JP4163976B2 - Inventory management system and inventory management method - Google Patents

Description

【００３４】
なお、ロケーション表示変換手段では、倉庫内の在庫品の保管場所を示す表示として、各保管場所の在庫品の段積み数以外の在庫品情報に応じて異なる表示に変換，生成するようにすることもできる。すなわち、ロケーション表示により、各保管場所における在庫品の段積み数に加えて（又は段積み数に代えて）、各在庫品に関する所定の在庫品情報に応じた内容を視覚的に識別できるように表示することができる。
図７〜図８に示す例では、段積み数に加えて、在庫品の単位となるパレットをフルパレットとハーフパレットで異なる色分け表示をするとともに、在庫品の良品と保留品とを色分け表示するようにしてある。
【００３５】
また、ロケーション表示は、在庫管理に必要となる任意の要素を抽出し、抽出された要素に従って異なる色分け等の視覚表示を行うことができる。
例えば、ある製品コードに係る在庫品を抽出し、その在庫品の保管場所近傍の空きグリッドのみを他の空きグリッドと異なる色で表示させることができる。このようにすると、新たに入庫される製品について、既に保管されている在庫品と同一の製品コードのものについては、その既保管製品に最も近い空きグリッドに保管することができる。この場合、製品の入庫時に、その入庫製品と同一の製品コードを検索し、該当する既入庫品情報を抽出し、同一コードの既入庫製品が置かれているグリッドに最も近い位置で、入庫予定数量以上の空きグリッドを色を変えてロケーション表示させることができる。
このようにすると、例えば製造日等が異なっていても、同種類の製品を集結させて倉庫内に保管することができ、出荷時の倉出し作業の作業性等を向上させることができるようになる。
【００３６】
また、ロケーション表示として、例えば空きグリッドのうち、入庫，保管が決定している入庫予定品の保管場所について、仮置きデータをインプットして表示させることができる。仮置きデータは、例えば、当日のみ有効とされるデータであって、実際には製品は保管されていないが、ロケーション表示の見かけ上は製品が置かれていると表示できるもので、他の空きグリッドと異なる色で表示したり、「仮置き」を示す文字やマーク等で表示することができる。
このようにすると、生産予定品等について予め保管場所を確保することができ、より柔軟できめの細かい在庫管理を実施できるようになる。
【００３７】
［在庫管理方法］
次に、以上のような構成からなる本実施形態に係る在庫管理システムを用いた在庫管理方法について、図９を参照しつつ説明する。
図９は、本発明の一実施形態に係る在庫管理システムにおける在庫管理方法の手順を示すフローチャートである。
同図に示すように、本実施形態に係る在庫管理システムを用いた在庫管理方法は、まず、トラック等で在庫品が倉庫１に搬入されると（Ｓ９０１）、作業者が搬入された在庫品に関する所定の在庫品情報、例えば、製品名，製品コード，積数，製造日，入庫日等の情報を入力する（Ｓ９０２）。この情報入力操作は倉庫端末１０のハンディ・スキャナ１１を用いてフォークマン等の作業者が簡単に行うことができる。また、入力される所定情報は、予め在庫品の表面や包装に印刷，貼付等されたバーコードや二次元コード等によってコード入力することができる。
入力された在庫品情報は倉庫端末１０に入力され、倉庫端末１０を介して在庫管理サーバ２０に送信，入力される。
【００３８】
所定の情報入力が済んだ在庫品は、フォークリフトによって倉庫内を移動，運搬され、所定の保管場所に保管される（Ｓ９０３）。なお、保管場所は、集計処理された在庫品情報及びロケーション表示等に基づいて、各在庫品毎に予め割り当てられて管理されている。
在庫品が所定の保管場所に格納，保管されると、当該在庫品の保管場所を示すロケーション情報が入力される（Ｓ９０４）。このとき、ロケーション情報の入力操作はハンディ・スキャナ１１により、作業者が保管場所で簡単に行うことができる。また、入力されるロケーション情報は、予め用意されたロケーション毎のバーコードの一覧表等を使用することによってコード入力することができる。入力されたロケーション情報は倉庫端末１０に入力され、倉庫端末１０を介して在庫品情報として在庫管理サーバ２０に送信される（Ｓ９０５）。
在庫管理サーバ２０では、情報集計手段が実行され、倉庫端末１０から送信された在庫品情報の集計処理が行われる（Ｓ９０６）。集計処理された在庫品情報は、表示手段を介して一覧表示等によって表示，出力される（図４〜図６参照）。
【００３９】
さらに、在庫管理サーバ２０では、ロケーション表示変換手段が、集計された在庫品情報から保管場所情報を抽出し（Ｓ９０７）、抽出された保管場所情報に基づいて、保管場所を示す平面図からなるロケーション表示を生成，変換する（Ｓ９０８）。生成，変換されたロケーション表示は、ＬＣＤ等からなる表示手段によって視認可能に表示される（Ｓ９０９）。
このロケーション表示は、倉庫内の在庫品の保管場所を平面図で表した表示であり、各保管場所における在庫品の段積み数に応じて色分け表示がされ（図７〜図８参照）、倉庫内のどこにどれだけの在庫品が保管されているかが一目で識別できる。従って、このロケーション表示を活用することで在庫状況の管理が容易に行える。
【００４０】
その後、在庫品は、所定の日時に搬出される（Ｓ９１０）。
在庫品が搬出される際には、搬入時と同様、在庫品の元の保管場所を含む在庫品情報がハンディ・スキャナ１１を介して入力され、倉庫端末１０，在庫管理サーバ２０の情報が更新される（Ｓ９１１）。
以上のステップを繰り返すことにより、本システムを利用した効率の良い在庫管理が行えることになる。
【００４１】
［実施例］
以下、本実施形態に係る在庫管理システムを用いた在庫管理方法について、より具体的な一実施例例を説明する。
この実施例では、本実施形態に係る在庫管理システムを利用して、製品入庫の際に同種製品を集結させるための最適積み付け位置を決定できる管理方法としてある。
まず、当日の入庫作業に先立ち、生産予定情報から当日入庫予定製品群の製品コード（包装製品コード），入庫予定数量等を製品群毎に抽出する。
次いで、在庫管理センタ２の在庫管理サーバ２０又は倉庫内の倉庫端末１０を介して、本システムのデータベースをアクセスし、既に倉庫で保管されている製品の中から、当日入庫予定の製品群の包装製品コードと同一の製品を検索する。
【００４２】
検索の結果、同一コード製品があった場合、その既入庫製品（同一コード製品）が保管されているグリッドに最も近い位置で、入庫予定数量以上の空きグリッドを、色を変えてロケーション表示させる。
これにより、いずれの保管場所にいずれの製品を入庫，保管するかの決定が、容易かつ効率的，効果的に行えるようになる。このとき、出荷時の倉出し作業の作業性，利便性等を考慮し、在庫品は、製造日等が異なっていても、できる限り同種の製品を近傍に集結させて倉庫内に保管するようにする。
また、ロケーション表示された各保管位置に、生産予定品を置くことを決定した場合には、在庫管理センタ２の在庫管理サーバ２０又は倉庫内の倉庫端末１０を介して、表示された空きグリッドに対して仮置きデータをインプットする。この仮置きデータは、例えば、当日のみ有効とされるデータで、実際には製品は置かれていないが、ロケーション表示の見かけ上は置かれていると表示されるものであり、他のグリッドと視覚的に区別できるように違う色で表示される。
【００４３】
これと同時に、入庫指示書、例えば、当日生産予定の各製品毎に保管場所等を指示した帳票類等を発行する。入庫指示書は、在庫管理サーバ２０や倉庫端末１０に接続された印刷装置等から発行される。発行された入庫指示書に従い、フォークマンはその日の入庫作業を実施する。入庫作業の際には、フォークマンがハンディ・スキャナ１１を用いて保管場所情報を含む所定情報を入力し、入力された情報は倉庫端末１０を介して在庫管理サーバ２０に送信，入力される。
