JP6795801B2 - Picking work management system and program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a picking work management system and a program for realizing the picking work management system.

Conventionally, so-called picking work has been performed in a distribution center, a warehouse, or the like of various goods, in which designated goods are collected and collected in a predetermined basket or container. As a picking facility and a picking method for performing such a picking operation, for example, there are those disclosed in Patent Document 1 below.

In the picking equipment and the picking method disclosed in Patent Document 1 below, the size of the zone Z is changed by changing the allocation of the frontage forming each zone and changing the number of collection containers to be loaded with articles in each zone. Can be changed. As a result, the picking load of each worker is leveled by reducing the burden on the worker who is inferior in working ability.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2012-250838

However, in the prior art, there is a device that adjusts the load in consideration of the work ability of each worker as disclosed in Patent Document 1, but each preparation in which the article is prepared. There is no one that takes into consideration the load (stress) generated when picking work is performed in the section. Therefore, it cannot be said that the conventional picking equipment and the picking method can suppress the load acting on the operator or the device performing the picking work and sufficiently improve the efficiency of the picking work.

Therefore, the present invention provides a picking work management system for efficiently performing picking work while minimizing the load generated by the picking work, and a program for realizing the picking work management system. It was the purpose.

(1) The picking work management system of the present invention is a picking work management system that manages a picking work of preparing a predetermined type and quantity of articles from a plurality of preparation units in which articles are prepared. Preparation part for identifying the item Preparation part that defines the identification information The identification information regulation part, the preparation state regulation part that defines the relationship between the type of the article prepared in the preparation part and the preparation part identification information, and picking. A load index regulation unit that regulates the load associated with work by an index, an instruction information reception unit that receives instruction information that specifies the type and quantity of articles to be prepared by picking work, and a part or all of articles based on the instruction information. It is necessary to collect a part or all of the articles specified in advance based on the route candidate extraction unit that extracts the route candidates to be collected from each preparation unit as the route candidates and the index specified in the load index regulation unit. One route based on the total load derived by the total load derivation unit from the total load derivation unit that derives the load as the total load for each route candidate and the route candidates extracted by the route candidate extraction unit. It is characterized by having an optimum route selection unit that selects the optimum route as an optimum route, and a schedule management unit that manages a schedule of picking work so as to collect a part or all of articles on the optimum route.

In the picking work management system of the present invention, a route candidate for arranging articles from each preparation unit can be extracted by a route candidate extraction unit based on instruction information, and a total load required for arranging articles can be derived for each route candidate. Further, based on the total load derived for each route candidate, a route suitable for the picking work can be selected as the optimum route, and a picking work schedule can be formulated so that the articles can be arranged by the optimum route. Therefore, according to the picking work management system of the present invention, it is possible to select a route that enables efficient picking work and formulate a schedule while minimizing the load generated by the picking work.

(2) In the picking work management system of the present invention, the total load derived by the total load derivation unit is minimized among the route candidates extracted by the optimum route selection unit by the route candidate extraction unit. It is characterized by selecting a route for picking an article by a route.

Since the picking work management system of the present invention selects the route that minimizes the total load as the picking of the article, the burden on the work subject can be minimized.

(3) The picking work management system of the present invention is characterized in that the load index defining unit includes a moving load table defined based on a load generated in association with the movement to the preparation unit.

Since the picking work management system of the present invention is provided with a moving load table in the load index defining part, picking is performed by an optimum route while taking into consideration the load applied to the worker and the device performing the work due to the movement. Can be guided to do the work.

(4) In the picking work management system of the present invention, the preparation section is composed of a plurality of sections, and the load index defining section defines the load associated with the picking work for each of one or a plurality of the sections. It is characterized by having a load table.

The picking work management system of the present invention is provided with a picking load table in the load index defining section. Therefore, according to the picking work management system of the present invention, the picking work can be optimized while considering the difference in load (stress) due to the difference in the section.

(5) The picking work management system of the present invention is characterized in that the picking load table is defined in consideration of the height at which the compartments are arranged.

In the picking work management system of the present invention, the picking load table is defined in consideration of the height at which the compartments are arranged. Therefore, according to the picking work management system of the present invention, the picking work can be optimized while considering the difference in load (stress) due to the difference in the height of the section.

(6) The picking work management system of the present invention manages picking work by a plurality of work subjects, and the load index defining unit determines that the picking work by one work subject is the picking work by another work subject. It is characterized by having a standby load table defined based on the load generated by the standby state due to the influence.

In the picking work management system of the present invention, the load index defining unit is provided with a standby load table, and the picking work can be optimized in consideration of the load generated by the standby state due to the influence of the picking work by another work subject. ..

In the present application, the "working subject" is a concept including not only a person (worker) who performs picking work but also a picking device when a device (picking device) for performing picking work by mechanization is provided.

(7) The picking work management system of the present invention is characterized in that it manages picking work by a plurality of work subjects and has a schedule management unit that manages the relationship between the scheduled time for picking work and the work subject. To do.

In the picking work management system of the present invention, the schedule management unit can manage the relationship between the scheduled time for picking work and the work subject. As a result, the picking work by each work subject can be optimized.

(8) In the picking work management system of the present invention, the schedule management unit defines the minimum time division unit as a time slice, and the scheduled time for picking work can be managed based on the number of time slices. It is a feature.

According to the picking work management system of the present invention, the scheduled time for picking work can be managed based on the number of time slices, so that schedule management can be performed easily and accurately.

