includes a CPU 401, a memory 402, a public network I / F 403, a short-range wireless I / F 404, a display 405, and an input device 406. Each component is connected by a bus 400.

  Here, the CPU 401 governs overall control of the wireless terminal Ti. The memory 402 includes, for example, a ROM, a RAM, a flash ROM, and the like. The program stored in the memory 402 is loaded on the CPU 401 to cause the CPU 401 to execute the coded process.

  The public network I / F 403 is connected to the network 210 via a communication line, and is connected to an external computer (for example, the information processing apparatus 101) via the network 210. The public network I / F 403 serves as an interface between the network 210 and the inside of the apparatus, and controls data input / output from an external computer.

  The short-range wireless I / F 404 is connected to the short-range wireless network, and is connected to an external computer (for example, an access point AP) via the short-range wireless network. The short-range wireless I / F 404 serves as an interface between the short-range wireless network and the inside of the apparatus, and controls data input / output from an external computer.

  A display 405 displays data such as a document, an image, and function information as well as a cursor, an icon, or a tool box. As the display 405, for example, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL (Electroluminescence) display, or the like can be used.

  The input device 406 has keys for inputting characters, numbers, various instructions, and the like, and inputs data. The input device 406 may be a touch panel type input pad, a numeric keypad, or the like, or may be a keyboard, a mouse, or the like.

  The wireless terminal Ti may include, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD, a speaker, and the like in addition to the components described above. Also, the wireless terminal Ti may not have the public network I / F 403, for example.

(Storage contents of various DBs 220, 230, 240, 250)
Next, the storage contents of various DBs 220, 230, 240, and 250 included in the information processing apparatus 101 will be described. The various DBs 220, 230, 240, and 250 are realized by storage devices such as the memory 302 and the disk 305 shown in FIG.

  FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents stored in the worker management DB 220. In FIG. 5, the worker management DB 220 has fields of worker ID, name, height, stride, grip strength, moving speed, presence / absence of a forklift license, presence / absence of a normal vehicle license, and presence / absence of a dangerous goods handling license. By setting information in each field, worker information (for example, worker information 500-1 to 500-3) is stored as a record.

  Here, the worker ID is an identifier for uniquely identifying the worker Wi who performs the picking work in the distribution center. The name is the name of the worker Wi. The height is the height of the worker Wi (unit: cm). The stride is the stride of the worker Wi (unit: cm). The grip strength is the grip strength of the worker Wi (unit: kg).

  The movement speed is the movement speed of the worker Wi (unit: km / h), and represents the average movement speed (average movement speed) of the worker Wi during the work period. This movement speed may be a fixed value set in advance, or may be updated according to the actual movement speed of the worker Wi during the work period.

  The presence / absence of a forklift license indicates whether or not the worker Wi has a forklift license. The presence / absence of an ordinary automobile license indicates whether or not the worker Wi has an ordinary license. The presence / absence of a dangerous goods handling license indicates whether the worker Wi has a dangerous goods handling license (dangerous goods handling person).

  For example, the worker information 500-1 includes the worker W1's name “Fujitaro”, height “171.0”, stride “75.0”, grip strength “60.0”, travel speed “5.2”, forklift Indicates whether the driver has a license “Yes”, a normal vehicle license “Yes”, and a dangerous goods handling license “Yes”.

  FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents stored in the zone management DB 230. In FIG. 6, the zone management DB 230 has fields of zone ID, recommended work height, recommended work grip strength, recommended moving speed, whether or not a forklift license is required, whether or not a normal vehicle license is required, and whether or not a dangerous goods handling license is required. By setting information in each field, zone information (for example, zone information 600-1 to 600-4) is stored as a record.

  Here, the zone ID is an identifier for uniquely identifying a zone in the distribution center. In the following description, a plurality of zones divided by dividing the distribution center are denoted as “zones Z1 to Zm” (m: a natural number of 2 or more), and any zone among the zones Z1 to Zm is denoted as “zone Zj”. In some cases (j = 1, 2,..., M).

  The recommended work height is the height of the worker suitable for the picking work in the zone Zj (unit: cm). The recommended work height is set according to the height of the shelf provided in the zone Zj. For example, the higher the shelf, the higher the recommended work height. The recommended work grip strength is the grip strength of the worker suitable for the picking work in the zone Zj (unit: kg). The recommended work grip strength is set according to the weight of the product placed on the shelf of the zone Zj. For example, the heavier the product, the higher the recommended work grip strength.

  The recommended moving speed is a moving speed of an operator suitable for picking work in the zone Zj (unit: km / h). The recommended moving speed is set according to the area (area) of the zone Zj. For example, the wider the zone Zj, the faster the recommended movement speed. The forklift license necessity indicates whether a forklift license is necessary for the picking work in the zone Zj. For example, the zone Zj on which a container or the like is placed is “necessary” for a forklift license.

  The normal vehicle license necessity indicates whether or not an ordinary vehicle license is required for the picking work in the zone Zj. For example, a zone Zj, which is located away from other zones and is preferably moved by car, is “necessary” for a normal automobile license. The dangerous goods handling license necessity indicates whether a dangerous goods handling license is required for the picking work in the zone Zj. For example, the zone Zj in which dangerous goods are placed as commodities becomes “necessary” for dangerous goods handling licenses.

  For example, the zone information 600-1 includes a recommended work height “140.0”, a recommended work grip strength “20.0”, a recommended moving speed “3.0”, a forklift license requirement “no”, an ordinary car license in the zone Z1. Indicates whether the product is necessary or not and whether or not the dangerous goods handling license is required.

  FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents stored in the picking work management DB 240. In FIG. 7, the picking work management DB 240 has fields for work ID, zone ID, shelf number, flow line distance, product code, product name, and quantity. By setting information in each field, picking work information (for example, picking work information 700-1 to 700-4) is stored as a record. For example, the picking work information is created by an administrator of the work support system 200 and stored in the picking work management DB 240.

  Here, the work ID is an identifier for uniquely identifying the picking work. The zone ID is the zone ID of the zone Zj where the picking operation is performed. The shelf number is a number (column-continuous (depth) -stage (height)) that uniquely identifies the shelf on which the commodity to be picked is placed. The flow line distance is the length of the flow line when performing the picking work (unit: m). The product code is an identifier that uniquely identifies a product to be picked. The product name is the name of the product to be picked. The quantity is the quantity of goods to be taken out by picking work.