さらに、フォークマンがハンディ・スキャナ１１より実際の製品を置いた番地情報（保管場所情報）を入力すると、入力された実際の番地情報が、予め決められた仮置きデータとしてインプットされている情報と合致しているか否かが確認される。そして、もし仮置きデータと実際の番地情報が相違している場合には、ロケーション表示上にエラーを示す警告等が表示される。これにより、入庫予定と実際の入庫作業を確実に一致させることができ、効率の良い入庫作業が信頼性をもって実施されることになる。
【００４４】
その後は、所定の日時に在庫品が搬出される。搬出される在庫品の保管場所を含む所定の情報は、搬入時と同様、ハンディ・スキャナ１１を介して入力され、倉庫端末１０，在庫管理サーバ２０の管理情報が更新される。これにより、例えば、搬出された在庫品の元の保管場所については、ロケーション表示で空きグリッドとして表示され、次の入庫品の保管場所として管理，決定されるようになる。
以上の工程を繰り返すことで、本システムを利用した効率の良い在庫管理が実施されることになる。
【００４５】
以上説明したように、本実施形態に係る在庫管理システム及び在庫管理方法によれば、まず、在庫品の搬出入の際に、ハンディ・スキャナ１１，倉庫端末１０を介して保管場所を含む所定の在庫品情報が入力され、入力された在庫品情報が在庫管理サーバ２０で一括的に集計，管理される。そして、集計された在庫品情報に含まれる保管場所情報が所定のロケーション表示に変換される。
ロケーション表示は、倉庫内の在庫品の保管場所を平面図状に表した表示であり、倉庫内のどこに在庫品が保管されているかが図面上に表示されるようになっている。また、ロケーション表示は、各保管場所における在庫品の段積み数に応じて色分け表示がされるので、在庫品の段積み数が視覚的に識別できるように表示される。
【００４６】
これにより、本実施形態に係るロケーション表示を見れば、倉庫内のどこにどれだけの在庫品が保管されているかが一目でわかるようになる。
特に色分け表示によるロケーション表示は、在庫品の有無や段積み数の状況を色彩のみで示すことができるので、シンプルで分かり易く、多数の在庫品を保管可能な大規模倉庫であっても、一目で在庫状況が識別，把握できる。
このように在庫状況の全体を視覚的に一目で正確に把握できる本実施形態によれば、複雑な装置や設備は一切不要となり、簡易かつ低コストで導入，運用が可能なシステムのみによって倉庫内の在庫状況管理が行えるようになり、特に平置き型の倉庫の在庫管理を効率よく行える在庫管理システムを実現できる。
【００４７】
以上、本発明の在庫管理システムと在庫管理方法について、好ましい実施形態を示して説明したが、本発明の在庫管理システム及び在庫管理方法は、上述した実施形態にのみ限定されるものではなく、本発明の範囲で種々の変更実施が可能であることは言うまでもない。
例えば、上述した実施形態では、在庫品情報に応じた識別表示の例として、在庫品の段積み数等に応じた色分け表示の場合を示したが、各在庫品の所定の在庫品情報に応じてその内容を視覚的に識別できる表示であれば、色分け表示のみに限定されるものではなく、他の表示態様を採用することも勿論可能である。
例えば、当日出荷予定の在庫品の保管場所を点滅表示させたり、段積み数を示す数字を保管場所毎に表示させることも可能である。
【００４８】
また、倉庫は平置き型倉庫に限られない。上述した実施形態では、本発明を適用する倉庫として、在庫品が床上にそのまま載置され複数段に積載されて保管される平置き型の倉庫で、一階及び二階に保管空間を備える構造となっていたが、本発明の対象は、この実施形態で示した形態や規模の倉庫のみに限られない。
例えば、倉庫の形態としては、平置き型倉庫の他、ロボットにより在庫品が所定の保管場所に搬出入されて自動的に管理される自動倉庫等があり、このような自動倉庫の在庫管理に対しても、本発明に係る在庫管理システム及び在庫管理方法が適用できることは言うまでもない。
さらに、上記実施形態では、一つの倉庫の在庫管理を行う場合を示しているが、本発明の在庫管理システムで管理できる倉庫数は特に一つの場合に限られるものではなく、二以上の複数の倉庫の在庫状況を一括管理することも可能である。
【００４９】
【発明の効果】
以上説明したように、本発明の在庫管理システム及び在庫管理方法によれば、在庫品の倉庫内での保管場所を平面図状に表示するとともに、在庫品の段積み数等に応じた色分け表示等を行うロケーション表示を表示させることによって、在庫状況の全体を視覚的に一目で正確に把握できるようになる。
これにより、従来のような複雑な装置や設備を必要とすることなく、簡易かつ低コストで導入，運用が可能なシステムのみによって、効率良く倉庫内の在庫状況の管理が行える。特に、平置き型の倉庫に好適な在庫管理システム及び在庫管理方法を提供することができる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の一実施形態に係る在庫管理システムの全体を模式的に示す説明図である。
【図２】平置き型倉庫内の在庫品の保管状態を示す概略斜視図である。
【図３】本発明の一実施形態に係る在庫管理システムの倉庫端末と在庫管理サーバを模式的に示す説明図である。
【図４】本発明の一実施形態に係る在庫管理システムにおける表示画面の一例であり、「在庫確認」画面において「包装製品コード“１”」で検索した結果を示している。
【図５】本発明の一実施形態に係る在庫管理システムにおける表示画面の一例であり、「ロケーション内容表示」画面において「ロケーション“１階Ｇブロック”」で検索した結果を示している。
【図６】本発明の一実施形態に係る在庫管理システムにおける表示画面の一例であり、「ロケーション内容表示」画面において「ロケーション“１階Ｇブロック１０列”」で検索した結果を示している。
【図７】本発明の一実施形態に係る在庫管理システムにおける表示画面の一例であり、「１階ロケーション表示」画面を示している。
【図８】本発明の一実施形態に係る在庫管理システムにおける表示画面の一例であり、「２階ロケーション表示」画面を示している。
【図９】本発明の一実施形態に係る在庫管理システムにおける在庫管理方法の手順を示すフローチャートである。
【符号の説明】
１ 倉庫
２ 在庫管理センタ
１０（１０ａ〜１０ｎ） 倉庫端末
１１ ハンディ・スキャナ
２０ 在庫管理サーバ[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a management system for inventory items loaded and stored in a warehouse, and in particular, displays the storage location of inventory items in a warehouse in a plan view and is color-coded according to the number of inventory stacks, etc. By displaying the location display for display, etc., the entire inventory status can be accurately grasped at a glance and can be installed and operated easily and at low cost without the need for complicated equipment and facilities. The present invention relates to an inventory management system and an inventory management method that can efficiently manage inventory status in a warehouse using only the system.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In general, products before shipment are stored in a warehouse and managed in stock.