(9) The picking work management system of the present invention is the nth (n is a natural number) from the first picking position in order to collect the articles to be collected in the subsequent picking work among the articles specified by the instruction information. When it is necessary to collect articles dispersed in n locations via the route to the picking position, the number of candidate routes assumed to collect all the articles to be collected by the subsequent picking work exceeds the threshold α. As a condition, the schedule formulation depth adjustment process is performed to limit the schedule formulation range to the range from the first to the ath (a is a natural number smaller than n) picking position, and the schedule formulation depth adjustment process is performed. The schedule is limited so that the number of candidates for the route candidate extracted by the route candidate extraction unit is equal to or less than the threshold value α.

In the picking work management system of the present invention, the schedule formulation depth adjustment process is performed on condition that the number of route candidates assumed to collect all the articles to be collected in the subsequent picking work exceeds the threshold value α. As a result, the schedule formulation range is limited so that the number of route candidate candidates is equal to or less than the threshold value α, and the processing capacity required for the schedule formulation process can be reduced.

(10) The picking work management system of the present invention is characterized by having a guidance instruction output unit that outputs a guidance instruction for guiding the picking work so as to arrange articles by the route selected by the optimum route selection unit.

According to the picking work management system of the present invention, the picking work can be guided by the guidance instruction output from the guidance instruction output unit so that the articles are arranged on the route selected by the optimum route selection unit. As a result, the picking work can be efficiently performed without hesitation by the worker who is the main work subject, and the load (stress) associated with the picking work can be minimized.

(11) The picking work management system of the present invention includes a notification unit that notifies a work subject performing picking work based on a guidance instruction output from the guidance instruction output unit, and a notification unit that notifies the method of picking articles, and an article collection status. When it is necessary to collect articles distributed in n places via a route from the first picking position to the nth (n is a natural number) picking position, which is equipped with a situation input unit that can input , The next picking position is provided on the condition that the notification unit notifies the picking position of the method of arranging the articles separately, and the status input unit is input to the effect that the arranging of the articles is completed at each picking position. The method of assembling the articles in the above is notified by the notification unit.

According to the picking work management system of the present invention, the picking work can be advanced if the articles are prepared as notified by the notification unit at each picking position. Therefore, according to the picking work management system of the present invention, the picking work can be efficiently performed without depending on the ability and experience of the worker who is the main work subject, and the load (stress) associated with the picking work can be reduced. It can be suppressed to the minimum. In addition, the notification unit notifies the method of arranging the articles at the next picking position on condition that the status input unit is input to the effect that the arranging of the articles is completed at each picking position. There is no problem such as being notified of how to prepare the goods one after another while keeping the sufficient amount.

(12) The picking work management system of the present invention is characterized in that the notification unit and the status input unit are realized in a portable information terminal.

In the picking work management system of the present invention, the notification unit and the status input unit are realized in a portable information terminal such as a smartphone, a mobile phone, or a PDA. Therefore, in the picking work management system of the present invention, by bringing a portable information terminal and performing the picking work, it is possible to receive a notification by the notification unit or perform an input work to the status input unit.

(13) The picking work management system of the present invention has an article collecting tool that collects articles dispersed in n places through a route from the first picking position to the nth (n is a natural number) picking position. The article collecting tool is divided into n or more storage spaces, and the articles collected at each picking position can be classified and collected in each storage space for each picking position. To do.

In the picking work management system of the present invention, the picking work can be advanced by accommodating the articles collected at each picking position in each accommodating space provided in the article collecting tool. This makes it possible to reliably pick the items to be collected without omission.

(14) The program of the present invention realizes the function of the picking work management system according to any one of (1) to (13) above on a computer.

According to the program of the present invention, the picking work management system of the present invention described above can be realized by using a computer.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a picking work management system for efficiently performing picking work while minimizing the load generated by the picking work, and a program for realizing the picking work management system.

It is a schematic diagram which shows the picking work management system which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the picking work management system realized by the program installed in the computer and the portable information terminal. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the moving load table. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the travel time table. (A) is an explanatory view showing an example of a picking load table, and (b) is a perspective view showing a dispensing shelf according to an example of a preparation unit. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the standby load table. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the load summary table used for deriving the load index. It is explanatory drawing which showed an example of the schedule table which manages the relationship between the picking work scheduled execution time and the work subject for each preparation part. It is explanatory drawing which showed an example of the schedule table which manages the transition of the preparation part which each work subject engages in work. It is explanatory drawing which showed an example of the schedule table for managing the schedule about the allocation of the preparation part. It is explanatory drawing which showed an example of the notification method by a communication terminal. It is a flowchart which showed the flow when the picking work is performed in a picking work management system. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the next work decision process. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the article collecting tool.

Hereinafter, an example of the picking work management system 1 and a program for realizing the picking work management system 1 will be described. The picking work management system 1 is for managing a work (picking work) of arranging articles of a type and a quantity specified in advance from a plurality of preparation units 10 in which articles are classified and prepared for each type. The preparation unit 10 is for preparing an article in preparation for picking work. The preparation unit 10 can be composed of, for example, a shelf for storing articles in a distribution warehouse, a dispensing shelf for classifying and storing dispensing drugs by type at a dispensing pharmacy or the like.

The picking work management system 1 is mainly composed of a computer 2 in which a program for realizing management of picking work is installed. By installing the above-mentioned program, the computer 2 has a preparation unit identification information regulation unit 21, a preparation status regulation unit 22, a load index regulation unit 23, an instruction information reception unit 25, a schedule depth determination unit 26, and a route candidate extraction unit. 27, a total load derivation unit 28, an optimum route selection unit 29, a schedule management unit 30, and a guidance instruction output unit 31 are formed.

