JP2022020612A - Delivery management device - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a delivery management device that can improve the efficiency of a work of collecting and delivering an article from a storage.SOLUTION: A delivery management device of the present invention includes traffic line creation means that creates a traffic line that is a movement route for a collection work that collects an article to be shipped from a storage based on a delivery instruction information, work time calculation means for calculating a work time required for the collection work along the traffic line, work plan creation means to create a work plan that shows the collection work over time in consideration of the work time, and display means that displays the progress of an actual work which is an actual collection work in comparison with the wok plan. Display means displays a completion estimated time of the actual work and issues a warning when the actual work is delayed with respect to the work plan. Display means also displays the progress of an assist work when the assist work is introduced to assist the actual work that is delayed with respect to the work plan.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5C

Description

The present invention relates to a delivery management device capable of improving the efficiency of delivery work of collecting and shipping desired articles from a storage.

More efficient delivery work is required to appropriately collect and ship desired articles from storages containing a wide variety of articles (finished products, parts (including spare parts), etc.). Descriptions related to these are found, for example, in the following patent documents.

Utility Model Registration No. 3187207

The above document proposes a frontage management device that is formed by partitioning a shelf and can grasp the state of a large number of frontages (locations) arranged in large numbers according to the product number of the article from a bird's-eye view. According to the present proposal, since appropriate frontage management is possible, the delivery work is indirectly streamlined. However, the device does not directly improve the efficiency of shipping work.

The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a delivery management device capable of directly improving the efficiency of delivery work.

As a result of diligent research to solve this problem, the present inventor accurately predicts the expected flow line and work time when collecting articles from the storage, and the work plan and actual work created based on them. The idea was to manage the shipping work accurately by comparing it with the progress status and displaying it. By embodying this, the present invention described below has been completed.

<< Delivery management device >>
(1) The present invention relates to a flow line creating means for creating a flow line, which is a movement route of a collection work for collecting articles to be shipped from a storage based on delivery instruction information, and the collection work along the flow line. A work time calculation means for calculating the required work time, a work plan creation means for creating a work plan showing the collection work over time in consideration of the work time, and an actual work which is the actual collection work to be performed. It is a delivery management device provided with a display means for displaying the progress status of the work plan in comparison with the work plan.

(2) According to the delivery management device of the present invention, accurate and efficient delivery management is possible. The reason for this is as follows. First, the flow line creating means defines (creates) an efficient movement route (traffic line) along the collection work of the goods to be delivered. Next, the work time calculation means calculates the work time required for the collection work along the flow line with high accuracy. Further, the work plan creating means uses the predicted work time to create a work plan (schedule) showing the collection work over time. Then, the display means displays the progress status (work record) of the actual collection work (actual work) while comparing it with the work plan. In this way, according to the delivery management device of the present invention, the progress and delay of the actual work can be accurately and accurately grasped.

In this way, the manager, the worker, etc. determine whether or not the collection work is completed by the predetermined delivery (shipment) time, and whether or not assistance (relief, assistance, etc.) is required for the delayed collection work. Etc. can be done accurately. As a result, the efficiency of the collection work can be improved, and the delivery work can be completed more reliably by the delivery date (delivery deadline time).

"others"
(1) Specifically, the delivery management device of the present invention is realized by causing various computers to execute a program constituting each of the above-mentioned means. The computer may include not only the host computer but also a terminal capable of communicating with the host computer.

(2) The present invention can also be grasped as a program for causing a computer to execute each of the above-mentioned means. Further, if the above-mentioned means is read as a step, the present invention can be grasped as a delivery management method or the like. Further, when each means is realized by a communicable host computer and a terminal, the present invention is also grasped as a delivery management system.

It is a flowchart related to the issue management. It is a figure which shows an example of the flow line created in the warehouse. It is a table which shows the calculation example of the working time. It is a figure which shows the example of making a work plan. It is a figure which shows the display example which compared the work plan and the progress situation (work result) of an actual work. It is a figure which shows the display example when the completion predicted time of the actual work exceeds the delivery deadline time. It is a figure which shows the display example when assistance work was introduced.

The contents described in this specification can be applied not only as a delivery management device but also to a delivery management program, a delivery management method, a delivery management system, and the like. One or more components arbitrarily selected from the present specification may be added to the components of the present invention described above. Which embodiment is the best depends on the target, required performance, and the like.

<< Means of creating flow lines >>
The flow line creating means defines a movement route (traffic line) in the storage related to the collection work based on the delivery instruction information. At this time, a route (traffic line) having the shortest travel distance is usually created.