In warehouses for storing such inventory items, inventory items are placed on the floor as they are and placed in multiple levels for storage, or robots carry inventory items to specified storage locations. There is a form such as an automatic warehouse that is automatically entered and managed, but in any form of warehouse, inventory status management that grasps and manages where and how much inventory is stored in the warehouse Is extremely important.
Up to now, the management of inventory status in flat warehouses has been carried out periodically or periodically by warehouse managers, workers, etc. visiting the warehouse and how much stock is stored. The inventory status was grasped and managed by checking visually and filling in a ledger or inputting data into a computer or the like.
However, such a management method by human work requires a great deal of labor, personnel, and labor costs, but there is a problem that there is a high possibility that management omissions will occur due to oversight, missing entries, input errors, etc. It was.
[0003]
Therefore, in order to solve such a problem of human warehouse management, warehouse management that automatically detects and grasps the inventory status in the warehouse to prevent management errors due to human factors. A system has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1-2).
In Patent Document 1, an ultrasonic sensor corresponding to each storage location is provided above each storage location of inventory items, so that the presence and height of the inventory items are detected for each storage location, and in the warehouse. A system that can automatically manage inventory status is disclosed.
Patent Document 2 discloses a management system in which a position measuring device is mounted on a forklift for transporting inventory items that moves in a warehouse so that the inventory status in the warehouse can be grasped from the position and amount of movement of the forklift. .
[0004]
[Patent Document 1]
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-60029 (page 3, FIG. 2)
[Patent Document 2]
JP 2002-87530 A (Page 3, FIG. 4)
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in these management systems, in the case of Patent Document 1, a large number of ultrasonic sensors corresponding to inventory items are required, and in the case of Patent Document 2, a position measuring device that detects the position and movement amount of a forklift is required. As a result, the equipment and facilities become complicated and large, and there is a risk that the cost for introduction and operation will increase.
In addition, in such a system that requires complicated and large-scale equipment, new installation and laying work must be performed in the warehouse, and it is difficult to quickly introduce it into an existing warehouse. There was also a possibility that it would take a long time until the operation was finally started after the introduction decision.
Furthermore, with these systems, it was possible to acquire individual location information and storage information of inventory items in the form of individual data or lists, but it is not possible to grasp the entire inventory status in the warehouse at once. could not.