  For example, the picking work information 700-1 includes a shelf number “01-02-01”, a flow line distance “40.2”, a product code “0012111”, a product name “potato” for the picking work P1 scheduled to be performed in the zone Z1. “Chip salty” and quantity “21” are shown.

  In the shelf number field, a plurality of shelf numbers in the same zone may be set. In this case, the product code, product name, and quantity of the product placed on each shelf are set in the product code, product name, and quantity fields, respectively. In addition, the picking order in the same zone may be set for each product.

  FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents stored in the work performance DB 250. In FIG. 8, the work performance DB 250 has fields of worker ID, work ID, work start time, work end time, and number of steps. By setting information in each field, work performance information (for example, work performance information) 800-1 to 800-4) are stored as records.

  Here, the worker ID is the worker ID of the worker Wi who performed the picking work. The work ID is a work ID of a picking work performed by the worker Wi. The work start time is the date and time when the worker Wi started picking work. The work end time is the date and time when the worker Wi finished the picking work. The number of steps is the number of steps of the worker in the period from the work start time to the work end time.

  For example, the work result information 800-1 includes the work start time “10:22:11 on January 24, 2018” and the work end time “10:00 on January 24, 2018” of the picking work P1 performed by the worker W1. 32 minutes 21 seconds "and the number of steps" 450 "are shown.

(Functional configuration example of the information processing apparatus 101)
FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of the information processing apparatus 101. In FIG. 9, the information processing apparatus 101 includes a reception unit 901, a specification unit 902, a first determination unit 903, a determination unit 904, a second determination unit 905, an output unit 906, and an update unit 907. And a storage unit 910. The accepting unit 901 to the output unit 906 are functions serving as control units. Specifically, for example, by causing the CPU 301 to execute a program stored in a storage device such as the memory 302 and the disk 305 illustrated in FIG. Alternatively, the function is realized by the I / F 303. The processing result of each functional unit is stored in a storage device such as the memory 302 and the disk 305, for example. The storage unit 910 is realized by a storage device such as the memory 302 and the disk 305, for example. Specifically, for example, the storage unit 910 stores a worker management DB 220, a zone management DB 230, a picking work management DB 240, a work performance DB 250, and the like.

  The reception unit 901 receives the designation of the target worker. Here, the target worker is the worker Wi who is the target of the picking instruction. Specifically, for example, the receiving unit 901 receives a picking instruction request from the wireless terminal Ti, thereby receiving the designation of the target worker identified by the worker ID included in the picking instruction request.

  Note that the reception unit 901 may receive the designation of the target worker by receiving the worker ID of the worker Wi that is the target of the picking instruction from the computer of the manager of the work support system 200, for example. .

  The identifying unit 902 identifies the physical information of the designated target worker with reference to the storage unit 910 that stores the physical information of the worker Wi for each of the workers Wi of the workers W1 to Wn. Here, the physical information of the worker Wi indicates the physical characteristics of the worker Wi, for example, information indicating the height, stride, grip strength, moving speed, and the like of the worker Wi.

  The physical information of the worker Wi may include information indicating the presence or absence of various licenses such as a forklift license, an ordinary vehicle license, and a dangerous goods handling license. Specifically, for example, the specifying unit 902 refers to the worker management DB 220 illustrated in FIG. 5 and obtains worker information corresponding to the worker ID of the designated target worker as physical information of the target worker. As specified.

  The first determination unit 903 refers to the storage unit 910 that stores the conditions of the worker suitable for the picking work in the zone Zj for each of the zones Zj to Zm, and refers to the physical information of the identified target worker Based on the above, the target zone is determined. Here, the target zone is the zone Zj that the target worker is in charge of, that is, the zone Zj that issues a picking instruction.

  Specifically, for example, the first determination unit 903 refers to the zone management DB 230 illustrated in FIG. 6 and is suitable for the picking work in the zone Zj based on the physical information of the identified target worker. It is determined whether at least one of the gripping force and the moving speed is satisfied. Then, the first determination unit 903 determines a target zone based on the determined determination result.

  More specifically, for example, the first determination unit 903 acquires the zone information of the zone Zj from the zone management DB 230. Next, the 1st determination part 903 collates the acquired zone information and the worker information (physical information) of the specified object worker, and calculates the suitability score Kj of the zone Zj. Here, the suitability score Kj is an index value indicating the suitability level when the target worker performs the picking work in the zone Zj.

  For example, if the height of the target worker specified from the worker information is equal to or higher than the recommended work height specified from the zone information, the first determination unit 903 increments the suitability score Kj. However, the initial value of the aptitude score Kj is “0”. The first determining unit 903 increments the aptitude score Kj if the gripping force of the target worker specified from the worker information is equal to or greater than the recommended work gripping force specified from the zone information. Further, the first determining unit 903 increments the aptitude score Kj if the moving speed of the target worker specified from the worker information is equal to or higher than the recommended moving speed specified from the zone information.

  Thus, the 1st determination part 903 calculates the suitability score K1-Km about each zone Z1-Zm. And the 1st determination part 903 determines the zone Zi from which the aptitude score becomes the largest among the zones Z1-Zm to an object zone. When there are a plurality of zones having the maximum aptitude score, the first determining unit 903 determines any zone Zi having the maximum aptitude score as the target zone.

  For example, if the zone ID is a number, the first determining unit 903 may determine the zone Zi having the smallest zone ID as the target zone among the zones having the maximum suitability score. Further, if the height of the target worker is high (for example, 180 cm or more), the zone Zi having the maximum recommended work height may be determined as the target zone among the zones having the maximum suitability score. Further, if the gripping power of the target worker is high (for example, 50 kg or more), the zone Zi having the maximum work recommended grip strength may be determined as the target zone among the zones having the maximum suitability score. Further, if the moving speed of the target worker is high (for example, 6 km / h or more), the zone Zi having the maximum recommended moving speed may be determined as the target zone among the zones having the maximum suitability score.

  Further, the first determination unit 903 may determine any zone Zi having an aptitude score equal to or higher than a predetermined value among the zones Z1 to Zm as the target zone. The predetermined value can be arbitrarily set. At this time, the first determining unit 903 may determine the zone Zj as a target zone when a zone Zj having an aptitude score equal to or higher than a predetermined value is found among the zones Z1 to Zm.