The delivery instruction information includes various information (data) such as the delivery location (shipping destination), the delivery (deadline) time, the type and quantity of the goods to be delivered, and the like. If a plurality of delivery instruction information can be handled in the collection work per lap (1 cycle), the efficiency of the delivery work can be improved. Therefore, when there are a plurality of delivery instruction information, the flow line creation means may create a flow line by aggregating at least two or more delivery instruction information (cores).

<< Working time calculation method >>
The working time calculation means calculates the required time (working time) when performing the collecting work along the defined flow line. The work time is the type (frontage) of the goods to be collected, the quantity thereof, the movement distance and movement speed along the flow line, the number of aggregated delivery instruction information, and the setup to be performed at the start and end of each collection work. It is calculated in consideration of the man-hours and time involved. Formulas and constants necessary for calculating the work time are set in advance, but may be changed as appropriate in consideration of the work history and the like.

At least the working time includes the time to move along the flow line and the time to take out the article from the frontage on the flow line. The travel time is calculated, for example, based on the travel distance on the movement line and the travel speed thereof. Usually, the movement time is obtained by dividing the flow line distance by the movement speed. However, the moving speed does not have to be constant. Even if different movement speeds are set for each movement section on the flow line or for each work content, depending on the form of the storage and the content of the collection work (type (for example, weight, size, etc.) and amount of the goods to be collected). good. By appropriately setting each movement speed, it is possible to calculate the movement time more accurately and to create a work plan.

The take-out time is the time required to take out at least one or more articles from the frontage (a shelf or a section separating the shelves) containing the articles. When moving between a plurality of frontages in one round (one cycle) of collection work, the total time required for taking out the goods in each frontage (unit take-out time) is the take-out time. The take-out time is also calculated in consideration of the number of frontages in which the goods to be collected are stored, as well as the type and quantity of the goods to be taken out at each frontage. By appropriately setting each unit take-out time, it is possible to calculate the take-out time more accurately and to create a work plan.

<< Means for creating work plans >>
The work plan creating means creates a work plan (schedule) showing the collection work over time based on the work time calculated according to the collection work. The work plan is created, for example, as follows. First, on the time axis, the start time of the collection work and the expected completion time or the delivery deadline time are set based on the delivery instruction information.

Further, the required number of workers is calculated by dividing the total work time obtained by the work time calculation means by the work time for one day per worker (for example, 8 Hr / day). Allocate workers for the number of workers.

Next, the collection work is arranged in order from the start time, for example, in the order of the cycle with the longest work time. At this time, the work is automatically arranged so that the work end time of each worker is even. The length of each collection work (core) shall be each (unit) work time.

It is efficient for the work plan creation means to automatically create a work plan based on the delivery instruction information. The work plan creation means may further include a plan change means capable of changing the work plan. As a result, the delivery manager or the like can optimize the work plan in consideration of individual circumstances (circumstances related to the workers to be collected, goods, etc., other external circumstances, etc.).

<< Display means >>
The display means displays the progress of the actual work (also referred to as “work record”), which is the actual collection work, in comparison with the work plan. As a result, the progress of the actual work with respect to the work plan can be visually and efficiently grasped. The display means includes not only a display device (display) but also a program for processing the display content.

The display means may at least display the estimated completion time of the actual work. This makes it easy to determine, for example, whether or not the actual work is completed by the scheduled delivery (shipment) time. In addition, the progress / delay of the actual work with respect to the time can be visually grasped.

The display means may include a warning means for issuing a warning when there is a predetermined delay in the progress of the actual work with respect to the work plan. As a result, the delivery manager or the like can accurately assist the delayed actual work, for example. The warning may be displayed only on the screen displaying the work record and the work plan, or a separately provided lamp (so-called "andon") may be turned on.

In addition, when the display means assists the actual work whose progress is behind the work plan, the progress status of the assisted work may also be displayed. As a result, the entire collection work can be clarified, and the excess or deficiency of assistance work can be appropriately judged.

"others"
In addition to humans (workers, managers, etc.), robots, automatic transport devices, and the like may perform the collection work and assist work of goods.

As an example of the delivery management device of the present invention, the present invention will be specifically described by taking up a system for managing the delivery of a wide variety of automobile spare parts (articles) stored in a warehouse (storage).

"Constitution"
The delivery management system includes a terminal owned by each worker who collects spare parts, a host computer capable of communicating with these terminals, a display displaying the contents calculated by the host computer, and a warning light.