[0006]
The present invention has been proposed in order to solve the above-described problems of the conventional technology, and the storage location of the inventory in the warehouse is displayed in a plan view and the number of inventory stacks. By displaying a location display that performs color-coded display according to, etc., it is possible to grasp the entire inventory status accurately at a glance and introduce it easily and at low cost without the need for complicated equipment and facilities The purpose of the present invention is to provide an inventory management system and an inventory management method that can efficiently manage the inventory status in the warehouse using only an operable system, and that are particularly suitable for a flat warehouse.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, an inventory management system of the present invention is provided. , An inventory management system for inventory items loaded and stored in a warehouse, wherein the input means inputs predetermined inventory information including the storage location of the inventory items that are carried into or out of the warehouse; and Inventory information from the input means is aggregated, and the information aggregation means that collectively manages the inventory information in the warehouse, and the storage location information in the warehouse based on the storage location information included in the aggregated inventory information. A location display converting means for converting to a location display represented in a plan view and a display means for displaying the converted location display so as to be visible are provided.
[0008]
Also , The location display conversion means is configured to convert the storage location of the stock in the warehouse into a different display according to the number of stacks of the stock at the storage location.
In particular , The location display conversion means may be configured to convert the storage location of the stock in the warehouse into a color-coded display having a different color according to the number of stocks in the storage location.
[0009]
According to the inventory management system of the present invention having such a configuration, first, when carrying in / out the inventory, predetermined inventory information including the storage location is input via the input means, and input by each input means. Collected inventory information is aggregated and managed by the information aggregation means. Then, the storage location information included in the inventory information aggregated by the information aggregation means is converted into a predetermined location display via the location conversion means.
The location display is a display showing the storage location of the stock in the warehouse in a plan view, and the location where the stock is stored in the warehouse is displayed on the drawing. Further, the location display is color-coded according to the number of stocks in each storage location, and is displayed so that the number of stocks can be visually identified.
[0010]
As a result, by looking at the location display according to the present invention, it is possible to know at a glance where and how much inventory is stored in the warehouse.
In particular, the location display by color-coded display can indicate the presence / absence of inventory items and the status of the number of stacks only in color, so even a large-scale warehouse that is simple and easy to understand and can store a large number of inventory items at a glance. Can identify and grasp the stock status.
In this way, according to this system, which can accurately grasp the entire inventory status at a glance, no complicated equipment or facilities are required, and only a system that can be installed and operated at a low cost can be used. Inventory status management can be performed, and in particular, an inventory management system capable of efficiently managing inventory in a flat warehouse can be realized.
[0011]
Also , The location display conversion means may be configured to convert the storage location of the inventory in the warehouse into a different display according to the inventory information of the inventory at the storage location.
[0012]
According to the inventory management system of the present invention having such a configuration, the location display is a predetermined inventory item for each inventory item in addition to or instead of the number of inventory items in each storage location. The contents according to the information can be displayed so as to be visually identifiable.
For example, the pallet, which is the unit of inventory items, can be displayed in different colors for the full pallet and half pallet, the good and in-stock items in the pallet can be displayed in different colors, and the in-stock items scheduled to be shipped on the same day can be displayed blinking. it can.
[0013]
In addition, it is possible to extract an inventory item related to a certain product code and display only an empty grid near the storage location of the inventory item in a color different from other empty grids. In this way, for newly received products that have the same product code as the stock items that are already stored, it is possible to store the same type of products in the empty grid closest to the stored products. They can be gathered and stored in the warehouse, so that the workability and the like of the storage work at the time of shipment can be improved.
Further, for example, a color, a character, a mark, or the like indicating “temporary placement” can be displayed for the storage location of the planned storage item that has been determined to be stored and stored in the empty grid.
In this way, it is possible to provide an inventory management system with excellent expandability and versatility that enables more detailed inventory management that reflects different detailed information for each inventory item and can be efficiently realized at low cost.
[0014]
Also , The input unit may include a code input unit that inputs a part or all of the predetermined inventory information including the storage location information of the inventory in the warehouse.
[0015]
According to the inventory management system of the present invention having such a configuration, as input means for inputting predetermined inventory information, by providing code input means capable of inputting inventory information code, storage information and entry / exit information, Part or all of the inventory information necessary for inventory management, such as product name and product information, can be entered as a code, and the operator and manager can input and process predetermined information easily and reliably without error.
This facilitates more accurate and efficient inventory management.
Here, the code input means can be configured by, for example, a barcode reader that reads a barcode, a scanner that reads a two-dimensional code, a terminal that can input a numerical code, and the like.
[0016]
Also , The input means can be configured to include portable handy input means.
[0017]
According to the inventory management system of the present invention having such a configuration, the input means for inputting inventory information is configured as a handy input means that can be easily carried and operated by an operator. An operator can input information by carrying the handy input means at the time of delivery. For example, when an inventory is carried to a storage location by a forklift, an operator can input storage location information at the storage location.
As a result, it becomes possible for an operator or the like to input predetermined inventory information more easily and without error, and more efficient and accurate inventory management can be performed.
Here, such a portable handy input means can be constituted by a handy scanner provided with a code input means, for example, and the input information is a personal computer, a server computer, etc. via wireless or wired connection. Can be sent to.
[0018]
further , The inventory management method according to the present invention is a management method for inventory items loaded and stored in a warehouse, and inputs predetermined inventory information including the storage location of the inventory items when the inventory items are brought into the warehouse. The inventory information in the warehouse based on the storage location information included in the aggregated inventory information information Is converted into a location display represented in a plan view, a step of displaying the converted location display in a visible manner, and a predetermined storage location including the original storage location of the inventory when the inventory is removed from the warehouse. And updating the inventory information of the method.