  Further, in calculating the aptitude score Kj, conditions such as height, grip strength, and moving speed may be weighted. For example, when weighting is applied to the height condition, the first determining unit 903 may add “2” to the suitability score Kj if the height of the target worker is equal to or higher than the recommended work height.

  The storage unit 910 may store license conditions required for the picking operation in the zone Zj for each of the zones Zj of the zones Z1 to Zm. In this case, the first determination unit 903 determines whether or not the driver has a license for picking work in the zone Zj based on the physical information of the identified target worker. Then, the first determination unit 903 may determine the target zone based on the determined determination result.

  More specifically, for example, the first determination unit 903 specifies the presence or absence of various licenses of the target worker from the worker information of the specified target worker. In addition, the first determination unit 903 specifies a license required for the picking work in the zone Zj from the zone information of the zone Zj. Then, based on the presence or absence of various licenses of the identified target worker, the first determination unit 903 determines that the zone Zj is selected from the target zone candidates if the target worker does not have a license required for picking work in the zone Zj. exclude. For example, the first determination unit 903 may exclude the zone Zj from the target zone candidates by resetting the above-described aptitude score Kj (Kj = 0).

  Note that the first determination unit 903 determines the zone Zj as the target zone if the target worker has a license required for the picking work in the zone Zj without considering the aptitude score Kj described above. May be.

  The determination unit 904 determines the fatigue level of the target worker based on the movement record information in the work period on the current day of the target worker. Here, the fatigue level of the target worker is an index indicating the fatigue level of the target worker. The work period is a period during which picking work is performed. The movement record information is information for specifying the movement amount that the target worker has moved within the work period.

  Specifically, for example, the determination unit 904 acquires the work result information on the day corresponding to the worker ID of the target worker from the work result DB 250 illustrated in FIG. The current day is the date when the designation (picking instruction request) of the target worker is received, that is, the day when the picking instruction is issued to the target worker.

  Next, the determination unit 904 calculates the cumulative number of steps of the target worker in the work period of the day by adding the number of steps indicated by the acquired work performance information. The cumulative number of steps represents the amount of movement that the target worker has moved within the work period of the day. Then, the determination unit 904 determines the fatigue level of the target worker based on the calculated cumulative number of steps of the target worker.

  As an example, it is assumed that the fatigue level is expressed in three stages of “1, 2, 3”, where the fatigue level “3” is the highest and the fatigue level “1” is the lowest. However, it is possible to arbitrarily set the level of fatigue level. In this case, for example, when the calculated cumulative number of steps is less than α, the determination unit 904 determines the fatigue level as “1”. The determination unit 904 determines the fatigue level as “2” when the calculated total number of steps is not less than α and not more than β. The determination unit 904 determines the degree of fatigue as “3” when the calculated total number of steps is larger than β.

  α and β can be arbitrarily set. For example, α is set to a value of about 5000. β is set to a value of about 20000. That is, when the cumulative number of steps is less than 5000 steps, the fatigue level is “1”. When the total number of steps is 5000 steps or more and 20000 steps or less, the fatigue rate is “2”.

  Thereby, the fatigue level of the target worker can be determined according to the cumulative number of steps in the work period of the current day of the target worker. That is, it is possible to determine the degree of fatigue of the target worker by using the fact that the fatigue of the target worker tends to accumulate as the number of steps of the target worker increases.

  Note that the determination unit 904 may calculate the movement distance of the target worker during the work period of the day by multiplying the stride specified from the worker information of the target worker by the cumulative number of steps. Similar to the cumulative number of steps, the movement distance represents the amount of movement that the target worker has moved within the work period of the day. In this case, the determination unit 904 may determine the fatigue level of the target worker based on the calculated movement distance of the target worker.

  Further, the determination unit 904 may calculate the movement speed of the target worker during the work period on the current day based on the movement record information during the work period on the current day of the target worker. Then, the determination unit 904 may determine the fatigue level of the target worker based on the calculated moving speed and the average moving speed during the target worker's work period.

  In the following description, the cumulative number of steps in the working period of the target worker for the current day is expressed as “total number of steps N”, the moving speed of the target worker in the working period on the current day is expressed as “moving speed v”, and the target worker In some cases, the average movement speed during the work period is expressed as “average movement speed V”. As the average moving speed V, for example, the moving speed of the worker information of the target worker is used. However, as the average moving speed V, a preset average moving speed (fixed value) common to all workers may be used.

  Specifically, for example, the determination unit 904 acquires work result information on the day corresponding to the worker ID of the target worker from the work result DB 250. Next, the determination unit 904 calculates a work time from the work start time to the work end time of each work record information for each acquired work record information. And the determination part 904 calculates the total work time of the day by adding the work time of each calculated work performance information.

  Next, the determination unit 904 specifies the stride of the target worker with reference to the worker information of the target worker. In addition, the determination unit 904 calculates the cumulative number of steps N by adding the number of steps indicated by the acquired work performance information. Then, the determination unit 904 multiplies the calculated total number of steps N by the specified stride, thereby calculating the movement distance of the target worker during the work period on that day.

  Next, the determination unit 904 calculates the moving speed v during the work period of the target worker for the current day by dividing the calculated moving distance by the calculated total work time for the current day. Then, the determination unit 904 determines the fatigue level of the target worker according to the ratio of the average moving speed V to the calculated moving speed v.

  Thereby, the fatigue level of the target worker can be determined by using the fact that the moving speed of the target worker tends to be slower as the fatigue of the target worker is accumulated.

  The determination unit 904 may determine the fatigue level of the target worker based on the calculated cumulative number of steps N, the calculated moving speed v, and the average moving speed V. Specifically, for example, the determination unit 904 calculates the fatigue score E using the following formula (1). The fatigue score E is an index value indicating the degree of fatigue of the target worker.

    Fatigue score E = total number of steps N × (average moving speed V / moving speed v) (1)

  When the calculated fatigue score E is less than α ′, the determination unit 904 determines the fatigue level as “1”. The determination unit 904 determines the fatigue level as “2” when the calculated fatigue score E is not less than α ′ and not more than β ′. Further, when the calculated fatigue score E is larger than β ′, the determination unit 904 determines the fatigue level as “3”. However, there are three levels of fatigue, “1, 2, 3”.

  α ′ and β ′ can be arbitrarily set. For example, α ′ is set to a value of about 6000. β ′ is set to a value of about 24000. Thus, the fatigue level of the target worker can be determined by utilizing the fact that fatigue increases as the number of steps increases and the movement speed tends to decrease as fatigue accumulates.

