JPH0566290B2 - - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Industrial Field of Application] The present invention is a method for storing a large number of different types of shipped items stored in multiple storage shelves, sorted by the same type of shipped items, using slips, slips, etc.
It relates to a picking instruction system in a distribution system in which a picker performs picking based on picking instructions using a label, etc. In particular, customer order information is created using a host computer and stored in an external storage device, and the picking is performed from this point. The present invention relates to a picking instruction system that outputs instruction information.

[Conventional technology]

When shipping items are packed and shipped to each customer in response to customer orders at a distribution center or warehouse, a so-called picking operation is performed in which the required quantity of items ordered by the customer is extracted from a large amount of stored items. .

Normally, this work involves organizing a large number of items by code number, etc., placing them in an orderly manner on shelves, and following the slips, labels, etc. that organize the quantity of ordered items for each customer, using manual labor, handcarts, or motorized vehicles in the case of heavy items. Picking can be done while moving between shelves with the help of vehicles, etc., or conversely, setting up shelves and spaces for each customer and creating an organized list of how many items should be sent to which customer for each item. A method is used in which picking is performed by repeatedly placing each item on a shelf or space designated for each customer.

In recent years, as the amount of materials handled has increased, computers have come to be used to create slips and lists used in picking operations, and there is also a trend toward mechanizing the picking operation itself.

However, it is economically possible to mechanize items such as cosmetics, where each item is relatively fixed and has a high unit price, but most items handled at distribution centers and warehouses are not technically viable due to their properties and price. Mechanization is difficult due to physical and economic constraints, and the system configuration is complex and expensive, so manual work is still the mainstream.

Various picking instruction systems have been developed and put into practical use as auxiliary means for improving work speed, accuracy, and labor saving in such manual picking operations. For example, JP-A-57-
There is a picking instruction system No. 137203.

To briefly explain the function and configuration of this picking instruction system, a storage shelf such as a flower rack is divided into multiple zones, each zone is divided into multiple bay areas, and a bay indicator is installed in each bay area.
Furthermore, each bay area is divided into item divisions that store a large number of items to be picked by item, and each item division is provided with an item display that displays the picking quantity for each item. By organizing the picking quantity of items for each order destination (hereinafter referred to simply as a customer) and displaying the picking quantity on the item display for each customer according to the picking operation using the picking instruction information output from the control console, the picker can Picking can be done accurately by simply picking the quantity displayed on the item display without relying on slips or labels. Further, the item display device is provided with a reset switch, and when the work for one customer is completed, a picking instruction for the next customer is displayed, so that picking work can be performed continuously.

In other words, the pickers placed in each zone first know in which bay area the item to be picked is located from the display on the bay indicator, and then identify the item to be picked based on the display on the item indicator in the bay area. With this system, the bay display and item display are sequentially displayed, and according to the display, items ordered by multiple customers can be picked simultaneously and in sequence, making picking work more efficient. . Furthermore, if it is linked with a continuous conveyance device such as a belt conveyor, work efficiency can be further improved.

[Problem that the invention seeks to solve]

However, with such a conventional picking instruction system, very efficient picking can be expected when the ratio of the number of items picked per customer to the total number of items is high, but when this ratio decreases, the efficiency deteriorates and it is not practical. I can't stand it anymore. This becomes clear if we consider the following example.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of picking work in an example of a conventional system.

Now, the storage shelf 5 is divided into 10 zones Z ₁ to _{Z 10} , and each zone Z ₁ to _{Z 10} has one bay area (for ease of explanation, it is called one bay area, but the same applies if there are multiple bay areas) ), the item classification for each bay area (zone in this explanation) is 10 (the number of items that one picker P is in charge of), and the total number of items to be picked is 100.
shall be.

The placement of each item is analyzed and determined in advance by a computer so that all pickers can pick equally. Currently, the items ordered by customer a have been picked for items stored in zones Z ₁ to Z ₉ , and are about to be picked for items in zone Z ₁₀ . Also, for the ordered product of customer i, picking in zone _Z1 has been completed, and picking in zone _Z2 is about to start. _Z1 ～
Each picker in charge of Z ₁₀ zone picks the quantity indicated on the display attached to each item, and when they complete loading into the container CN, the belt conveyor BY moves one zone.
The picking operation for the ordered items of customer a is completed, and the containers transporting the ordered items of customers b to j each start picking operations for the next zone. Further, a container to newly place the ordered product of customer k enters the zone _Z1 and picking is started.