[0019]
According to the inventory management method of the present invention having such a configuration, when each inventory item is taken in and out, each of the input items is input by inputting predetermined inventory information including the storage location of the inventory item. Inventory information can be aggregated and managed collectively. Based on the storage location information included in the aggregated inventory information, a location display representing the storage location of the inventory in the warehouse in a plan view can be generated and converted.
By displaying the location display and viewing it, it is possible to visually identify where the stock is stored in the warehouse and how many stocks are stacked in each storage location using a color-coded display. So that you can see at a glance how much inventory is stored in the warehouse.
Therefore, by carrying out the inventory management method according to the present invention using an information processing apparatus such as a personal computer, it becomes possible to visually grasp the entire inventory status accurately and easily at a glance. Efficient inventory management can be realized easily and at low cost without requiring any equipment.
[0020]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of an inventory management system and an inventory management method according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing an entire inventory management system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing the storage state of the inventory in the flat warehouse.
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a warehouse terminal and an inventory management server of the inventory management system according to the present embodiment shown in FIG.
[0021]
[Inventory management system]
First, an inventory management system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.
As shown in FIG. 1, the inventory management system according to this embodiment is a management system for inventory items loaded and stored in a warehouse 1, and includes a warehouse terminal 10 installed in the warehouse 1 and an inventory management center 2. An inventory management server 20 is provided, and the inventory status in the warehouse 1 is managed based on predetermined inventory information processed by the warehouse terminal 10 and the inventory management server 20.
The warehouse 1 is a warehouse for storing stocks. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, a flat-type warehouse in which stocks are placed on the floor as they are and stacked and stored in a plurality of stages. It has become.
The warehouse 1 is provided with a warehouse terminal 10 and is connected to the inventory management server 20 on the inventory management center 2 side via a wired or wireless communication line as shown in FIG.
[0022]
Specifically, the warehouse 1 is loaded and unloaded with a truck or the like, and an operator called a forkman operates a forklift to store the inventory at a predetermined storage location. To be shipped to.
As for the storage locations in the warehouse 1, the space on the floor is assigned in a matrix form, and as shown in FIG. 1, each storage location is specified by the block code, row, and address shown on the floor. ing. For example, in the case of “10th row and third row of G block”, it becomes the “third” storage location from the front in the “10” row of the “G” block shown in FIG. In each storage location, as shown in FIG. 2, stock items are usually stored in a stack of one to three stages.
[0023]
In addition, the warehouse 1 of this embodiment has a structure including storage spaces on the first floor and the second floor (see FIGS. 7 to 8), and storage locations are set in a matrix on the floor space of each floor. However, the floor number, structure, size, etc. of the warehouse are not particularly limited.
The inventory management center 2 is, for example, an office for management work provided on the top floor (such as the third floor) of the warehouse 1 or a building in a separate building, and performs inventory management using this system.
The inventory management center 2 is provided with an inventory management server 20 and is connected to the warehouse terminal 10 on the warehouse 1 side via a wired or wireless communication line as shown in FIG.
[0024]
The warehouse terminal 10 is composed of an information processing device for inputting predetermined inventory information including the storage location of the inventory that is carried into or out of the warehouse 1. Specifically, the warehouse terminal 10 is, for example, an information processing device provided near the inventory entry / exit of the warehouse 1 and is configured by, for example, a personal computer, a business dedicated terminal, a POS, or the like.
Here, as shown in FIG. 3, the warehouse terminal 10 is provided in an arbitrary number of one or more (see warehouse terminals 10a to 10n shown in the figure). Arbitrary numbers of warehouse terminals 10 can be provided at arbitrary locations according to the scale, structure, etc. of the warehouse 1 such as installing one on the floor and one on the second floor.
[0025]
Each warehouse terminal 10 includes a handy scanner 11 as input means (see FIG. 3). The handy scanner 11 is a portable handy input means, and can be easily carried by an operator such as a folk man for input operation. For example, when a stock item is carried to a storage location by a forklift, an operator can input storage location information or the like at the storage location. Information input by the handy scanner 11 is transmitted and input to the warehouse terminal 10 via wireless or wired communication.
Here, the predetermined inventory information input to the warehouse terminal 10 via the handy scanner 11 is arbitrary information necessary for managing the inventory. For example, the product name, product code, There are information such as product number, date of manufacture, line number, lot number, location information indicating storage location, and date of receipt (see FIGS. 4 to 6). The contents, items, etc. of the inventory information are not particularly limited. In the present embodiment, at least information that can identify the inventory in the warehouse and location information that can identify the storage location of each inventory are included. Just do it.
[0026]
The handy scanner 11 according to the present embodiment includes a code input unit that can input a part or all of predetermined stock information including the storage location information of the stock in the warehouse. As the code input means, for example, a bar code reader that reads a bar code, a scanner that reads a two-dimensional code, a terminal that can input a numerical code, and the like can be used. For stocks with a large amount of information to be input, it is preferable to use a two-dimensional code capable of recording data in a flat dot pattern or the like and recording a large amount of data at a high density.
For code input, use barcodes or two-dimensional codes printed or pasted on the surface or packaging of inventory in advance, or a list of barcodes corresponding to location information prepared in advance. This can be achieved.
By providing the handy scanner 11 that can input the inventory information in this way, it is possible to input the storage information, the entry / exit information, the product name, the product information, etc., and the operator and the manager can easily and surely make no mistake. Predetermined information can be input and processed.
[0027]
The inventory management server 20 is composed of an information processing device for collecting inventory information from the warehouse terminal 10 and collectively managing inventory information in the warehouse.