The terminal is equipped with a tablet and a barcode reader. The tablet displays the type and number of spare parts to be collected by the worker, the storage location thereof, the movement route (traffic line) in the warehouse, the time required for the work, the time when the work should be completed, and the like. The barcode reader reads various instructions and the part numbers of the collected parts. The tablet is capable of two-way communication with the host computer wirelessly. The barcode reader and tablet can communicate by wire or wirelessly. The data read by the barcode reader is taken into the tablet.

In addition, the start time and the end time may be recorded for each worker in the home position (the start position of the goods issue and the place where the goods are returned after the goods are delivered). For example, a bar code scanner may be used to read the worker ID and the identifier (cycle No.) of the delivery instruction data to be delivered next, and the work time for each worker may be registered.

Like a normal computer, the host computer includes an input device, a storage device for storing a program and various data, an arithmetic device for operating the program and processing the data, and the like. Since the host computer reads the delivery instruction data (delivery instruction information), it can communicate with the outside of the warehouse (supplied parts supply company, dealer, etc.).

The display displays work plans, work results, delivery deadlines, actual work progress, warnings, etc. related to the collection and delivery of spare parts according to commands from the host computer. The warning light (for example, a red light) is turned on when a warning is displayed on the display (for example, when the collection work is not in time for the delivery deadline and the collection work needs assistance). As a result, the manager or worker in the warehouse recognizes that the collection work has a considerable delay.

"process"
The processing by the delivery management system (delivery management processing) is performed by executing the program in which the host computer is installed. Hereinafter, the contents thereof will be specifically described based on the flowchart shown in FIG.

(1) The host computer reads the delivery instruction data (ordering data) (step S1). The delivery instruction data consists of a group of types of spare parts to be delivered from the warehouse, their quantity (quantity), delivery deadline time (or collection completion time of spare parts), delivery destination (shipping destination), and the like. One delivery instruction data consisting of such a group is appropriately referred to as a "core". Normally, the host computer reads a large number of delivery instruction data at one time for one delivery deadline.

(2) The host computer aggregates a large number of read delivery instruction data (cores) in association with the delivery deadline time (step S21). The movement route (traffic line) in the warehouse where all of the aggregated spare parts are collected most efficiently is calculated and defined (step S22). This aggregation process and flow line demarcation correspond to the flow line creation referred to in the present invention.

An example of the flow line (bent thick solid line) created in this way is shown in FIG. As can be seen from FIG. 2, a large number of shelves are regularly arranged in the vertical and horizontal directions in the warehouse, and each shelf is also divided into a large number of sections (frontages) in the vertical and horizontal directions. Has been done. Each frontage contains one or more types of spare parts distinguished by product number. The flow line is created along the aisle between the shelves. The numbers attached to the flow lines in FIG. 2 indicate the order of the movement routes. Normally, a flow line is created that starts from the home where the delivery management is performed and returns to that home. Pre-collection setup is done at the home, and the collected spare parts are shipped (shipped) via the home.

(3) The host computer calculates the time (working time) required for collecting each spare part along the defined flow line (step S3). For example, as shown in FIG. 3, a subtotal for each parameter is calculated based on a preset unit. Based on those subtotals, the total working time is calculated.

The number of setups shown in FIG. 3 is the number of man-hours required to calculate the time required for preparing a box for storing the collected spare parts and a trolley for carrying the box. The number of aggregates is the number of aggregated issue instruction data. As the number of aggregates increases, the time required to import the information required for collection work to the terminal also increases. In the case illustrated in FIG. 3, the base time: 10 seconds and the time corresponding to the number of cores: 3 seconds × 2 = 6 seconds are required. The quantity is necessary for calculating the take-out time of spare parts, and the flow line distance is necessary for calculating the moving time of the worker.

(4) The host computer automatically formulates a work plan based on the calculated work time (step S4). FIG. 4 shows an example of displaying the situation on the display. Here, the collection work is assigned to two workers, and the work plan of each worker is shown on the upper side. The numbers (No. 1 to 8) attached to the work plan are the order in which the aggregation process (core aggregation) is performed.

The allocation of each collection work to each worker is, for example, by allocating the collection work having a long work time to the worker with the earliest work end time in order so that the work end times among all the workers are close to each other. Will be done. Specifically, it is as follows. In the order of longest working time (in this example, No. 4 → No. 3 → No. 6 → No. 1 → No. 2 → No. 7 → No. 8 → No. 5), each collecting work is performed by each worker. (In this example, it is assigned to worker A and worker B). When the collection work (No. 4) with the longest work time is assigned to a certain worker (worker A in this example), the collection work (No. 3) with the next longest work time is the estimated work completion time. Is assigned to another worker (worker B in this example) who is the earliest.