In this way, 10 customer orders are picked in parallel.

As mentioned earlier, the arrangement of items in each zone is determined in advance by a computer so that all pickers will pick items evenly, but if you look at each customer's order, it is not always the case that items will be placed equally from all zones. Therefore, for example, if the item ordered by customer c is not in zone Z ₈ , the picker in zone Z ₈ will have pickers in the other nine zones picking their respective items. Once completed, the conveyor BY will move by one zone and you will have to wait until the next customer's picking display is displayed. Such handholding is unavoidable because each customer's order is determined by the individual customer's will, regardless of the arrangement of items in the warehouse or distribution center. Moreover, if the number of items ordered by each customer is less than the number of zones (10 in the example of FIG. 5), a waiting period will inevitably occur. Reducing the number of zones to avoid this waiting time simultaneously reduces the number of customers who must be picked, increases the work area of one picker, and increases the walking time required to approach the items to be picked. A decrease in efficiency occurs that exceeds the decrease in waiting time.

In addition, in the case of the example system, if a waiting period occurs, there is a method to improve efficiency by displaying the next picking quantity before the next customer's container arrives at the regular work position. Although it has been attempted, its effectiveness is limited as long as the system works in sync with the work speed of the pickker, who is the slowest of the 10 pickkers overall.

In recent years, as consumer demands for products have diversified, products have also become more diverse. For example, mail-order distribution centers handle 10,000 or 20,000 items, and receive 2 or 3 items from thousands of customers every day. Some centers receive and ship individual orders, and as mentioned above, if the number of items ordered per customer is smaller than the total number of items, the time required for picking each item increases, which not only reduces efficiency. However, since the same number of indicators as the number of products are required, the equipment cost is high and the existing picking instruction system cannot be used.

The present invention has been developed in view of these problems, and allows for efficient picking even when picking a small number of items from a large number of items.In addition, the display system has the advantages of picking accuracy and display instructions. It is an object of the present invention to provide an inexpensive picking instruction system that has advantages such as simplifying the picking work.

[Means for solving problems]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the above-mentioned objects, the system of the present invention has a system for shipping a large number of types, which are classified by shipping item and stored in a large number of storage shelves 5 as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3. In a picking instruction system in which a picker picks items based on picking instructions from slips, labels, etc., a large number of storage shelves 5 are arranged in a plurality of blocks A, B,...
Each block is divided into a number of groups A-1,
Divide into A-2,..., B-1, B-2..., and further subdivide each group into frames for each shipping item, assign a shelf number to the storage shelf 5 of each group, and assign a frame number or number to the frame of each group. Code numbers of shipping items are displayed regularly, order information of many customers is divided into information for multiple customers that can be picked by one picker and transported using the picking cart 4, and storage bins are assigned for each divided information. , a host computer 1 for organizing and organizing picking instruction information such as frame numbers or shipping item code numbers and shipping item quantities into an optimal picking order, and picking instruction information for each division information using this host computer 1. A plurality of small-sized external storage devices 3 that store items in an optimal picking order, and storage bins, frame numbers, or code numbers and quantities of shipping items to be picked that are supplied from the set of these small-sized external storage devices 3. A control device 17 for reading out picking instruction information such as in the picking order and writing the information to a small external storage device 3 when a picking item is out of stock or in short supply, etc., and this control device 1
A display 18 to which picking instruction information read out according to the picking order is given by 7, a power supply 19 for driving the display 18 and the control device 17, and a plurality of picking devices accommodating picking items for each customer. It has a plurality of picking carts 4 on which containers 20a, 20b, etc. are placed, and an input device 9 for reading information written in the small external storage device 3 in the event of a stockout, shortage of quantity, etc., and an output of the input device 9. Process information and display the picking contents on the attached display 7 for each customer for inspection, print out delivery notes, shipping labels, etc. for each customer from the attached printer 8, and perform shipping for each shipping item. The computer 6 is equipped with a computer 6 for outputting information such as actual performance, stockout status, inventory withdrawal, etc. to the host computer 1, and the display 10 placed on each of the above-mentioned picking carts 4 displays customer information based on picking instruction information given by the control device 17. A customer identification display section 22 that distinguishes and displays the customer identification display section 22, and displays the shelf number, frame number, or code number and quantity of the shipping item of the storage shelf 5 in which the shipping item of the customer displayed on the customer identification display section 22 is stored. Display section 23-2
5, and a control device 17 operated when picking is completed.
a reset switch 26 for informing the operator of the completion of picking and allowing the work to proceed; and a reset switch 26 for notifying the control device 17 of the out-of-stock item and writing the out-of-stock information to the small external storage device 3, which is operated when an item is out of stock. This configuration has an operating end for a missing item switch 27.