Specifically, the inventory management server is an information processing apparatus provided in the top floor (3rd floor, etc.) of the warehouse 1 or in the office of the inventory management center 2 installed in an adjacent building. It consists of stations, business machines, POS, etc.
As shown in FIG. 3, the inventory management server 20 is connected to one or two or more warehouse terminals 10a to 10n via a line, totals inventory information from all warehouse terminals 10, and stores inventory information in the warehouse. Are to be managed collectively. In FIG. 3, the inventory management server 20 is represented as a single device, but it is of course possible to configure it with a plurality of devices.
[0028]
The inventory management server 20 according to the present embodiment includes information totaling means and location display conversion means configured by a computer-executable program, storage means for storing totalized and processed location management information, and location display. Display means for outputting and displaying predetermined information including.
The information totaling means is a program that totalizes inventory information from each warehouse terminal 10 and can collectively manage inventory information in the warehouse, and is executed by a computer, so that the warehouse terminal 10 or the inventory management server 20 Predetermined inventory information input via the input means is aggregated and processed.
The inventory information that has been aggregated and processed by the information aggregating means is displayed so as to be visible through a display means such as a CRT or LCD.
[0029]
FIG. 4 to FIG. 6 show examples of display screens for inventory information that has been aggregated and processed by the information aggregating means.
The display shown in FIG. 4 is an “inventory confirmation” screen. By specifying “packaging product code: 1”, all stock items including “1” at the beginning of the packaging product code are extracted and displayed in a list. This is the case.
The display shown in FIG. 5 is a “location content display” screen. By specifying “location: 1st floor G block”, it is stored in “1st floor G block (location code: 1G)” in the warehouse 1. This is a case where all the inventory items are extracted and displayed in a list.
The display shown in FIG. 6 is a “location contents display” screen displayed by further narrowing down the display contents of FIG. 5. By specifying “location: 1st floor G block 10 columns”, “1” in the warehouse 1 is displayed. This is a case where all the inventory items stored in the “G-level 10 block (location code: 1G10)” are extracted and displayed in a list.
For example, if the location code in these figures is “1G100” shown in FIG. 6, it means “1st floor G block 10 row 0”, and “1G101” means “1st floor G block 10 row 1”. ing. Further, when a plurality (for example, three) of the same location codes are displayed, it means that a plurality of (for example, three) inventory items at the location are stacked.
[0030]
Based on the storage location information included in the inventory information aggregated by the information aggregation means, the location display conversion means converts the storage locations of all inventory items (or a part thereof) in the warehouse to the inventory items of the storage locations. The program comprises a program for converting into a plan view location display color-coded according to the number of stacks, and is executed by a computer to perform a predetermined location display conversion process.
The location display converted by the location display conversion means is displayed so as to be visible via a display means such as an LCD.
[0031]
Specifically, the location display is a display showing the storage location of the inventory in the warehouse 1 in a plan view (see FIGS. 7 to 8), and it is a plane where the inventory is stored in the warehouse. It is displayed as a figure.
In this embodiment, the location display is color-coded according to the number of stocks in each storage location, so that the number of stocks can be visually identified. Is done.
As a result, by looking at the location display according to the present invention, it is possible to know at a glance where and how much inventory is stored in the warehouse. In particular, the location display by color-coded display can indicate the presence / absence of inventory items and the status of the number of stacks only in color, so even a large-scale warehouse that is simple and easy to understand and can store a large number of inventory items at a glance. Can identify and grasp the stock status.
[0032]
7 to 8 show an example of the location display converted by the location display conversion means.
The location display shown in FIG. 7 is a location display indicating the inventory status of the first floor of the warehouse 1.
The location display shown in FIG. 8 is a location display showing the inventory status of the second floor of the warehouse 1.
In the location display shown in these drawings, for example, color-coded display is performed according to the correspondence relationship shown in Table 1 below.
[0033]
[Table 1]

[0034]
In addition, the location display conversion means converts and generates the display indicating the storage location of the inventory in the warehouse into a different display according to the inventory information other than the number of inventory stacks in each storage location. You can also. That is, the location display can visually identify the contents corresponding to the predetermined inventory information regarding each inventory in addition to (or instead of) the inventory stack at each storage location. Can be displayed.
In the examples shown in FIGS. 7 to 8, in addition to the number of stacks, the pallets that are units of inventory are displayed in different colors for the full pallet and the half pallet, and the non-defective and stocked products are displayed in different colors. It is like that.
[0035]
In addition, the location display can extract an arbitrary element necessary for inventory management, and can perform visual display such as different color coding according to the extracted element.
For example, it is possible to extract an inventory item related to a certain product code and display only an empty grid near the storage location of the inventory item in a color different from other empty grids. In this way, a newly received product having the same product code as a stock item already stored can be stored in an empty grid closest to the stored product. In this case, when a product is received, the same product code as that of the received product is searched, the corresponding received product information is extracted, and the product is scheduled to be received at the position closest to the grid where the received product with the same code is placed. You can change the color and display the location of more grids than quantity.
In this way, for example, the same type of products can be gathered and stored in the warehouse even if the production dates are different, so that the workability of the warehouse work at the time of shipment can be improved. Become.
[0036]
In addition, as the location display, for example, temporary storage data can be input and displayed for the storage location of the scheduled storage product that has been determined to be stored and stored in the empty grid. Temporary placement data is, for example, data that is valid only on the current day. Actually, the product is not stored, but it can be displayed when the product is placed in terms of location display. It can be displayed in a different color from the grid, or can be displayed with characters or marks indicating “temporary placement”.
In this way, a storage location can be secured in advance for products to be produced and the like, so that more flexible and detailed inventory management can be performed.