The preparation unit identification information regulation unit 21 defines the preparation unit identification information such as an ID number for identifying a plurality of preparation units 10 provided for preparing an article. For example, when 10 racks are prepared as the preparation unit 10, the preparation unit identification information regulation unit 21 can store a table in which ID numbers such as R1 to R10 are assigned to each rack.

The preparation state defining unit 22 defines the relationship between the types of articles prepared in each preparation unit 10 and the preparation unit identification information. For example, the preparation state defining unit 22 can define a table in which the ID number of each preparation unit 10 is associated with information such as a name and a product number for determining the type of an article.

The load index defining unit 23 defines the load (stress) associated with the picking work in the preparation unit 10 by an index. The load index defining unit 23 includes a table in which the load is defined by an index for operations such as a moving load table 23a, a picking load table 23b, and a standby load table 23c, which are expected to generate a load due to the picking operation. In the present embodiment, the load index defining unit 23 includes the three tables 23a, 23b, and 23c described above.

The moving load table 23a is for defining the load generated by moving to the preparation unit 10 for picking work by an index (load index). For example, in the moving load table 23a, as shown in FIG. 3, the load (stress) due to movement is defined by the load index based on the distance between the preparation unit 10 which is the starting point of movement and the preparation unit 10 which is the moving destination. can do.

The picking load table 23b defines the load generated when arranging articles from the preparation unit 10 by an index (load index). In the present embodiment, the picking load table 23b assumes a case where the preparation unit 10 has a plurality of compartments arranged in the vertical and horizontal directions like a so-called dispensing shelf, and as shown in FIG. 5, the load index is for each compartment. It is said to be a table that defines. Specifically, when the preparation unit 10 has a plurality of compartments arranged in the vertical and horizontal directions like a so-called dispensing shelf, even when articles are collected from the same preparation unit 10, the height is different. It is assumed that the load applied to the work subject differs depending on the situation. The picking load table 23b is loaded when it is assumed that even if the same preparation unit 10 is used, the load generated when the articles are arranged may differ due to factors such as the position where the articles are arranged. Can be specified by the load index.

The standby load table 23c is for defining the load generated by the picking work by one work subject and the picking work by another work subject in the standby state by an index (load index). For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the standby load table 23c may define a relationship in which the load index increases as the standby time increases.

The instruction information receiving unit 25 is a part that receives instruction information that specifies the type and quantity of articles to be prepared by picking work. For example, when the picking work management system 1 is used for dispensing, the prescription information corresponds to the instruction information received by the instruction information reception unit 25. Further, when the picking work management system 1 is used in a distribution warehouse, the delivery information listing the articles to be delivered to the same delivery destination corresponds to the instruction information.

The schedule depth determination unit 26 performs a determination process (schedule formulation depth adjustment process) for determining how many processes ahead a schedule should be formulated when determining a route for arranging articles specified by instruction information. .. Specifically, it is necessary to collect the articles dispersed in n places through the route from the first picking position to the nth (n is a natural number) picking position in order to collect the articles to be collected in the subsequent picking work. If there is, it is necessary to formulate a schedule for picking work by moving up to n places. However, if an attempt is made to formulate a schedule for performing picking work by moving n locations, the number of candidate routes becomes enormous, which may lead to a decrease in the processing speed of the entire picking work management system 1. Therefore, in the picking work management system 1, the first range of schedule formulation is set on the condition that the number of candidate routes for collecting all the articles to be collected by the subsequent picking work exceeds the threshold value α. The process is limited to the range from the ath (a is a natural number smaller than n) to the picking position, and the number of route candidates is suppressed to the threshold value α or less.

Here, the process of deriving the number of route candidates assumed to collect all the articles by the picking operation (route candidate number deriving process) can be realized by various algorithms, but for example, the concept of permutation is used. Can be derived from. Specifically, in order to derive the number of candidate routes y to the x (x is a natural number of n or less) process destination when the picking operation is performed by moving n points, the formula of "y = nPx" Can be derived according to. For example, when trying to formulate a schedule for moving 10 locations and performing picking work, the number of route candidates y is as large as 10P10 = 3628800. On the other hand, if the schedule formulation range is limited to the range up to the second picking position, the number of route candidates y is 10P2 = 90, and the number of route candidates is significantly limited. Therefore, according to the schedule depth determination unit 26, the threshold value α can be set to a range that is not expected to cause a decrease in the processing speed of the entire picking work management system 1, and the schedule formulation range can be limited.

Based on the instruction information received by the instruction information receiving unit 25, the route candidate extraction unit 27 extracts as a route candidate a route candidate for collecting a part or all of the articles to be prepared by the picking operation from each preparation unit 10. It is the one that performs the processing to be performed. For example, when three kinds of articles A, B, and C are prepared in the preparation unit 10 having ID numbers R1 to R3, and the articles A, B, and C are prepared, the route candidate extraction unit 27 , (Route 1) R1 → R2 → R3, (Route 2) R1 → R3 → R2, (Route 3) R2 → R1 → R3, (Route 4) R2 → R3 → R1, (Route 5) R3 → R1 → R2 , (Route 6) Performs a process of extracting six routes consisting of R3 → R2 → R1 as route candidates.