[Effect]

The picker sets one small external storage device 3 that stores information related to the plurality of customers he/she is in charge of into the control device 17 of the picking cart 4, reads the information from the external storage device 3, and selects the first shipment to be picked. The storage bin of the item, the frame number, or the code number and quantity of the shipping item are displayed on the storage bin display section 23, the code number display section 24 of the frame number or shipping item, and the quantity display section 25, respectively, and the number of shipping items to be picked is multiple. The customer identification display section 22 is made to display which customer it belongs to among the customers.

The picker moves the cart 4 to the storage bin displayed on the shelf bin display section 23, and displays the shipping item with the frame number or code number displayed on the frame number or code number display section 24 on the quantity display section 25. This quantity of shipped items is then stored in the customer's picking container 20a displayed on the customer identification display section 22.

When the picking of one shipping item for the first customer is completed in this way, the picker operates the reset switch 26 to write to the external storage device 3 that the quantity of the shipping item has been picked, and also to display the customer identification. The display in section 22 changes, and the picked quantity for the displayed customer is displayed on quantity display section 25. In this case, if there is no picking instruction for the same shipping item, the display automatically changes to the next frame number or the next storage bin or frame number. The picker picks the displayed quantity of shipping items of the displayed frame number and stores them in the customer's picking container 20b displayed on the customer identification display section 22.

If there is a shortage of stored shipping items compared to the displayed quantity of shipping items, it is determined that the item is out of stock, the out of stock switch 27 is operated, and the control device 17 determines the quantity. The external storage device 3 indicates that the item is out of stock for the quantity displayed on the display unit 25.
will be written to. If the shipping item is out of stock (there is no shipping item in the frame), the out of stock switch 27 is operated, and the control device 17 writes the out of stock information in the external storage device 3.

In this way, all the picking of shipping items for multiple customers handled by one picker is completed, and picking of shipping items for multiple customers handled by other pickers is carried out simultaneously in the same way. All ends. After that, the picker moves the picking cart 4 carrying the picking containers 20a, 20b, etc. containing the picked shipping items for each customer to the packing work place,
The external storage device 3 is set in the input device 9 installed here, the contents are read, the computer 6 processes the contents, the display 7 displays the picking contents for each customer for inspection, and the printer 8 outputs the picking contents for each customer. Print out delivery notes, shipping labels, etc. At the same time, information such as shipping results and out-of-stock status for each shipping item is output from the computer 6 to the host computer 1 for inventory withdrawal, inventory management, etc.
Used for order backlog management, accounts receivable management, etc.

After completing all of the above operations, the contents of the external storage device 3 are erased and reused for the next picking operation.

〔Example〕

An embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

Fig. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of an embodiment of the system of the present invention, Fig. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a picking cart used in this embodiment, and Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a display device also used in this embodiment. It is a diagram.

This embodiment includes a host computer 1, a card issuing machine 2, an IC card 3 having a dynamic frame,
Picking cart 4, storage shelf 5, key reader 9
It consists of a microcomputer 6, a display 7, and a printer 8.

Shipment items to be shipped according to customer orders are stored in storage shelves 5 that are divided into finely divided items. A large number of storage shelves 5 are divided into a plurality of blocks, each block is divided into a plurality of groups, each group is subdivided into frames for each shipping item, and a shelf number is assigned to the storage shelves 5 of each group. The frame number or shipping item code number is displayed in the group frame. In this embodiment, a large number of storage shelves 5 are divided into three blocks A, B, and C, and each block A, B, and C is divided into 20 groups, and each group of storage shelves 5 includes blocks A-1 to A-1. -20, B-1~
Shelf numbers such as B-20, C-1 to C-20 are displayed and arranged in an orderly manner. Storage shelf A- for each group
1 to A-10, B-1 to B-20, C-1 to C-
20 is divided into up to 10 stages, and each stage is divided into up to 10 slots for storing shipping items, and each group's slots include, for example, 2-
Frame numbers such as 6 are displayed.

The host computer 1 stores order information for a large number of customers, for example, 3, which can be picked by one picker and transported using a picking cart 4.
This is to divide the information into customer's information, and organize and compile picking instruction information such as shelf number, frame number, and quantity of shipping items into an optimal picking order for each of the three customer's information.