  As the cumulative number of steps N, for example, the total number of steps in the working hours of the target worker on the current day may be used. That is, as the total number of steps N, not only the number of steps during the picking work on the current day but also the number of steps of the entire working hours on the current day may be used. The cumulative number of steps in the working hours of the day can be specified from the latest step count measurement result measured by the sensor S.

  Further, the moving speed v may be calculated from the work time and the number of steps related to the picking work performed immediately before by the target worker. Specifically, for example, the determination unit 904 acquires work result information on the day corresponding to the worker ID of the target worker from the work result DB 250. Next, the determination unit 904 calculates a work time from the work start time to the work end time of the work result information with the latest work start time (or work end time) in the acquired work result information. Next, the determination unit 904 calculates the movement distance during the last picking work by multiplying the number of steps in the latest work performance information and the stride of the target worker. Then, the determination unit 904 calculates the moving speed v by dividing the calculated moving distance by the calculated work time. Thereby, the fatigue level of the target worker can be determined from the moving speed during the picking work performed immediately before by the target worker.

  Further, the determination unit 904 may treat the cumulative number of steps N, the movement distance, and the fatigue score E itself as the fatigue level of the target worker.

  The second determination unit 905 refers to the storage unit 910 that stores the flow distance for each picking operation scheduled to be performed in the target zone, and determines the picking work to be assigned to the target worker based on the determined fatigue level. To do. Here, the flow line distance indicates the length of the flow line when performing the picking work in the zone Zj.

  Specifically, for example, the second determination unit 905 acquires picking work information corresponding to the determined zone ID of the target zone from the picking work management DB 240 illustrated in FIG. Then, the second determining unit 905 refers to the flow line distance of the acquired picking work information and assigns the flow line distance to the target worker so that the higher the fatigue level of the determined target worker is, the shorter the flow line distance is. Determine the picking operation.

  As an example, the fatigue level is set to three levels of “1, 2, 3”. In this case, for example, when the fatigue level of the target worker is “1”, the second determination unit 905 determines that the picking work whose flow line distance is L1 m or more is the picking work assigned to the target worker. In addition, when the fatigue level of the target worker is “2”, the second determination unit 905 determines that the picking work whose flow line distance is not less than L2 m and less than L1 m is the picking work assigned to the target worker. Further, when the fatigue level of the target worker is “3”, the second determination unit 905 determines that the picking work whose flow line distance is less than L2m is the picking work assigned to the target worker.

  L1, L2, and L3 can be arbitrarily set. For example, the flow line distance of most picking operations is assumed to be within a range of about 10 m to 100 m. In this case, L1 is set to a value of about 70. L2 is set to a value of about 30. That is, when the fatigue level is “1”, a picking work with a flow line distance of 70 m or more is assigned, and when the fatigue level is “2”, a picking work with a flow line distance of 30 m or more and less than 70 m is assigned. ", A picking work with a flow line distance of less than 30 m is assigned.

  Thereby, it is possible to determine the picking work assigned to the target worker so that the flow line distance becomes shorter as the fatigue level of the target worker is higher.

  When the fatigue level of the target worker is “1”, there may be a plurality of picking operations having a flow line distance of L1 m or more. In this case, the second determination unit 905 determines any one picking work having a flow line distance of L1 m or more as a picking work assigned to the target worker. More specifically, for example, the second determination unit 905 determines the picking work with the smallest picking order or the picking work with the largest flow line distance as the picking work assigned to the target worker. Good.

  In addition, when the fatigue level of the target worker is “2”, there may be a plurality of picking operations having a flow line distance of L2 m or more and L1 m or less. In this case, the second determining unit 905 determines any one of the picking operations whose flow line distance is not less than L2m and not more than L1m as the picking operation to be assigned to the target worker. More specifically, for example, the second determination unit 905 may determine that the picking work having the smallest picking order is the picking work assigned to the target worker.

  In addition, when the fatigue level of the target worker is “3”, there may be a plurality of picking operations where the flow line distance is less than L2 m. In this case, the second determination unit 905 determines any one picking work whose flow line distance is less than L2m as the picking work assigned to the target worker. More specifically, for example, the second determination unit 905 determines the picking work with the smallest picking order or the picking work with the smallest flow line distance as the picking work assigned to the target worker. Good.

  The output unit 906 outputs the determined picking work execution instruction. Here, the execution instruction for the picking work indicates how many products are taken out from which shelves in the target zone. Examples of the output format of the output unit 906 include transmission to another computer by the I / F 303, display on a display (not shown), and print output to a printer (not shown).

  Specifically, for example, the output unit 906 specifies a zone ID, a flow line distance, a product code, a product name, and a quantity with reference to the picking work information of the determined picking work. Then, the output unit 906 transmits a picking instruction including the specified zone ID, flow line distance, product code, product name, and quantity to the wireless terminal Ti of the target worker.

  Thereby, the picking instruction | indication which shows how many goods are taken out from which shelf of an object zone with respect to an object operator can be given.

  Further, the output unit 906 includes the specified zone ID, flow line distance, product code, product name, and quantity in association with the worker ID of the target worker for the computer of the manager of the work support system 200. A picking instruction may be transmitted. Thereby, it is possible to notify the administrator of the work support system 200 of a picking instruction to be issued to the target worker.

  In addition, the reception unit 901 may receive a notification of completion of the determined picking work. Specifically, for example, the receiving unit 901 receives the execution completion notification by receiving the picking work execution completion notification from the wireless terminal Ti of the target worker.

  The execution completion notification includes, for example, the worker ID, the work ID, the work start time, the work end time, and the number of steps. The worker ID is the worker ID of the target worker. The work ID is a work ID of a picking work performed by the target worker. The work start time is the date and time when the target worker starts picking work. The work end time is the date and time when the target worker has finished the picking work. The number of steps is the number of steps of the target worker in the period from the work start time to the work end time.

  The implementation completion notification is, for example, information from the wireless terminal Ti via the access point AP in response to selection of the completion button 1001 on the picking instruction screen 1000 shown in FIG. 10 described later displayed on the wireless terminal Ti. It is transmitted to the processing apparatus 101. The picking instruction screen 1000 is a screen showing the contents of the picking instruction issued to the target worker.

  The update unit 907 stores new work result information in the work result DB 250 based on the accepted picking work execution completion notification. Specifically, for example, the update unit 907 sets the worker ID, the work ID, the work start time, the work end time, and the number of steps included in the execution completion notification in each field in the work performance DB 250. Thereby, new work performance information is stored as a record in the work performance DB 250.