Based on the load index, the total load derivation unit 28 performs a process of deriving the load required for arranging a part or all of the articles designated in advance as the total load for each route candidate. The total load is calculated based on the simple sum of the load exponents, an additive function optimized for deriving the total load, or a predetermined function for deriving the total load defined based on psychology or Kansei engineering. , Can be calculated by an appropriate method. In this embodiment, the total load is derived from the simple sum of the load indexes. Specifically, when the three types of articles A, B, and C are prepared from the preparation unit 10 having ID numbers R1 to R3 as described above, the load index is as shown in the load tabulation table shown in FIG. Is performed.

For example, as shown in FIG. 7, when the picking operation is performed in the above (path 1), the load due to the movement from the predetermined point to the preparation unit 10 (ID = R1) at the first picking position is first reached. The index is 1, the load index for assembling the article A at the first picking position is 3, and the load index for waiting at the first picking position is 2. Further, the load index due to the movement from the first picking position to the preparation unit 10 (ID = R2) at the second picking position is 10, and the article B is prepared at the second picking position. The load index is 1, and the load index due to waiting at the second picking position is 4. Further, the load index due to the movement from the second picking position to the preparation unit 10 (ID = R3) at the third picking position is 1, and the article C is prepared at the third picking position. The load index is 0, the load index due to waiting at the third picking position is 0, and the load index due to movement returning from the third picking position to a predetermined point is 11. Therefore, the total load when the picking work is performed on (path 1) is 33. The total load derivation unit 28 can derive the total load for each of the routes (path 2) to (route 6) by the same calculation method. In the example shown in FIG. 7, the load index for arranging the articles A, B, and C in each preparation unit 10 is the same regardless of which route is passed. As described above, when there are elements having the same load index when deriving the total load for each route to be compared, it is not necessary to add the elements having the same load index to the derivation of the load index.

The optimum route selection unit 29 performs a process of selecting the optimum route as the optimum route from the route candidates extracted by the route candidate extraction unit 27. The algorithm for the optimum route selection process by the optimum route selection unit 29 may be any, but the total load derivation unit includes, for example, a method of selecting the route with the minimum total load derived by the total load derivation unit 28. The process of selecting one route as the optimum route can be performed using the total load derived by 28 as an index.

The schedule management unit 30 can manage the relationship between the scheduled time for picking work and the work subject for each preparation unit 10. Specifically, the schedule management unit 30 has a schedule as shown in FIG. 8 as shown in FIG. 8 which work subject (for example, P1 to P5) is assigned to each preparation unit 10 (R1 to R10 in this embodiment) at which time. It can be managed over time by the table. Further, the schedule management unit 30 can also manage the transition of the preparation unit 10 in which each work subject (P1 to P5 in the present embodiment) engages in the work over time by the schedule table as shown in FIG. is there.

Further, the schedule management unit 30 includes a travel time table 30a as shown in FIG. The movement time table 30a defines the time (movement time) that is assumed to be required to move from the position that is the starting point of the movement to the position that is the moving destination. The movement time table 30a can be set as appropriate, but as shown in FIG. 4, for example, even if the movement is between the same points, the movement time may be different by switching the starting points. It is preferable to set it in consideration of the circumstances associated with the movement. Specifically, in the example of FIG. 4, even if the movement is between R1 and R10, the time (122 seconds) required to move from R1 on the first floor to R10 on the third floor as the starting point of the movement. ) And the time (117 seconds) required to move from R10 on the 3rd floor to R1 on the 1st floor, which makes the expected movement time different. In this way, it is also possible to set the travel time table 30a while taking individual circumstances into consideration.

Further, the schedule management unit 30 can derive the estimated arrival time from the movement start point to the movement destination by each work subject based on the movement time table 30a described above. Further, the schedule management unit 30 can derive a waiting time in which the moving subject waits for the picking work based on the scheduled arrival time.

Here, the schedule management unit 30 can manage the time based on the actual time (time) received from a separately provided clock or the like, the elapsed time after the power is turned on, or the like, but in the present embodiment, the minimum time division is performed. The unit is defined as a time slice, and the schedule is managed based on the concept of time slice. Specifically, assuming that the break time of a predetermined time (for example, every 5 seconds) is assumed as a time slice, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the state of each preparation unit 10 and each work subject is defined as a time slice in chronological order. Can be specified using. The length of one unit of the time slice is not limited to the above-mentioned 5 seconds, and is appropriate, for example, 1 second, 10 seconds, 1 minute, 5 minutes, etc. in consideration of the circumstances of the site where the picking work is performed. It can be set. For example, when the work in the dispensing room is the management target of the picking work management system 1, it is assumed that about 2 to 5 seconds is appropriate.

In addition, the schedule management unit 30 can also manage the schedule for the allocation of each preparation unit 10 which can be a resource for picking work. Specifically, the schedule management unit 30 can manage the relationship between the time slice and the assigned work subject for each preparation unit 10 based on the schedule table as shown in FIG. In this table, when the column indicating the ID of the work subject (owner ID column) is a positive value, it indicates that the work subject whose ID is the value is assigned to use the preparation unit 10. If the owner ID column is zero (0), the use of the preparation unit 10 is not assigned to any work subject, and if it is negative, the preparation unit is assigned to the work subject who performs maintenance such as replenishment of goods. It means the state to which the use of 10 is assigned. Further, in the column of the number of remaining time slices, information indicating how many units of slices are to be occupied at that time is input.