A plurality of IC cards 3 are created by storing the output information of the host computer 1 for each of the three customers handled by each picker using the card issuing machine 2.

As shown in the second diagram, the picking cart 4 is equipped with a set of IC cards 3, and the picking instruction information such as the shelf number and frame number of the shipping item to be picked, or the code number and quantity of the shipping item, which is supplied from the IC card 3, is arranged in the picking order. Therefore, there is a card reader/writer 17 for reading and writing the information on the IC card 3 when the picking item is out of stock or insufficient in quantity, and picking instructions read out by the card reader/writer 17 in accordance with the picking order. A display 18 to which information is given via signal lines 21a to 21d, and a power supply 19 for driving this display 18 and the card reader/writer 17.
and a plurality of picking containers 20a (same number as the number of customers served by one picker), three in this embodiment, for accommodating picking items for each customer.
~20c is placed on the cart body and can be moved freely, and multiple units are available.

As shown in the third diagram, the display 18 is a customer identification system consisting of three customer indicator lights L ₁ to L 3 that distinguish and display a plurality of customers, three customers in this example, based on picking instruction information given from the card reader/writer ₁₇ . Display section 22 and this customer identification display section 22
Display sections 23 to 25 display the shelf number, frame number, and quantity of the shipped items of the storage shelf 5 where the customer's shipped items are stored, respectively, and display sections 23 to 25 that are operated when picking is completed to notify the card reader/writer 17 that picking is complete. A reset switch 26 is used to inform the user that the item is out of stock so that the work can proceed, and an out-of-stock switch 27 is operated when an item is out of stock to notify the card reader/writer 17 of the out-of-stock item and write the information on the out-of-stock item to the IC card 3. , a numeric keypad 28 which is operated when the quantity is insufficient and is used to instruct the card reader/writer 17 to pick the quantity and write on the IC card 3 that there is a shortage in relation to the quantity displayed on the quantity display section 25; It consists of a handy scanner 29 for reading barcodes for each shipping item.

The internal circuit of the display 18 used in this embodiment is as follows:
For example, it is as shown in the fourth figure.

In FIG. 4, 21a to 21d are the display units 1
8 and the card reader/writer 17. The signal lines 21b and 21c are the power supply device 19
A voltage of 24 volts is given. This 24 volt voltage is applied to a voltage converter circuit 10 including a voltage regulator.
is supplied to and converted into a voltage V of 5 to 8 volts,
The signal is supplied to each circuit making up the display 18.

The serial signal input through the signal line 21a is applied to the terminal _t7 of the discriminator 12 through the inverter _I1 . This serial input signal is 3 in this embodiment.
This is a digital signal with a check bit added to a total of 30 bits: 2 bits to distinguish between customers, 2 digits 12 bits to display the shelf number, 2 digits 8 bits to display the frame number, and 2 digits 8 bits to display the quantity. Yes, it is sent from card reader/writer 17. In the case of this embodiment, this serial signal is simultaneously read into the memory of the discriminator 12 from the terminal _t7 for three customers for each same shelf number and same frame number. When the serial signal is read into the memory of the discriminator 12, a reception confirmation signal is sent from the terminal _t8 to the card reader/writer 17 via the inverter _I2 and the signal line 21a. This reception confirmation signal is transmitted by sending out an oscillation signal from the oscillation circuit 13 connected to the terminals X ₁ and X ₂ .

In addition, the quantity signal, shelf number signal, shelf frame signal, and customer identification signal for shipped items are determined by the discrimination unit 1 for up to three customers.
Digital signals stored in the memory of No. 2 and representing the quantity, shelf number, frame number, etc. of shipped items according to the order of customers are sent out from the terminal _t3 , and digital signals for distinguishing the three customers are sent out from the terminal _t1 . The determining unit 12 outputs from a terminal _t2 a control signal for converting the digital signal output from the terminal _t3 into a decimal number.

The digital signal output from the terminal _t3 of the discrimination section 12 is converted into a decimal number by the code conversion circuit 14, and the shelf number display section 23, frame number display section 24 and quantity display section 25 are converted into decimal numbers. Displays the storage bin, frame number, and quantity of the storage shelf where the shipping item is stored as a decimal number. In the case of this embodiment, since a liquid crystal display section is used for the display sections 23 to 25 for displaying the shelf number, frame number, and quantity, the code conversion circuit 14 includes an oscillation circuit 15 for lighting the liquid crystal.