[0037]
[Inventory management method]
Next, an inventory management method using the inventory management system according to this embodiment configured as described above will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the inventory management method in the inventory management system according to the embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in the figure, in the inventory management method using the inventory management system according to the present embodiment, first, when inventory is carried into the warehouse 1 by a truck or the like (S901), the inventory that the worker has carried into is stored. For example, information such as product name, product code, product number, date of manufacture, and date of receipt is input (S902). This information input operation can be easily performed by an operator such as a folk man using the handy scanner 11 of the warehouse terminal 10. In addition, the predetermined information to be input can be input by a bar code, a two-dimensional code, or the like that has been printed or pasted on the surface or packaging of the inventory in advance.
The input inventory information is input to the warehouse terminal 10 and transmitted and input to the inventory management server 20 via the warehouse terminal 10.
[0038]
The stocks for which the predetermined information has been input are moved and transported in the warehouse by a forklift and stored in a predetermined storage location (S903). The storage location is assigned and managed in advance for each inventory based on the inventory information and the location display that have been tabulated.
When the stock is stored and stored in a predetermined storage location, location information indicating the storage location of the stock is input (S904). At this time, the input operation of the location information can be easily performed by the operator at the storage location by the handy scanner 11. The location information to be input can be input by using a bar code list for each location prepared in advance. The input location information is input to the warehouse terminal 10 and transmitted to the inventory management server 20 as inventory information via the warehouse terminal 10 (S905).
In the inventory management server 20, information aggregation means is executed, and the inventory information transmitted from the warehouse terminal 10 is aggregated (S906). The inventory information subjected to the tabulation processing is displayed and output by a list display or the like via the display means (see FIGS. 4 to 6).
[0039]
Further, in the inventory management server 20, the location display conversion means extracts the storage location information from the aggregated inventory information (S907), and based on the extracted storage location information, a location consisting of a plan view showing the storage location. The display is generated and converted (S908). The generated and converted location display is displayed so as to be visually recognized by a display means such as an LCD (S909).
This location display is a plan view showing the storage location of the stock in the warehouse, and is color-coded according to the number of stocks stacked in each storage location (see FIGS. 7 to 8). It is possible to identify at a glance where and how much inventory is stored. Therefore, the inventory status can be easily managed by utilizing this location display.
[0040]
Thereafter, the inventory is carried out at a predetermined date and time (S910).
When the inventory is carried out, the inventory information including the original storage location of the inventory is input via the handy scanner 11 and the information of the warehouse terminal 10 and the inventory management server 20 is updated as in the case of the delivery. (S911).
By repeating the above steps, efficient inventory management using this system can be performed.
[0041]
[Example]
Hereinafter, a more specific example of the inventory management method using the inventory management system according to the present embodiment will be described.
In this example, the inventory management system according to the present embodiment is used as a management method capable of determining the optimum loading position for collecting the same type of products at the time of product warehousing.
First, prior to the warehousing operation on that day, the product code (packed product code), the scheduled warehousing quantity and the like of the product group scheduled to be received on the day are extracted from the production schedule information for each product group.
Next, the database of this system is accessed via the inventory management server 20 of the inventory management center 2 or the warehouse terminal 10 in the warehouse, and packaging of a group of products scheduled to be received on the day from products already stored in the warehouse. Search for products with the same product code.
[0042]
If the same code product is found as a result of the search, an empty grid that is equal to or more than the planned storage quantity is displayed in a location that is closest to the grid in which the already received product (same code product) is stored.
This makes it easy, efficient, and effective to determine which product is stored and stored in which storage location. At this time, considering the workability and convenience of shipping work at the time of shipment, the same kind of products should be gathered in the vicinity and stored in the warehouse as much as possible even if the production date is different. To.
In addition, when it is determined to place a product to be produced at each storage position indicated by the location, it is displayed on the displayed empty grid via the inventory management server 20 of the inventory management center 2 or the warehouse terminal 10 in the warehouse. On the other hand, temporary data is input. This temporary placement data is, for example, data that is valid only on the current day. Actually, no product is placed, but the location display appears to be placed. It is displayed in a different color so that it can be visually distinguished.
[0043]
At the same time, a warehousing instruction, for example, a form or the like indicating the storage location for each product scheduled to be produced on the day, is issued. The warehousing instruction is issued from a printing apparatus or the like connected to the inventory management server 20 or the warehouse terminal 10. According to the issued warehousing instruction, Folkman carries out warehousing work for the day. At the time of warehousing operation, Folkman inputs predetermined information including storage location information using the handy scanner 11, and the input information is transmitted and input to the inventory management server 20 via the warehouse terminal 10.
Further, when Folkman inputs the address information (storage location information) where the actual product is placed from the handy scanner 11, the input actual address information is input as predetermined temporary storage data. A check is made to see if they match. If the temporary data is different from the actual address information, a warning or the like indicating an error is displayed on the location display. As a result, the warehousing schedule and the actual warehousing operation can be reliably matched, and an efficient warehousing operation can be performed with reliability.
[0044]
Thereafter, the inventory is carried out at a predetermined date and time. The predetermined information including the storage location of the inventory to be carried out is input via the handy scanner 11 as in the case of carrying in, and the management information of the warehouse terminal 10 and the inventory management server 20 is updated. As a result, for example, the original storage location of the unloaded inventory is displayed as an empty grid in the location display, and is managed and determined as the storage location of the next incoming product.
By repeating the above steps, efficient inventory management using this system is performed.
[0045]
As described above, according to the inventory management system and the inventory management method according to the present embodiment, first, when a stock item is carried in / out, a predetermined location including a storage location via the handy scanner 11 and the warehouse terminal 10 is included. Inventory information is input, and the input inventory information is aggregated and managed by the inventory management server 20 collectively. Then, the storage location information included in the aggregated inventory information is converted into a predetermined location display.