According to the example of FIG. 10, it is likely that the work subject whose ID is No. 5 (hereinafter, also referred to as “No. 5 worker”) can arrive at the preparation unit 10 managed in this table by the time of slice 7231. Taking a case as an example, the process executed by the schedule management unit 30 will be described. In this case, the schedule management unit 30 first refers to the owner ID column of the slice 7231 and the column of the number of remaining time slices. In this example, as shown in FIG. 10A, both the owner ID column and the remaining time slice number column are zero (0). Since the owner ID column is zero (0), no reservation for use for another work subject is registered in the preparation unit 10 at the time of time slice 7231. Further, since the remaining time in the time slice 7231 is zero (0), the preparation unit 10 can be used indefinitely. Therefore, the schedule management unit 30 performs a process of allocating a time slice for the scheduled work time of the fifth worker for the fifth worker.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10B, the schedule management unit 30 inputs the ID of the fifth worker in the owner ID column for each slice to be occupied (7231 to 7240 in the example of FIG. 10). Fill out. In addition, the schedule management unit 30 enters the remaining scheduled occupancy period at that time in the column of the number of remaining time slices from the first time slice to the last time slice of the period scheduled to be worked by the number of time slices. Specifically, in the example of FIG. 10B, since the fifth worker occupies the preparation unit 10 over the period from the time slice 7231 to 10 time slices, 10 to 1 over the time slices 7231 to 7240. Enter the number of remaining time slices to count down to. Furthermore, the remaining time extends from the time slice 7231 assigned for the fifth worker to the time when the previous schedule is encountered (up to the time slice 7222 in the example of FIG. 10B). Enter the number of slices.

Here, for a period in which the owner ID is zero (0) and the number of remaining time time slices counts down over time, such as between time slice 7222 and time slice 7230, work can be expected to be completed within this period. If there is a request for the task, the task can be assigned during this period. Specifically, in the example of FIG. 10B, when the work subject whose ID is No. 6 (hereinafter, also referred to as “No. 6 worker”) can arrive at the time slice 7207, the owner ID column is zero. Since (0) and the number of remaining time slices is 7, if the number of slices is within 7 time slices, the reservation of the 6th worker can be registered. In this example, since the 6th worker is scheduled to perform the work for 6 slices, the reservation is registered in the owner ID column over the period from the time slice 7207 to the 6 slices as shown in FIG. 10 (c). The ID of the work subject to be performed (“6” in this embodiment) is entered. Further, from the time slice 7207 to 6 slices, the column of the number of remaining time slices is updated so as to count down from 6, and the period from the time slice 7206 to the encounter with the previous schedule (FIG. 10). In the example of (c), the number of remaining time slices is entered for the time slice 7206).

The guidance instruction output unit 31 outputs a guidance instruction for guiding the picking operation so that the articles are arranged by the route selected by the optimum route selection unit 29. In the present embodiment, the guidance instruction output unit 31 can output the guidance instruction to the communication terminal 50 described in detail later.

The picking work management system 1 includes a communication terminal 50 capable of directly or indirectly communicating with the computer 2 described above. The communication terminal 50 is provided for each work subject. The communication terminal 50 may be capable of communicating with the computer 2 by wire, but can communicate with the computer 2 wirelessly in order to allow the work subject to move freely and efficiently perform the picking work. It is desirable that it is a thing. Specifically, it is desirable that the communication terminal 50 is a portable terminal such as a conventionally known smartphone, mobile phone, tablet terminal, notebook computer, or PDA, which can communicate wirelessly. Further, it is desirable that the communication terminal 50 is a portable information terminal having high portability, expandability, and excellent operability. Therefore, a smartphone or a PDA can be preferably used as the communication terminal 50.

The communication terminal 50 includes a notification unit 51 and a status input unit 52. The notification unit 51 and the status input unit 52 may be provided with members corresponding to the notification unit 51 and the status input unit 52 by preparing the communication terminal 50 as a dedicated product of the picking work management system 1, but the above-mentioned smartphone. When a general-purpose product such as the above is used as the communication terminal 50, the notification unit 51 and the status input unit 52 may be constructed by a method such as installing application software.

The notification unit 51 notifies the work subject assigned to the communication terminal 50 of the method of arranging the articles based on the guidance instruction output from the guidance instruction output unit 31 provided on the computer 2 side. The notification unit 51 needs to collect articles dispersed in n locations via a route from the first picking position (preparation unit 10) to the nth (n is a natural number) picking position (preparation unit 10). In this case, the method of arranging the articles is notified for each picking position (every preparation unit 10). The notification unit 51 can notify the method of assorting articles by various methods such as notification by display, notification by voice, and notification by vibration. For example, as shown in FIG. 11, the name, image, and quantity of articles to be collected can be notified. It may be notified by displaying such as. Further, the notification unit 51 is not limited to the one that notifies by one method selected from the notification methods such as display, voice, and vibration, and may notify by combining a plurality of notification methods.

The status input unit 52 collects the articles produced by the picking operation and inputs the status. The status input unit 52 can be configured by a mechanical button or the like provided on the communication terminal 50, but can be realized by a button or an input form displayed as an image on the display screen of the communication terminal 50. It can be realized by a method such as voice input. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, a button image displayed on the display screen of the communication terminal 50 at the stage when the goods of the type and quantity instructed by the notification by the notification unit 51 are prepared (“Next” in the figure. By selecting (corresponding to the "to" button), it is possible to input that the instructed items have been prepared.