Furthermore, at the same time as the digital signal is output from the terminal _t3 of the discriminator 12, a low potential is output from the terminal _t6 ,
This low potential turns off the transistor TR ₂ and generates a high potential at its collector. This high potential passes through diode _D2 to the transistor of NOR circuit 11.
Turn on TR ₁ . This on causes the diode to
The signal line 21d is set to a low potential via _D1 to notify the card reader/writer 17 that picking is not completed.

Now, the picker is 1 shown on the quantity display section 25.
Assuming that the quantity of the item to be shipped to the th customer is picked and the reset switch 26 in the reset circuit is operated upon completion of the picking, thereby giving a reset signal to the terminal _t5 of the discriminator 12, the quantity display section 25 displays the quantity of items to be shipped to the second customer, and the customer indicator light of the customer identification display section 22 changes from _L1 to _L2 ,
Thereafter, in the same manner, the lighting of the indicator lights changes in order every time picking is completed. When the picking of the shipping item for the third customer is completed, a high potential is output from the terminal _t6 of the discriminator 12, and this high potential turns on the transistor _TR2 , generating a low potential at its collector. This low potential turns off transistor TR ₁ via diode D ₂ . This off causes the signal line 21d to go to a high potential via diode _D2 ,
Notify the card reader/writer 17 that picking has been completed.

A digital signal for distinguishing the three customers outputted from the terminal _t1 of the discriminating section 12 passes through the lamp drive circuit 16 and is sent to three customer indicator lights _L1 to _L3 of the customer identification display section 22 for distinguishing the customers in order of the customers. The light will be lit according to the following. That is, the first signal turns on the indicator lamp _L1 , the second signal turns on the indicator lamp _L2 , and the third signal turns on the indicator lamp _L3 .

The indicator lights L ₁ to _{L 3} are connected to the voltage V by closing the lamp lighting confirmation switch S1 of the NOR circuit 11 connected through the diodes D ₃ to D ₅ , respectively.
The current due to each indicator light L ₁ ~ L ₃ , each diode D ₃
~ _D5 , switch S1 and signal line (connection line) 21
Flow through circuit b to light up each indicator light L ₁ to _{L 3} ,
It is now possible to check if the lamp is burnt out.

Furthermore, when the quantity signal among the three customer serial signals is zero, a high potential is automatically applied to the terminal _t6 of the discriminator 12, and a high potential is applied to the signal line 21d.

The card reader 9, microcomputer 6, display 17, and printer 8 shown in FIG. 1 are placed near the packing work area.

Microcomputer 6 is missing from IC card 3.
The card reader 9 reads the information written when there is a shortage of quantity, processes the output information of the card reader 9, displays the picking contents on the attached display 7 for each customer, and performs inspection.
It prints out delivery notes, shipping labels, etc. for each customer from the attached printer 8, and outputs information such as shipping records, stockout status, inventory withdrawals, etc. for each shipping item to the host computer 1.

The operation of this embodiment will be explained with the above configuration.

The host computer 1 divides the order information of a large number of customers into pieces of information for three customers that can be transported using the picking cart 4 picked by one picker, and the picking instruction information is sent to the optimum picking order for each piece of divided information. The information is sorted into divided numbers of IC cards 3 by the card issuing machine 2.

The IC card 3 contains at least the customer's name, address,
Memorize the name, quantity, price, storage rack number, and frame number of the shipped item. Each memory content may be encoded.

Dividing the order information of all customers has a significant impact on work efficiency, so it is necessary to carefully consider each order information, and generally this is done by considering the following points. That is, one
As much as possible, information for customers should be summarized on IC card 3.
This is to combine the storage bins for picking so that they overlap.

The picker carries one IC card 3 that stores information related to the three customers he is in charge of to the picking cart 4.
Set it in the card reader/writer 17 of
The information on the IC card 3 is read, and the shelf number, frame number, and quantity of the shipping item to be picked first are displayed on the shelf number display section 23, frame number display section 24, and quantity display section 25, respectively, and the shipping item to be picked is displayed. One of the three customer indicator lights L ₁ to L 3 of the customer identification display section 22 indicates which customer the item belongs to among the _three customers.
Display by lighting up L ₁ .

The picker moves the cart 4 to the shelf number displayed on the shelf number display section 23, picks the shipping items of the frame number displayed on the frame number display section 24 by the quantity displayed on the quantity display section 25, This quantity of shipping items is stored in the customer's picking container 20a indicated by the customer indicator light _L1 .