  The updating unit 907 may update the average movement speed V of the worker Wi. The timing for updating the average movement speed V of the worker Wi can be arbitrarily set, and is set, for example, at the end of one day's working hours. Specifically, for example, the update unit 907 acquires all work performance information corresponding to the worker ID of the worker Wi from the work performance DB 250 at the end of the working hours of the worker Wi for one day.

  Next, the update unit 907 calculates the work time from the work start time to the work end time of each work result information for each acquired work result information. Then, the updating unit 907 calculates the past total work time by adding the work times of the calculated work performance information. Next, the update unit 907 refers to the worker management DB 220 and identifies the stride of the worker Wi.

  Also, the update unit 907 calculates the past cumulative number of steps by adding the number of steps indicated by the acquired work performance information. Then, the update unit 907 calculates the cumulative movement distance of the worker Wi in the past work period by multiplying the calculated past cumulative number of steps by the specified stride.

  Next, the update unit 907 calculates the average movement speed of the target worker by dividing the calculated cumulative movement distance by the calculated past total work time. Then, the update unit 907 updates the movement speed (average movement speed V) of the worker Wi in the worker management DB 220 with the calculated average movement speed of the target worker.

  Thereby, the movement speed (average movement speed V) of the worker Wi can be updated at any time according to the actual movement speed of the worker Wi during the work period.

(Screen example of picking instruction screen 1000)
Next, a screen example of the picking instruction screen 1000 displayed on the display 405 (see FIG. 4) of the wireless terminal Ti will be described.

  FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a screen example of the picking instruction screen 1000. In FIG. 10, a picking instruction screen 1000 instructs the target worker how many products are to be taken out from which shelf in the target zone.

  According to the picking instruction screen 1000, the target worker W1 selects “21 products with the product code“ 0012111 ”and the product name“ potato chip salty ”from the shelf with the shelf number“ 01-02-01 ”in the target zone Z1. It can be seen that the picking operation P1 to be taken out is instructed. Thereby, the target worker W1 can perform the instructed picking work P1 in the target zone Z1.

  When the completion button 1001 is selected by an operation input using the input device 406 shown in FIG. 4 on the picking instruction screen 1000, a notification of completion of picking work P1 is transmitted from the wireless terminal Ti to the information processing device 101. . That is, the target worker selects the completion button 1001 in the picking instruction screen 1000 when the instructed picking work P1 ends.

  More specifically, for example, when the wireless terminal Ti receives a picking instruction for the picking work P1 from the information processing apparatus 101, the wireless terminal Ti records the received date and time as the work start time of the picking work P1, and measures the number of steps from the sensor S. Get the result. And the radio | wireless terminal Ti records the measurement result of the acquired step count as a step count at the time of the work start of the picking work P1. Further, the wireless terminal Ti displays a picking instruction screen 1000 on the display 405 based on the picking instruction of the received picking work P1.

  Next, when the completion button 1001 in the picking instruction screen 1000 is selected, the wireless terminal Ti records the selected date and time as the work end time of the picking work P1 and acquires the step count measurement result from the sensor S. And the radio | wireless terminal Ti records the measurement result of the acquired step count as the step count at the time of the completion | finish of the picking work P1.

  Next, the wireless terminal Ti subtracts the number of steps at the start of the picking work P1 from the number of steps at the end of the picking work P1, thereby obtaining a target in the period from the work start time to the work end time of the picking work P1. The number of steps of the worker is calculated. Then, the wireless terminal Ti transmits an execution completion notification of the picking work P1 including the worker ID, work ID, work start time, work end time, and the calculated number of steps to the information processing apparatus 101.

  The worker ID is the worker ID of the target worker. The work ID is a work ID of the picking work P1 performed by the target worker. The work start time is the date and time when the target worker starts the picking work P1. The work end time is the date and time when the target worker has finished the picking work.

(Work support processing procedure of the information processing apparatus 101)
Next, a work support processing procedure of the information processing apparatus 101 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a work support processing procedure of the information processing apparatus 101. In the flowchart of FIG. 11, first, the information processing apparatus 101 determines whether a picking instruction request has been received from the wireless terminal Ti (step S1101). Here, the information processing apparatus 101 waits to receive a picking instruction request (step S1101: No).

  When the information processing apparatus 101 receives the picking instruction request (step S1101: Yes), the information processing apparatus 101 refers to the worker management DB 220 and identifies worker information corresponding to the worker ID included in the received picking instruction request. (Step S1102). Next, the information processing apparatus 101 sets “j = 1” in the zone Zj as “j = 1” (step S1103), and selects the zone Zj (step S1104).

  Then, the information processing apparatus 101 executes a score calculation process for calculating the suitability score Kj of the selected zone Zj (step S1105). A specific processing procedure of the score calculation process will be described later with reference to FIG. Next, the information processing apparatus 101 increments “j” of the zone Zj (step S1106), and determines whether “j” is larger than “m” (step S1107).

  If “j” is equal to or less than “m” (step S1107: No), the information processing apparatus 101 returns to step S1104. On the other hand, when “j” is larger than “m” (step S1107: Yes), the information processing apparatus 101 determines the zone Zi having the maximum suitability score among the zones Z1 to Zm as the target zone (step S1108). .

  The information processing apparatus 101 executes a fatigue level determination process for determining the fatigue level of the target worker (step S1109). A specific processing procedure of the fatigue level determination processing will be described later with reference to FIG. Next, the information processing apparatus 101 performs a work determination process for determining a picking work to be assigned to the target worker (step S1110). A specific processing procedure of the work determination processing will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Then, the information processing apparatus 101 transmits a picking instruction for the determined picking work to the wireless terminal Ti of the target worker (step S1111), and ends a series of processes according to this flowchart. Thereby, the picking instruction | indication according to the fatigue degree of the object operator can be performed.

  Next, a specific processing procedure of the score calculation process in step S1105 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a specific processing procedure of the score calculation process. In the flowchart of FIG. 12, first, the information processing apparatus 101 acquires zone information of the zone Zj from the zone management DB 230 (step S1201). The information processing apparatus 101 initializes the suitability score Kj with “Kj = 0” (step S1202).