When the status input unit 52 inputs that the items to be collected at the m-th (m is a natural number satisfying 1 ≦ m <n) picking position (preparation unit 10) by the notification unit 51, the notification unit 51 The 51 switches the display screen of the communication terminal 50 to a notification indicating the type and quantity of articles to be collected at the (m + 1) th picking position (preparation unit 10) and the picking position. When the notification notified by the notification unit 51 is the nth one, that is, the notification is related to the article to be collected at the final picking position, the status input unit 52 inputs that the collection is completed. And, it notifies that the picking work is completed.

In the picking work management system 1 of the present embodiment, for example, the article collecting tool 60 as shown in FIG. 14 is used for the picking work. The article collecting tool 60 is composed of a portable container such as a basket. In the article collecting tool 60, a storage space for accommodating articles is divided into a plurality of compartments 61. Each compartment 61 is numbered. Therefore, by notifying the notification unit 51 of the name, image, quantity, etc. of the articles to be collected and to which section 61 the collected articles should be put, it is possible to classify the articles while collecting them. The number of compartments 61 is arbitrary, but when collecting articles via a route from the first picking position (preparation unit 10) to the nth (n is a natural number) picking position (preparation unit 10). It is desirable to use an article collector 60 having n or more compartments 61.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a flow when picking work is performed in the picking work management system 1. Hereinafter, the flow of the picking work will be described according to this flowchart.

(Step S101)
In step S101, it is confirmed whether or not the instruction information is input to the instruction information receiving unit 25. When the input of the instruction information is confirmed, the control proceeds to step S102.

(Step S102)
In step S102, it is confirmed by the picking operation whether or not there is a remaining number of articles to be collected. Here, if there is a remaining number, the control proceeds to step S103, and if there is no remaining number, the control ends.

(Step S103)
In step S103, the next work determination process is performed. The next work determination process is a process of selecting the optimum movement route, a process of determining the type and quantity of articles to be collected, a process of determining the determined route, the type of articles, the quantity, etc. It performs processing for notifying information. The next work determination process is performed according to the subroutine shown in FIG. After that, control proceeds to step S104.

(Step S104)
In step S104, the implementation status of the picking work according to the work method or the like determined in step S103 is confirmed. Control remains in step S104 until it is confirmed that the picking work for which the work method and the like are determined has been completed in step S103, and when the completion of the picking work is confirmed, the process is returned to step S102.

In this way, by continuing the process until it is determined in step S102 that there is no remaining number of articles to be collected by the picking work, the articles to be collected while minimizing the load (stress) applied to the work subject. Can be picked reliably without omission.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing for the next work determination process. Hereinafter, the flow of the next work determination process will be described according to this flowchart.

(Step S201)
In step S201, the schedule depth determination unit 26 determines the schedule formulation depth. After that, the process proceeds to step S202.

(Step S202)
In step S202, a part or all of the articles to be prepared by the picking work are selected by the route candidate extraction unit 27 based on the instruction information received by the instruction information reception unit 25 and the schedule formulation depth determined in step S201. A process of extracting route candidates to be collected from each preparation unit 10 as route candidates is performed. Here, when it is necessary to collect articles dispersed in n places by the subsequent picking process, the schedule formulation depth reaches the picking position from the first to the ath (a is a natural number smaller than n). When it is limited to the range, the process of extracting the route candidate is performed by limiting it to the range up to the ath. After that, the process proceeds to step 203.

(Step S203)
In step S203, the total load derivation process is performed by the total load derivation unit 28. The total load derivation process is performed for each route extracted in step S202. After that, the process proceeds to step S204.

(Step S204)
In step S204, the optimum route selection unit 29 executes a process of determining the optimum route for the picking operation from the route candidates extracted in step S202. Specifically, in step S204, the total load derived for each route candidate by the total load derivation process in step S203 is compared, and the route with the smallest total load is determined as the optimum route. After that, the process proceeds to step S205.

(Step S205)
In step S205, the schedule management unit 30 performs a process (reservation process) of making a reservation for using each preparation unit 10 so that the picking operation can proceed based on the optimum route selected in step S204. .. Specifically, as described above, the reservation information database 32 can record the relationship between the scheduled implementation time and the work subject for each preparation unit 10. Specifically, when the picking work is performed on the optimum route, the scheduled work time is recorded from the time when the picking work is expected to reach each preparation unit 10 to the time estimated to be required for assembling the articles. In the present embodiment, since the time is managed using the concept of time slice, the time slice corresponding to the estimated time of arrival at each preparation unit 10 is used as the time slice for the time estimated to be required for assembling the goods. Is registered as a time slice used for picking operations. In this way, each preparation unit 10 (picking position) that goes through when performing the picking work on the optimum route is used for each preparation unit 10 by performing a process of recording the scheduled work time in the reservation information database 32. A reservation is made. Further, in the time zone in which the usage reservation is made in the reservation information database 32, the usage reservation for another work subject cannot be registered. In this way, when the reservation process in step S205 is completed, the subroutine of FIG. 13 ends.

In the picking work management system 1 of the present embodiment, the route candidate extraction unit 27 extracts the route candidates for arranging the articles from each preparation unit 10 based on the instruction information, and the total load required for arranging the articles is extracted for each route candidate. Can be derived. Further, based on the total load derived for each route candidate, a route suitable for the picking work can be selected as the optimum route, and a picking work schedule can be formulated so that the articles can be arranged by the optimum route. Therefore, according to the picking work management system 1, it is possible to select a route that enables efficient picking work and manage the schedule while minimizing the load generated by the picking work.