The three customer indicator lights _L1 to _L3 are red, blue, and yellow colored lights, and the three picking containers 20a to 20
If c is also made of red, blue, and yellow, it is possible to prevent mistakes in storing items during picking.

When the picking of one shipping item for the first customer is completed in this way, the picker presses the reset switch 26 to confirm that the quantity of the shipping item has been picked on the IC card 3.
is written and the customer indicator light turns on when L ₁
to _L2 , and the picking quantity for the customer indicated by the lighting of this customer indicator light _L2 is displayed on the quantity display section 25. In this case, if there is no picking instruction for the same shipping item, the display will automatically change to the next frame number or the next storage bin or frame number.
The picker picks the displayed quantity of shipping items of the displayed frame number and stores them in the customer's picking container _20b indicated by the customer indicator _L2 .

If the stored shipping items are insufficient for the displayed shipping item quantity, enter the picked quantity (accommodated quantity) using the numeric keypad 28 and use the card reader/writer 17 to match the quantity displayed on the quantity display section 25. What is missing?
Written to IC card 3. If the quantity is insufficient, it may be determined that the item is out of stock, and the out of stock switch 17 may be used to write the fact that the item is out of stock on the IC card 3. If the shipping item is out of stock (there is no shipping item in the frame), the out of stock switch 27 is pressed and the card reader/writer 17 writes the out of stock information on the IC card 3.

In this way, all the picking of shipping items for the three customers handled by one picker is completed.
Picking of shipping items for the three customers in charge of the other pickers is carried out simultaneously in the same way, and all of the picking is completed. After that, the picker moves the picking cart 4 on which the picking containers 20a to 20c containing the picked shipping items for each customer are placed to the packing work area, and inserts the IC card 3 into the card reader 9 placed here. The contents are read, processed by a microcomputer 6, inspected by displaying the picking contents for each customer on a display 7, and printing out delivery notes, shipping labels, etc. for each customer from a printer 8. At the same time, information such as shipping results and out-of-stock status for each shipping item is output from the microcomputer 6 to the host computer 1, and is used for inventory withdrawal, inventory management, backlog management, accounts receivable management, etc.

After completing all the above steps, IC card 3
erases its contents and is reused for the next picking operation.

If it is desired to perform picking in real time during picking work, the host computer 1 organizes the order information of a large number of customers into an optimal picking order, and by issuing an IC card 3, real-time picking is possible with an extremely simple program.

Additionally, this system can be used extremely effectively for inventory inventory of shipped items.

When taking inventory, a large number of storage shelves 5 are divided into a plurality of blocks A, B, and C.
For each block, the host computer 1 uses the host computer 1 to write the inventory quantity for each shipped item to the IC card 3 via the card issuing machine 2, and the inventory quantity for each block written to the IC card 3 is read out from the card reader/writer 17 and executed. Compare it with the stock number, and if the stock number is correct, press the reset switch 26, and if there is a difference, enter the actual stock number on the numeric keypad 28 and press the out-of-stock switch 27 to transfer the actual stock number to the IC card 3. Write.

If you want to check the inventory of only a specific shipping item, you can type in the frame number or code number of the shipping item using the numeric keypad 28, or paste a barcode for each shipping item in each frame, and use the handy scanner 29 to input this barcode. by reading
Write the inventory number on the IC card 3, call up the inventory quantity, and compare it with the actual inventory quantity. If it matches the actual inventory quantity, press the reset switch 26. If it differs from the actual inventory quantity, enter the actual inventory quantity using the numeric keypad 28. By pressing the switch 27, the actual inventory quantity is written to the IC card 3.

Once all shipping items have been checked, the IC
The card 3 is set in the card reader 9 and its contents are read and processed by the microcomputer 6.
Display the inventory check status on the display 7, print it out from the printer 8, and
Send the data to host computer 1
It is used to correct the inventory quantity written on the IC card 3.

Furthermore, in the product replenishment work for the storage shelf 5,
A symmetrical list of product code numbers, shelf numbers, and frame numbers is stored in the IC card 3, and the product code number attached to the product or slip can be entered using the numeric keypad 28, or the barcode can be read using the handy scanner 29. Displaying the location to be replenished will help in replenishing the product, or by entering the code number of the product to be replenished by patrol using the numeric keypad 28, or by reading the barcode pasted on the frame with the handy scanner 29, the shipping item to be replenished can be displayed. You can create a list and use it to help replenish products.