  Next, the information processing apparatus 101 determines whether the height of the acquired worker information is greater than or equal to the recommended work height of the acquired zone information (step S1203). If the height is less than the recommended work height (step S1203: No), the information processing apparatus 101 proceeds to step S1205.

  On the other hand, if the height is greater than the recommended work height (step S1203: Yes), the information processing apparatus 101 increments the suitability score Kj (step S1204). Next, the information processing apparatus 101 determines whether or not the grip strength of the acquired worker information is greater than or equal to the recommended work grip strength of the acquired zone information (step S1205).

  Here, if it is less than the recommended work grip strength (step S1205: No), the information processing apparatus 101 proceeds to step S1207. On the other hand, if it is equal to or greater than the recommended work grip strength (step S1205: Yes), the information processing apparatus 101 increments the suitability score Kj (step S1206).

  Next, the information processing apparatus 101 determines whether or not the movement speed of the acquired worker information is equal to or higher than the recommended movement speed of the acquired zone information (step S1207). Here, when it is less than the recommended movement speed (step S1207: No), the information processing apparatus 101 proceeds to step S1209.

  On the other hand, if the speed is equal to or higher than the recommended movement speed (step S1207: YES), the information processing apparatus 101 increments the suitability score Kj (step S1208). Next, the information processing apparatus 101 refers to the acquired zone information and determines whether or not a license is required for the picking work in the zone Zj (step S1209).

  If no license is required (step S1209: NO), the information processing apparatus 101 returns to the step that called the score calculation process. On the other hand, when a license is required (step S1209: Yes), the information processing apparatus 101 refers to the acquired worker information and determines whether or not the driver has a license required for the picking work in the zone Zj. (Step S1210).

  If the user has a license (step S1210: YES), the information processing apparatus 101 returns to the step that called the score calculation process. On the other hand, if the user does not have a license (step S1210: No), the information processing apparatus 101 initializes the aptitude score Kj with “Kj = 0” (step S1211), and returns to the step that called the score calculation process.

  Thereby, it is possible to calculate the aptitude score Kj indicating the degree of aptitude when the target worker performs the picking work in the zone Zj.

  Next, a specific processing procedure of the fatigue level determination processing in step S1109 will be described with reference to FIG. Here, a case where the fatigue level is expressed in three stages of “1, 2, 3” will be described as an example.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a specific processing procedure of the fatigue level determination processing. In the flowchart of FIG. 13, first, the information processing apparatus 101 acquires work result information on the day corresponding to the worker ID of the target worker from the work result DB 250 (step S1301).

  Next, the information processing apparatus 101 calculates the cumulative number of steps N of the target worker in the work period of the day by adding the number of steps indicated by the acquired work performance information (step S1302). Then, the information processing apparatus 101 determines whether the calculated cumulative number of steps N is less than 5000 steps (step S1303).

  Here, when the cumulative number of steps N is less than 5000 steps (step S1303: Yes), the information processing apparatus 101 determines the fatigue level of the target worker as “1” (step S1304) and calls the fatigue level determination process. Return to the previous step. On the other hand, when the cumulative number of steps N is 5000 steps or more (step S1303: No), the information processing apparatus 101 determines whether the calculated cumulative number of steps N is 5000 steps or more and 20000 steps or less (step S1305).

  Here, when the cumulative number of steps N is 5000 steps or more and 20000 steps or less (step S1305: Yes), the information processing apparatus 101 determines the fatigue level of the target worker as “2” (step S1306), and determines the fatigue level. Return to the step that called the process. On the other hand, when the cumulative number of steps N is larger than 20000 steps (step S1305: No), the information processing apparatus 101 determines the fatigue level of the target worker as “3” (step S1307) and calls the fatigue level determination process. Return to step.

  Thus, the fatigue level of the target worker can be determined according to the cumulative number of steps N during the work period of the target worker on that day.

  Next, a specific processing procedure of the work determination process in step S1110 will be described with reference to FIG. Here, a case where the fatigue level is expressed in three stages of “1, 2, 3” will be described as an example.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a specific processing procedure of the work determination process. In the flowchart of FIG. 14, the information processing apparatus 101 first acquires picking work information corresponding to the determined zone ID of the target zone from the picking work management DB 240 (step S1401).

  Next, the information processing apparatus 101 determines whether or not the fatigue level of the target worker is “1” (step S1402). Here, when the fatigue level of the target worker is “1” (step S1402: Yes), the picking work for assigning the picking work having a flow line distance of 70 m or more to the target worker with reference to the acquired picking work information (Step S1403). Then, the information processing apparatus 101 returns to the step that called the work determination process.

  On the other hand, when the fatigue level of the target worker is not “1” (step S1402: No), the information processing apparatus 101 determines whether the fatigue level of the target worker is “2” (step S1404). . Here, when the fatigue level of the target worker is “2” (step S1404: Yes), the picking work with the flow line distance of 30 m or more and less than 70 m is referred to by referring to the acquired picking work information. The picking work to be assigned to is determined (step S1405). Then, the information processing apparatus 101 returns to the step that called the work determination process.

  On the other hand, when the fatigue level of the target worker is not “2” (step S1404: No), the information processing apparatus 101 refers to the acquired picking work information, and picks a picking work whose flow line distance is less than 30 m. The picking work to be assigned to the worker is determined (step S1406). Then, the information processing apparatus 101 returns to the step that called the work determination process.

  Thereby, it is possible to determine the picking work assigned to the target worker so that the flow line distance becomes shorter as the fatigue level of the target worker is higher.

(Procedure for notifying completion of wireless terminal Ti)
Next, the execution completion notification processing procedure of the wireless terminal Ti will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the execution completion notification processing procedure of the wireless terminal Ti. In the flowchart of FIG. 15, first, the wireless terminal Ti determines whether or not a picking instruction has been received from the information processing apparatus 101 (step S1501). Here, the wireless terminal Ti waits to receive a picking instruction (step S1501: No).

  When the wireless terminal Ti receives the picking instruction (step S1501: Yes), the wireless terminal Ti records the date and time when the picking instruction is received as the instructed picking work start time (step S1502). Next, the wireless terminal Ti acquires the measurement result of the number of steps from the sensor S, and records the acquired measurement result of the number of steps as the number of steps at the start of the instructed picking work (step S1503).

  Based on the received picking instruction, the wireless terminal Ti displays a picking instruction screen 1000 as shown in FIG. 10 on the display 405 (step S1504). Next, the wireless terminal Ti determines whether or not the completion button 1001 in the picking instruction screen 1000 has been selected (step S1505).