Further, in the picking work management system 1, a route for picking an article is selected by a route that minimizes the total load derived by the total load derivation unit 28. Therefore, according to the picking work management system 1, the burden on the work subject due to the picking work can be minimized. In this embodiment, an example is shown in which the route with the minimum total load derived by the total load derivation unit 28 is selected as the route for picking work, but the route other than the route with the minimum total load is picked. It may be selected as a work route.

Since the picking work management system 1 described above includes a moving load table 23a, a picking load table 23b, and a standby load table 23c, the load applied to the work subject due to movement, picking work, and standby time is applied. Taking into account, the path of picking work can be optimized. In this embodiment, an example is shown in which a moving load table 23a, a picking load table 23b, and a standby load table 23c are provided, and the load associated with the movement, picking work, and standby time is used as an index for route selection. , One or more of these tables may not be provided, or in place of or in addition to these, a table in which the load index is defined from another viewpoint may be provided and used as an index for route selection. good. Further, in the picking work management system 1, the picking load table 23b is defined in consideration of the height of the section in which the article is prepared, but in addition to or in addition to the height, other factors are added. It may be the one specified in the above.

In the picking work management system 1 of the present embodiment, the schedule management unit 30 can manage the relationship between the scheduled time for picking work and the work subject for the picking work by a plurality of work subjects performing the picking work. Therefore, according to the picking work management system 1, even when a plurality of work subjects are engaged in one distribution warehouse, dispensing room, etc., it is possible to manage the picking work by each work subject so that the picking work can be efficiently performed. it can.

In the present embodiment, the schedule management unit 30 defines the minimum time division unit as a time slice, and manages the scheduled time for picking work based on the number of time slices. As a result, the schedule management unit 30 can easily and accurately manage the schedule. In this embodiment, the concept of time slice is introduced and an example of performing schedule management based on this is shown, but the actual time and the elapsed time after the power is turned on are used without using the concept of time slice. You may manage the schedule.

Further, in the picking work management system 1 of the present embodiment, the schedule depth determination unit 26 performs the schedule formulation depth adjustment process so that the number of route candidate candidates extracted by the route candidate extraction unit 27 becomes the threshold value α or less. It is possible to limit the scope of schedule formulation. Therefore, in the picking work management system 1, the processing capacity required for the schedule formulation process can be reduced. In this embodiment, the schedule depth determination unit 26 has shown an example in which the schedule formulation depth can be adjusted, but the picking work management system 1 may not include the schedule depth determination unit 26. Further, the method of adjusting the schedule formulation depth by the schedule depth determination unit 26 is not limited to the above-mentioned method, and for example, the schedule formulation depth may be arbitrarily set by the user.

In the picking work management system 1 of the present embodiment, by performing the picking work according to the guidance instruction output from the guidance instruction output unit 31, it is possible to arrange the articles by the route selected by the optimum route selection unit 29. Therefore, according to the picking work management system 1, the work subject can efficiently perform the picking work without hesitation, and the load (stress) associated with the picking work can be minimized.

In the picking work management system 1, the notification unit 51 notifies the picking position (preparation unit 10) of the method of assorting articles. Therefore, the picking work can be carried out if the articles are prepared as notified by the notification unit 51 at each picking position (preparation unit 10), and the picking work can be efficiently performed without depending on the ability and experience of the work subject. Can be done. Further, on condition that the status input unit 52 is input to the effect that the assortment of articles has been completed at each picking position, the notification unit 51 notifies the assortment method of the articles at the next picking position. There is no problem such as being notified of how to prepare the goods one after another while the amount is insufficient. In the present embodiment, an example of notifying the type and quantity of articles to be collected separately for each picking position (preparation unit 10) is shown, but the types of articles to be collected at each picking position (preparation unit 10). And the quantity etc. may be listed and notified collectively.

In the picking work management system 1 of the present embodiment, the notification unit 51 and the status input unit 52 are realized by a portable information terminal such as a so-called smartphone. Therefore, in the picking work management system 1, by bringing a portable information terminal and performing the picking work, it is possible to receive a notification by the notification unit 51 or perform an input work to the status input unit 52.

In the picking work management system 1 of the present embodiment, the articles collected at each picking position (preparation unit 10) using the article collecting tool 60 configured by a basket or the like are classified into each section 61 for each picking position. It is said that it can be collected. This makes it possible to reliably pick the items to be collected without omission. In the present embodiment, an example in which the picking work can be performed by using the article collecting tool 60 is shown, but the picking work can be performed without using the article collecting tool 60, or the picking work is divided into sections 61. A container such as a general basket may be used instead of the article collector 60.

Further, in the present embodiment, an example is shown in which each function of the picking work management system 1 can be exhibited by installing the picking work management system 1 on the general-purpose computer 2, but each function of the picking work management system 1 is shown. A control device that functions as a dedicated product for exerting the above may be used instead of the computer 2.

The picking work management system and the computer of the present invention can be suitably used in a field where articles prepared in various places should be collected by picking work, such as a distribution warehouse and a dispensing room.