The collection work (No. 6), which has the next longest work time, is assigned to the worker B because the worker B is earlier than the expected work completion time of the worker A and the worker B. The collection work (No. 1), which has the next longest work time, is also assigned to the worker B because the worker B is still earlier than the worker B by comparing the estimated work completion times of the worker A and the worker B. In this way, while comparing the estimated work end times of each worker, allocation to each worker is made in order from the collection work having the longest work time. The work plan for allocating each collection work to each worker can be manually modified by an administrator or the like.

(5) When the worker starts the work of collecting spare parts (actual work), the progress (work record) is shown on the lower side of the work plan (step S51). Each time the worker collects the spare parts, the worker reads the barcode displayed on the spare parts, the frontage, etc. with the barcode reader. The data is communicated from the worker's terminal to the host computer. In this way, the host computer keeps track of the progress of the collection work of each worker.

The progress may be grasped by scanning the bar code at the home position (delivery start / end position) and recording the delivery start / end time of one cycle.

An example in which the work results and the work plan are displayed on the display in comparison is shown in FIG. 5A. In this case, a time bar indicating the time is displayed at the top, and a line (thick vertical solid line) indicating the current time is also shown. In addition, each state of the collection work (delayed / advanced with respect to the work plan, in progress, not started) is shown in different colors. Further, a line showing the delivery deadline time (thick vertical dashed line) and a line showing the completion time of the collection work predicted from the current situation (broken double line) are also shown. By comparing and displaying the work plan and the work results in this way, the progress of the collection work becomes clear at a glance. In addition, since the current time, the estimated completion time of the collection work, and the delivery deadline time are also shown, it is possible to accurately determine whether or not the collection work is likely to be completed by the delivery deadline time.

During the collection work, it is monitored whether or not the estimated completion time exceeds the delivery deadline (step S52). If the estimated completion time exceeds the delivery deadline, a warning is displayed (step S53). An example of displaying the situation on the display is shown in FIG. 5B. In this case, the estimated completion time of the collection work of the worker B exceeds the delivery deadline. That is, it is predicted that the collection work related to the last core (one) allocated to the worker B will not be in time for the delivery deadline. Therefore, a warning display as shown in the lower right portion of FIG. 5B is displayed. The warning display shows the number of cores that exceed the delivery deadline and the time required for collection work related to the cores. When this warning display is displayed on the display, the warning light provided in the warehouse also lights up. As a result, each worker in the warehouse can grasp the current state of the collection work.

When the warning is displayed, the administrator determines whether or not to introduce assistive work for the collection work whose estimated completion time exceeds the delivery deadline. This judgment is made based on the progress of the overall collection work.

When the assist work is introduced, in addition to the progress status of the collection work to be assisted, the progress status (work plan and work record) of the assist work itself is also displayed on the display (step S54). An example thereof is shown in FIG. 5C. In this case, the final collection work (core) assigned to the worker B is performed by the helper. As a result, the estimated completion time of all collection operations is within the delivery deadline. Incidentally, the process (execution program) according to steps S51 to S54 corresponds to the display means according to the present invention.

The analysis result of the work history as described above may be reflected (feedback) in the correction / adjustment of each set value shown in FIG. 3, the guidance of the worker, and the like. By repeating this, it becomes possible to formulate a more accurate work plan and realize more efficient delivery work.

Claims (7)

A flow line creation means that creates a flow line that is a movement route for collection work that collects goods to be shipped from the storage based on the delivery instruction information,
A work time calculation means for calculating the work time required for the collection work along the flow line, and
A work plan creation means for creating a work plan showing the collection work over time in consideration of the work time, and
A display means for displaying the progress of the actual work, which is the actual collection work, in comparison with the work plan.
A delivery management device equipped with. The delivery management device according to claim 1, wherein when the flow line creating means has a plurality of delivery instruction information, at least two or more of the delivery instruction information are aggregated to create the flow line. The delivery management device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the working time includes at least a movement time along the flow line and a time for taking out an article from a frontage on the flow line. The delivery management device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the work plan creating means includes a plan changing means for changing the work plan. The delivery management device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the display means displays the estimated completion time of the actual work. The delivery management device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the display means comprises a warning means for issuing a warning when the actual work has a predetermined delay with respect to the work plan. The delivery management device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the display means also displays the progress of the assist work that assists the actual work that is behind the work plan.

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