  Here, the wireless terminal Ti waits for the completion button 1001 to be selected (step S1505: No). When the completion button 1001 is selected (step S1505: Yes), the wireless terminal Ti records the date and time at that time as the instructed work end time of the picking operation (step S1506).

  Next, the wireless terminal Ti acquires the measurement result of the number of steps from the sensor S, and records the acquired measurement result of the number of steps as the number of steps at the end of the instructed picking work (step S1507). Next, the wireless terminal Ti calculates the number of steps of the target worker in the designated picking work period by subtracting the number of steps at the start of the work from the recorded number of steps at the end of the work (step S1508).

  The wireless terminal Ti transmits a picking work execution completion notification including the worker ID, work ID, work start time, work end time, and the calculated number of steps to the information processing apparatus 101 (step S1509). A series of processes according to the flowchart ends. Thereby, an execution completion notification indicating that the picking work by the target worker has been completed can be transmitted to the information processing apparatus 101.

  Note that the number of steps of the target worker during the picking work period may be calculated by the information processing apparatus 101 by uploading information necessary for the information processing apparatus 101 from the wireless terminal Ti, for example.

  As described above, according to the information processing apparatus 101 according to the embodiment, the storage unit that receives the designation of the target worker and stores the physical information of the worker Wi for each worker Wi of the workers W1 to Wn. Referring to 910, the physical information of the designated target worker can be specified. Then, according to the information processing apparatus 101, for each of the zones Zj of the zones Z1 to Zm, referring to the storage unit 910 that stores the conditions of the worker suitable for the picking work in the zone Zj, based on the identified physical information The target zone can be determined.

  Accordingly, the zone Zj suitable for the target worker can be determined as the target zone in charge of the target worker in consideration of the physical characteristics of the target worker.

  Further, according to the information processing apparatus 101, at least one of height, gripping force, and moving speed suitable for picking work in each zone Zj based on physical information including information that specifies the height, gripping power, and moving speed of the target worker. It can be determined whether or not these conditions are satisfied. Then, according to the information processing apparatus 101, the target zone can be determined based on the determined determination result.

  Thereby, the zone Zj suitable for the target worker can be determined as the target zone in charge of the target worker in consideration of the height, grip strength, and moving speed of the target worker. For example, a target worker with a short height is assigned to the zone Zj with a high shelf, a target worker with a low grip strength is assigned to the zone Zj on which a heavy product is placed, or the zone Zj with a large area has a low moving speed. It is possible to prevent the target worker from being assigned.

  Further, according to the information processing apparatus 101, it is determined whether or not the license required for the picking work in each zone Zj is determined based on the physical information including the information specifying the license of the target worker. Based on the determination result, the zone in charge of the target worker can be determined.

  Thereby, the zone Zj suitable for the target worker can be determined as the target zone in charge of the target worker in consideration of the presence or absence of various licenses of the target worker. For example, it is possible to prevent a target worker who does not have a license from being assigned to a zone Zj that requires a license such as a forklift license, an ordinary vehicle license, or a dangerous goods handling license.

  Further, according to the information processing apparatus 101, the fatigue level of the target worker can be determined based on the movement record information in the work period of the target worker on the current day. Then, according to the information processing apparatus 101, the picking work to be assigned to the target worker based on the determined fatigue level with reference to the storage unit 910 that stores the flow distance for each picking work scheduled to be performed in the target zone. And the execution instruction of the determined picking work can be output.

  Accordingly, in consideration of the length of the flow line distance of each picking work scheduled to be performed in the target zone, it is possible to assign a picking work according to the fatigue level of the target worker and to instruct the target worker to pick. .

  Further, according to the information processing apparatus 101, it is possible to determine the picking work assigned to the target worker so that the flow line distance becomes shorter as the determined degree of fatigue is higher. Thereby, it is possible to prevent a picking work having a long flow line distance and a high work load from being assigned to a target worker having a high degree of fatigue. On the other hand, a picking operation with a long flow line distance and a high work load can be preferentially assigned to a target worker with a low degree of fatigue.

  Further, according to the information processing apparatus 101, the fatigue level of the target worker can be determined according to the movement amount (for example, the cumulative number of steps N) in the work period of the target worker on the current day. Thereby, the fatigue level of the target worker can be determined by using the fact that the fatigue of the target worker tends to accumulate as the amount of movement (for example, the number of steps) of the target worker increases.

  Further, according to the information processing apparatus 101, based on the movement record information of the target worker, the movement speed of the target worker during the work period on the current day is calculated, and the average movement during the work period of the target worker with respect to the calculated movement speed The fatigue level of the target worker can be determined according to the speed ratio. Thereby, the fatigue level of the target worker can be determined by using the fact that the moving speed of the target worker tends to be slower as the fatigue of the target worker is accumulated.

  Further, according to the information processing apparatus 101, the designation of the target worker can be received from the wireless terminal Ti of the target worker, and the determined picking work execution instruction can be output to the wireless terminal Ti. As a result, a picking instruction can be issued directly to a target worker waiting for an instruction.

  Therefore, according to the information processing apparatus 101 and the work support system 200 according to the embodiment, picking the right material in the right place in consideration of the height, grip strength, moving speed, presence / absence of various licenses, fatigue level, and the like of the worker. Instructions can be realized. As a result, the efficiency of picking work in the distribution center can be improved, and the work load on the operator can be leveled.

  In the above description, the case where the work support system 200 is applied to a system that supports picking work in a distribution center is described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the work support system 200 may be applied to a system that supports warehousing work in a distribution center.

  The work support method described in this embodiment can be realized by executing a prepared program on a computer such as a personal computer or a workstation. This work support program is a computer-readable recording medium such as a hard disk, a flexible disk, a CD (Compact Disc) -ROM, an MO (Magneto-Optical disk), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), or a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory. And is executed by being read from the recording medium by a computer. The work support program may be distributed through a network such as the Internet.

  The following additional notes are disclosed with respect to the embodiment described above.

(Additional remark 1) Based on the movement performance information in the working period of the subject worker on the day, the fatigue degree of the subject worker is determined,
For each picking work scheduled to be performed in the zone that the target worker is in charge of, the fatigue level determined with reference to the storage unit that stores the flow line distance indicating the length of the flow line when the picking work is performed On the basis of the picking work to be assigned to the target worker,
Outputting an execution instruction for the determined picking operation;
A work support program that causes a computer to execute processing.