In addition, contrary to picking, when distributing each shipping item one by one within the frame of the shelf specified for each customer using the so-called seeding method, each shipping item is placed in a picking cart 4.
The storage bin, shelf frame number, and allocation number specified for each customer are displayed on the displays 23, 24, and 25, and when allocation is performed according to these instructions, there is a shortage of shipping items to be allocated. At this time, the actual allocated quantity can be written into the small external storage device 3 by inputting the actual allocated quantity using the numeric keypad 28 and pressing the out-of-stock switch 27.

In this embodiment, a case has been described in which an IC card is used as a small external storage device, but instead of the IC card 3, a laser card with a part on the card surface that can write or erase signals using a laser beam may be used. , a card with magnetic memory, a mini floppy disk, etc. can be used.

As the picking cart 4, a hand-pushed type, a self-propelled type, or one having a load handling function such as a forklift can be used.

As the handy scanner 29, an automatic scanning type handy scanner or the like can be used.

〔Effect of the invention〕

As is clear from the above description, according to the present invention, a large number of storage shelves 5 (in which all ordered items of all customers are stored) are divided into a plurality of blocks A, B, etc., and each block is divided into a plurality of blocks A, B,... Group A-1, A-
2,..., B-1, B-2,..., each group is further subdivided into frames for each shipping item, and one picker picks the order information of a large number of customers using the host computer 1. 4, the information is divided into information for multiple customers that can be transported, and the storage bins are displayed on the storage shelves 5 of each group for each divided information, and each group is further divided into frames for each shipping item. Using a plurality of small external storage devices 3 that store picking instruction information such as number or code number of shipped items and quantity of shipped items in an optimal picking order, each picker can control the control device 17 placed on the picking cart 4. Small external storage device 3
By setting , the picking cart 4 is moved to the shelf number displayed on the shelf number display section 23, and the customer and frame number displayed on the customer identification display section 22 or code number display section 24 of the shipping item are displayed. Based on the frame number or the code number of the shipping item displayed on the screen and the quantity of the shipping item displayed on the quantity display section 25, simultaneously pick the shipping items in the quantity ordered by the customer, and pick the picked shipping items by customer. stored in containers 20a, 20b... for
Since it is configured so that it can be moved by the picking cart 4, even if the number of ordered items per customer is small compared to the total number of items, in other words, when picking a small number of items from a large number of items, it is possible to use the picking cart 4.
We have created an inexpensive picking instruction system that can shorten the time required for picking per item, enable efficient picking, and has the advantages of display-type systems, such as picking accuracy and simplifying the picking work with instructions on the display. can be provided.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

Fig. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of an embodiment of the system of the present invention, Fig. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a picking cart used in this embodiment, and Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a display device also used in this embodiment. 4 is an internal circuit diagram of the display device shown in FIG. 3, and FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of picking work in an example of a conventional system. 1...Host computer, 2...Card issuing machine, 3...Small external storage device (IC card), 4...
... Picking cart, 5 ... Storage shelf, 6 ... Computer (microcomputer), 7 ... Display, 8 ... Printer, 9 ... Input device (card reader), 17 ... Control device (card reader writer) , 18... Display device, 19... Power supply device, 20a to 20c... Container for picking,
21a to 21d...Signal line, 22...Customer identification display section, 23...Shelf number display section, 24...Frame number (shipment item code number) display section, 25...Quantity display section, 26...Reset Switch, 27... Out of stock switch, 28... Numeric keypad, 29... Handy scanner.