1 Picking work management system 10 Preparation unit 21 Preparation unit Identification information regulation unit 22 Preparation status regulation unit 23 Load index regulation unit 23a Mobile load table 23b Picking load table 23c Standby load table 25 Instruction information reception unit 26 Schedule depth determination unit 27 Route candidate Extraction unit 28 Total load derivation unit 29 Optimal route selection unit 30 Schedule management unit 31 Guidance instruction output unit 50 Communication terminal (portable communication terminal)
51 Notification unit 52 Status input unit 60 Goods collector 61 Section α Threshold

Claims (12)

It is a picking work management system that manages picking work for collecting goods of a predetermined type and quantity from a plurality of preparation units in which goods are prepared.
The preparation unit identification information regulation unit that defines the preparation unit identification information for identifying the preparation unit,
The preparation state regulation unit that defines the relationship between the type of article prepared in the preparation unit and the preparation unit identification information,
A load index defining part that regulates the load associated with picking work by an index,
An instruction information reception unit that receives instruction information that specifies the type and quantity of goods to be prepared by picking work,
A route candidate extraction unit that extracts route candidates for collecting a part or all of the articles from each preparation unit as route candidates based on the instruction information, and a route candidate extraction unit.
Based on the index specified in the load index defining unit, the total load deriving unit that derives the total load required to prepare a part or all of the articles specified in advance as the total load for each route candidate, and the total load deriving unit.
An optimum route selection unit that selects one route as an optimum route based on the total load derived by the total load derivation unit from the route candidates extracted by the route candidate extraction unit.
A schedule management unit that manages the picking work schedule so that some or all of the articles can be collected by the optimum route.
Have a,
It manages picking work by multiple work subjects.
The optimum route selection unit selects a route for picking an article from the route candidates extracted by the route candidate extraction unit on the route that minimizes the total load derived by the total load derivation unit. Yes,
The load index defining unit is characterized by having a standby load table defined based on the load generated when the picking work by one work subject becomes a standby state due to the influence of the picking work by another work subject. Picking work management system. The picking work management system according to claim 1, further comprising a schedule management unit that manages a relationship between a scheduled time for picking work and a work subject. It is a picking work management system that manages picking work for collecting goods of a predetermined type and quantity from a plurality of preparation units in which goods are prepared.
The preparation unit identification information regulation unit that defines the preparation unit identification information for identifying the preparation unit,
The preparation state regulation unit that defines the relationship between the type of article prepared in the preparation unit and the preparation unit identification information,
A load index defining part that regulates the load associated with picking work by an index,
An instruction information reception unit that receives instruction information that specifies the type and quantity of goods to be prepared by picking work,
A route candidate extraction unit that extracts route candidates for collecting a part or all of the articles from each preparation unit as route candidates based on the instruction information, and a route candidate extraction unit.
Based on the index specified in the load index defining unit, the total load deriving unit that derives the total load required to prepare a part or all of the articles specified in advance as the total load for each route candidate, and the total load deriving unit.
An optimum route selection unit that selects one route as an optimum route based on the total load derived by the total load derivation unit from the route candidates extracted by the route candidate extraction unit.
A schedule management unit that manages the picking work schedule so that some or all of the articles can be collected by the optimum route.
Have,
It manages picking work by multiple work subjects.
The optimum route selection unit selects a route for picking an article from the route candidates extracted by the route candidate extraction unit on the route that minimizes the total load derived by the total load derivation unit. Yes,
The schedule management unit manages the relationship between the scheduled time for picking work and the work subject. The minimum time division unit is defined as a time slice, and the scheduled time for picking work is set to the number of time slices. A picking work management system characterized by being manageable based on. The item according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the load index defining unit includes a moving load table defined based on a load generated in association with the movement to the preparation unit. Described picking work management system. The preparation unit is composed of a plurality of sections.
The item according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the load index defining unit includes a picking load table that defines a load associated with picking work for each of the one or a plurality of the sections. Picking work management system. The picking work management system according to claim 5 , wherein the picking load table is defined in consideration of the height at which the compartments are arranged. Among the articles specified by the instruction information, the articles are distributed to n locations via a route from the first picking position to the nth (n is a natural number) picking position in order to collect the articles to be collected in the subsequent picking work. When it is necessary to collect the goods, the first is the scope of the schedule formulation, provided that the number of candidate routes for collecting all the goods to be collected by the subsequent picking work exceeds the threshold value α. The schedule formulation depth adjustment process is performed to limit the range from the th to the ath (a is a natural number smaller than n) to the picking position.
From claim 1, the schedule formulation range is limited so that the number of route candidate candidates extracted by the route candidate extraction unit is equal to or less than the threshold value α in the schedule formulation depth adjustment process. The picking work management system according to any one of claims 6 . The invention according to any one of claims 1 to 7 , further comprising a guidance instruction output unit that outputs a guidance instruction for guiding the picking operation so that the articles are arranged by the route selected by the optimum route selection unit. Described picking work management system. A notification unit that notifies the work subject performing the picking operation based on the guidance instruction output from the guidance instruction output unit of the method of arranging the articles, and a notification unit.
A status input unit that allows you to enter the status of goods assortment,
Is equipped with
When it is necessary to collect articles dispersed in n locations via a route from the first picking position to the nth (n is a natural number) picking position, the notification unit divides the articles into each picking position. You will be informed of how to arrange
The claim is characterized in that the notification unit notifies the method of assembling the articles at the next picking position, provided that the status input unit is input to the effect that the assortment of articles is completed at each picking position. 8. The picking work management system according to 8 . The picking work management system according to claim 9 , wherein the notification unit and the status input unit are realized in a portable information terminal. It has an article collector that collects articles dispersed in n places via a route from the first picking position to the nth (n is a natural number) picking position.
The article collecting tool is divided into n or more accommodation spaces, and articles collected at each picking position can be classified and collected in each accommodation space for each picking position. The picking work management system according to any one of claims 1 to 10 . A program for realizing the function of the picking work management system according to any one of claims 1 to 11 on a computer.