The location display is a display showing the storage location of the stock in the warehouse in a plan view, and the location where the stock is stored in the warehouse is displayed on the drawing. Further, the location display is displayed in different colors according to the number of stocks in each storage location, so that the number of stocks can be visually identified.
[0046]
As a result, by looking at the location display according to the present embodiment, it is possible to know at a glance where and how many stock items are stored in the warehouse.
In particular, the location display by color-coded display can indicate the presence / absence of inventory items and the status of the number of stacks only in color, so even a large-scale warehouse that is simple and easy to understand and can store a large number of inventory items at a glance. Can identify and grasp the stock status.
Thus, according to the present embodiment, which can accurately grasp the entire inventory status at a glance, no complicated devices or facilities are required, and only a system that can be installed and operated at a low cost can be used in the warehouse. Inventory status management can be performed, and in particular, an inventory management system capable of efficiently managing inventory in a flat warehouse can be realized.
[0047]
The inventory management system and the inventory management method of the present invention have been described with reference to the preferred embodiments. However, the inventory management system and the inventory management method of the present invention are not limited to the above-described embodiments. It goes without saying that various modifications can be made within the scope of the invention.
For example, in the above-described embodiment, as an example of the identification display according to the inventory information, the case of the color-coded display according to the number of stocks of the inventory is shown, but according to the predetermined inventory information of each inventory As long as the contents can be visually identified, the display is not limited to the color-coded display, and other display modes can of course be employed.
For example, it is possible to blink the storage location of the inventory scheduled to be shipped that day, or to display a number indicating the number of stacks for each storage location.
[0048]
The warehouse is not limited to a flat warehouse. In the above-described embodiment, the warehouse to which the present invention is applied is a flat-type warehouse in which stock items are placed on the floor as they are and loaded and stored in a plurality of stages, and has a structure with storage spaces on the first floor and the second floor. However, the object of the present invention is not limited to the warehouse of the form and scale shown in this embodiment.
For example, as a form of warehouse, in addition to a flat type warehouse, there are automatic warehouses in which stock items are taken in and out by a robot and automatically managed. Needless to say, the inventory management system and the inventory management method according to the present invention can be applied.
Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the case of performing inventory management of one warehouse is shown, but the number of warehouses that can be managed by the inventory management system of the present invention is not particularly limited to one, and a plurality of two or more warehouses can be managed. It is also possible to collectively manage the inventory status of the warehouse.
[0049]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the inventory management system and the inventory management method of the present invention, the storage location of the inventory in the warehouse is displayed in a plan view, and the color-coded display according to the number of inventory stacks, etc. By displaying the location display for performing the above and the like, the entire inventory status can be accurately grasped visually at a glance.
As a result, the inventory status in the warehouse can be efficiently managed only by a system that can be introduced and operated easily and at low cost without requiring complicated devices and facilities as in the prior art. In particular, it is possible to provide an inventory management system and an inventory management method suitable for a flat warehouse.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing an entire inventory management system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing a storage state of stock items in a flat warehouse.
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a warehouse terminal and an inventory management server of an inventory management system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is an example of a display screen in an inventory management system according to an embodiment of the present invention, and shows a result of searching for “packaged product code“ 1 ”” on an “inventory confirmation” screen.
FIG. 5 is an example of a display screen in an inventory management system according to an embodiment of the present invention, and shows a result of searching for “location“ first floor G block ”” on a “location content display” screen.
FIG. 6 is an example of a display screen in the inventory management system according to the embodiment of the present invention, and shows a result of searching for “location“ first floor G block 10 columns ”” on the “location content display” screen.
FIG. 7 is an example of a display screen in the inventory management system according to the embodiment of the present invention, and shows a “first floor location display” screen.
FIG. 8 is an example of a display screen in the inventory management system according to the embodiment of the present invention, and shows a “second floor location display” screen.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a procedure of an inventory management method in the inventory management system according to the embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Warehouse
2 Inventory management center
10 (10a-10n) Warehouse terminal
11 Handy scanner
20 Inventory management server

Claims (5)

A management system for inventory items stored in a warehouse,
An input means for inputting predetermined inventory information including the storage location of the inventory that is carried into or out of the warehouse;
An information aggregation means that aggregates inventory information from the input means and collectively manages inventory information in the warehouse;
Based on the storage location information included in the aggregated inventory information, a location display conversion means for converting the storage location of the inventory in the warehouse into a location display that represents a plan view;
Display means for displaying the converted location display so as to be visible ,
The location display conversion means converts the storage location of the stock in the warehouse into a color-coded display having different colors according to the number of stocks of the stock at the storage location . 2. The inventory management system according to claim 1 , wherein the location display conversion means converts the storage location of the stock in the warehouse into a different display according to the stock information of the stock at the storage location. 3. The inventory management system according to claim 1, wherein the input means includes code input means for inputting a code of a part or all of the predetermined inventory information including the storage location information of the inventory in the warehouse. 4. The inventory management system according to claim 1 , wherein the input means includes a portable handy input means. A method for managing inventory items stored in a warehouse,
Inputting predetermined inventory information including the storage location of the inventory when the inventory is brought into the warehouse;
Aggregating the entered inventory information and managing the inventory information in the warehouse collectively,
Based on the storage location information included in the aggregated inventory information, the storage location of the inventory in the warehouse is converted into a color-coded display with different colors depending on the number of stacks of the inventory at the storage location . Converting to the location representation shown in
Displaying the converted location display in a viewable manner;
Updating predetermined inventory information including the original storage location of the inventory when the inventory is unloaded from the warehouse;
An inventory management method characterized by comprising:

Images