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A picking instruction system in which a picker picks a large number of shipping items stored in a large number of storage shelves 5, sorted by shipping item, based on picking instructions from slips, labels, etc. , a large number of storage shelves 5 are arranged into a plurality of blocks A, B,...
Each block is divided into a number of groups A-1,
Divide into A-2,..., B-1, B-2..., and further subdivide each group into frames for each shipping item, assign a shelf number to the storage shelf 5 of each group, and assign a frame number or number to the frame of each group. Code numbers of shipping items are displayed regularly, order information of many customers is divided into information for multiple customers that can be picked by one picker and transported using the picking cart 4, and storage bins are assigned for each divided information. , a host computer 1 for organizing and compiling picking instruction orders such as frame numbers or shipping item code numbers and shipping item quantities into optimal picking information, and picking instruction information for each division information using this host computer 1. A plurality of small-sized external storage devices 3 that store items in an optimal picking order, and storage bins, frame numbers, or code numbers and quantities of shipping items to be picked that are supplied from the set of these small-sized external storage devices 3. A control device 17 for reading out picking instruction information such as in the picking order and writing the information to a small external storage device 3 when a picking item is out of stock or in short supply, etc., and this control device 1
A display 18 to which picking instruction information read out according to the picking order is given by 7, a power supply 19 for driving the display 18 and the control device 17, and a plurality of picking devices accommodating picking items for each customer. It has a plurality of picking carts 4 on which containers 20a, 20b, etc. are placed, and an input device 9 for reading information written in the small external storage device 3 in the event of a stockout, shortage of quantity, etc., and an output of the input device 9. Process information and display the picking contents on the attached display 7 for each customer for inspection, print out delivery notes, shipping labels, etc. for each customer from the attached printer 8, and perform shipping for each shipping item. The computer 6 is equipped with a computer 6 for outputting information such as actual performance, stockout status, inventory withdrawal, etc. to the host computer 1, and the display 10 placed on each of the above-mentioned picking carts 4 displays customer information based on picking instruction information given by the control device 17. A customer identification display section 22 that distinguishes and displays the customer identification display section 22, and displays the shelf number, frame number, or code number and quantity of the shipping item of the storage shelf 5 in which the shipping item of the customer displayed on the customer identification display section 22 is stored. Display section 23-2
5, and a control device 17 operated when picking is completed.
a reset switch 26 for informing the operator of the completion of picking and allowing the work to proceed; and a reset switch 26 for notifying the control device 17 of the out-of-stock item and writing the out-of-stock information to the small external storage device 3, which is operated when an item is out of stock. A picking instruction system in a logistics system configured to include an operating end of a missing item switch 27. 2 The display device 18 placed on each of the picking carts 4 is operated when there is a shortage of quantity during picking work, and instructs the control device 17 about the quantity picked. Claim 1 describes that the operating end includes a numeric keypad 28 for writing information that the product is in stock into the small external storage device 3, and a handy scanner 29 for reading barcodes for each shipping item, which is used when checking inventory. Picking instruction system in logistics system. 3. For each block A, B,..., the host computer 1 is used to write the inventory quantity for each shipping item into the small external storage device 3, and the inventory quantity for each block written in the small external storage device 3 is written by the control device 17. Read it out and compare it with the actual stock number, and if it matches the actual stock number, operate the reset switch 26, and if it differs from the actual stock number, enter the actual stock number using the numeric keypad 28, and operate the out-of-stock switch 27 to reduce the size. 3. A picking instruction system in a distribution system according to claim 2, which is capable of writing an actual inventory quantity in the external storage device 3. 4 Enter the frame number of a specific shipping item or the code number of the shipping item using the numeric keypad 28,
Alternatively, by reading the barcode for each shipped item with the handy scanner 29, the inventory quantity written in the small external storage device 3 is called up and compared with the actual inventory quantity, and when it matches the actual inventory quantity, the reset switch 26 is pressed and the actual inventory quantity is read. If the number is different from the actual stock number, the actual stock number can be written into the small external storage device 3 by inputting the actual stock number using the numeric keypad 28 and pressing the out-of-stock switch 27.
A picking instruction system in the logistics system according to any one of Items 1 and 3. 5 Store a symmetrical list of product code numbers, shelf numbers, and frame numbers in the small external storage device 3, and enter the product code number attached to the product or slip using the numeric keypad 28, or enter the barcode using the handy scanner 2.
9 to display the location where the product should be replenished, or by inputting the code number of the product to be replenished by patrol using the numeric keypad 28 or by reading the barcode with the handy scanner 29. 3. A picking instruction system in a distribution system according to claim 2, which is capable of creating a list of items to be shipped and making use of the list for product replenishment. 6 Contrary to picking, when distributing each shipping item one by one within the frame of the shelf designated for each customer using the so-called seeding method, the shipping item is placed on the picking cart 4 and placed in the storage bin designated for each customer. The shelf frame number and the number of allocations are displayed on the displays 23, 24, and 25, and allocation is performed according to these instructions. If there is a shortage of shipping items to be allocated, the actual allocated quantity is displayed on the numeric keypad 2.
8. The picking instruction system in a distribution system according to claim 2, wherein the actual allocation quantity can be written in the small external storage device 3 by inputting the number of items by inputting the number of missing items and pressing the out-of-stock switch 27.