(Supplementary note 2)
The work support program according to appendix 1, wherein a picking work to be assigned to the target worker is determined so that the flow line distance becomes shorter as the determined fatigue level is higher.

(Appendix 3) Accepting the designation of the subject worker,
For each worker of a plurality of workers, with reference to the second storage unit that stores the physical information of the worker, the physical information of the designated target worker is specified,
With respect to each of the plurality of zones, the target worker is referred to based on the physical information of the target worker identified with reference to a third storage unit that stores conditions of the worker suitable for the picking work in the zone Determine the zone in which
The work support program according to appendix 1 or 2, which causes the computer to execute processing.

(Additional remark 4) The said 3rd memory | storage part has memorize | stored the conditions of at least any one of the height suitable for the picking operation | work in the said zone, grip strength, and movement speed,
The process of determining the zone is:
Based on the physical information of the target worker, determine whether to meet at least one of the conditions of height, grip strength, and moving speed suitable for picking work in the zone,
Based on the determined determination result, determine a zone in charge of the target worker,
The work support program according to Supplementary Note 3, wherein

(Supplementary Note 5) The physical information of the target worker includes information for specifying a license of the target worker,
The third storage unit stores license conditions required for picking work in the zone,
The process of determining the zone is:
Based on the physical information of the target worker, determine whether or not you have a license for picking work in the zone,
Based on the determined determination result, determine a zone in charge of the target worker,
The work support program according to appendix 3 or 4, characterized by the above.

(Supplementary note 6)
From the wireless terminal of the target worker, accept the designation of the target worker,
The output process is as follows:
The execution instruction of the determined picking work is output to the wireless terminal.
The work support program according to Supplementary Note 3, wherein

(Additional remark 7) The said movement performance information is information which specifies the moving amount | distance in the work period of the said operator's that day,
The determination process according to any one of appendices 1 to 6, wherein the fatigue level of the target worker is determined according to a movement amount of the target worker during the work period on the day. Work support program.

(Additional remark 8) Based on the said movement performance information, let the said computer perform the process which calculates the moving speed in the working period of the said operator's that day,
Addendum 1-7 characterized in that the determining process determines the fatigue level of the target worker according to a ratio of an average moving speed in the work period of the target worker to the calculated moving speed. The work support program according to any one of the above.

(Additional remark 9) Based on the movement performance information in the work period of the subject worker on the day, the fatigue degree of the subject worker is determined,
For each picking work scheduled to be performed in the zone that the target worker is in charge of, the fatigue level determined with reference to the storage unit that stores the flow line distance indicating the length of the flow line when the picking work is performed On the basis of the picking work to be assigned to the target worker,
Outputting an execution instruction for the determined picking operation;
A work support method characterized in that a computer executes processing.

(Additional remark 10) Based on the movement performance information in the work period on the day of the target worker, the fatigue level of the target worker is determined,
For each picking work scheduled to be performed in the zone that the target worker is in charge of, the fatigue level determined with reference to the storage unit that stores the flow line distance indicating the length of the flow line when the picking work is performed On the basis of the picking work to be assigned to the target worker,
Outputting an execution instruction for the determined picking operation;
An information processing apparatus having a control unit.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 101 Information processing apparatus 110,910 Storage part 120 Target worker 130, Z1-Zm, Zj Zone 131,132 Flow line 200 Work support system 210 Network 220 Worker management DB
230 Zone management DB
240 Picking work management DB
250 Work results DB
300, 400 Bus 301, 401 CPU
302, 402 Memory 303 I / F
304 disk drive 305 disk 403 public network I / F
404 Short range wireless I / F
405 Display 406 Input device 901 Reception unit 902 Identification unit 903 First determination unit 904 Determination unit 905 Second determination unit 906 Output unit 907 Update unit 1000 Picking instruction screen AP access points T1 to Tn, Ti wireless terminals W1 to Wn, Wi worker

Claims (7)

Based on the movement record information in the work period of the target worker's day, determine the fatigue level of the target worker,
For each picking work scheduled to be performed in the zone that the target worker is in charge of, the fatigue level determined with reference to the storage unit that stores the flow line distance indicating the length of the flow line when the picking work is performed On the basis of the picking work to be assigned to the target worker,
Outputting an execution instruction for the determined picking operation;
A work support program that causes a computer to execute processing. The determination process is as follows:
The work support program according to claim 1, wherein a picking work to be assigned to the target worker is determined so that the flow line distance becomes shorter as the determined degree of fatigue is higher. Accept the designation of the target worker,
For each worker of a plurality of workers, with reference to the second storage unit that stores the physical information of the worker, the physical information of the designated target worker is specified,
With respect to each of the plurality of zones, the target worker is referred to based on the physical information of the target worker identified with reference to a third storage unit that stores conditions of the worker suitable for the picking work in the zone Determine the zone in which
The work support program according to claim 1, wherein the computer causes the computer to execute processing. The third storage unit stores at least one condition of height, grip strength, and moving speed suitable for picking work in the zone,
The process of determining the zone is:
Based on the physical information of the target worker, determine whether to meet at least one of the conditions of height, grip strength, and moving speed suitable for picking work in the zone,
Based on the determined determination result, determine a zone in charge of the target worker,
The work support program according to claim 3. The physical information of the target worker includes information for identifying a license of the target worker,
The third storage unit stores license conditions required for picking work in the zone,
The process of determining the zone is:
Based on the physical information of the target worker, determine whether or not you have a license for picking work in the zone,
Based on the determined determination result, determine a zone in charge of the target worker,
The work support program according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that. Based on the movement record information in the work period of the target worker's day, determine the fatigue level of the target worker,
For each picking work scheduled to be performed in the zone that the target worker is in charge of, the fatigue level determined with reference to the storage unit that stores the flow line distance indicating the length of the flow line when the picking work is performed On the basis of the picking work to be assigned to the target worker,
Outputting an execution instruction for the determined picking operation;
A work support method characterized in that a computer executes processing. Based on the movement record information in the work period of the target worker's day, determine the fatigue level of the target worker,
For each picking work scheduled to be performed in the zone that the target worker is in charge of, the fatigue level determined with reference to the storage unit that stores the flow line distance indicating the length of the flow line when the picking work is performed On the basis of the picking work to be assigned to the target worker,
Outputting an execution instruction for the determined picking operation;
An information processing apparatus having a control unit.

Images