KR100980094B1 - Method and System for Workflow Based Distribution Process Modeling - Google Patents

Abstract

Workflow-based logistics management method and system are disclosed. The logistics management system may include a logistics point manager that performs and manages a logistics processing operation at a logistics point using a workflow process model, and a logistics path manager that performs and manages the distribution of goods between the logistics points. The present invention has the effect of providing a method for integrated management of business processes, such as production, distribution, sales, customer management.

Logistics Management, Workflow, RFID

Description

Workflow-based logistics management method and system {Method and System for Workflow Based Distribution Process Modeling}

The present invention relates to a logistics management method and system, and more particularly, to a logistics management method and system using workflow process modeling.

RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology is a next generation recognition technology that can manage information of various objects such as food, animals, and objects through IC chip and wireless.

RFID is a technology that embeds information of all processes from production to sales into a microchip (IC chip) so that it can be tracked by radio frequency. It is an 'electronic tag' or 'smart tag', 'electronic label', Identification '.

RFID is regarded as the next generation recognition technology that will replace bar codes commonly used for goods management in the distribution field.

RFID consists of a reader that reads and decrypts and a tag that provides information. The tag attached to the product contains information about the entire process of production, distribution, storage, and consumption. Read this information through. It can also be used in conjunction with information systems in conjunction with satellites or mobile networks.

Logistics process using RFID technology is a combination of production process process of tagging any goods manufactured through factory automation line, distribution process for transportation and management of the corresponding tag item and sales and customer care process for distribution tag item. It may be configured as.

Current RFID logistics processes are serviced in the form of a partial and independent form of the above-described configuration process, process automation using RFID technology is also separated for each process.

If any change in business logic occurs in any part of the processes that make up the RFID logistics service, then schema transformations due to changes in procedures and regulations and resulting modifications to data structures at the system level are inevitable.

According to the conventional logistics service implementation and distribution method, it is difficult to predict the overall process visualization and service analysis through the connection of business processes such as production, distribution, sales, and customer management that constitute the RFID logistics process.

In addition, according to the conventional logistics service implementation and distribution method, there is a problem that it is impossible to quickly and flexibly cope with changes in business logic, system structure, and environment that may occur during the logistics process.

In the process of performing the process automation service procedure in the production process process, the introduction of a new system, the removal or modification of an existing legacy system occurs, and thus the connection mechanisms and access control methods between the systems accordingly The problem is that it takes time.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a method for integrated management of business processes such as production, distribution, sales, customer management, and the like.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a logistics management method capable of quickly and flexibly responding to changes in a system or environment.

According to one aspect of the invention there is provided a logistics management system.

Logistics management system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a logistics point management unit for performing and managing logistics processing operations in the logistics point using a workflow process model and a logistics path management unit for performing and managing the distribution of goods between the logistics points. Can be.

In addition, according to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a logistics management method.

Logistics management method according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises the steps of the electronic device to perform and manage the logistics processing work in the logistics point using the workflow process model and the electronic device to perform and manage the distribution of goods between the logistics points It may include.

These general and specific aspects may be practiced using systems, methods, computer programs, or any combination of systems, methods, computer programs.

The present invention has the effect of providing a method for integrated management of business processes, such as production, distribution, sales, customer management.

In addition, the present invention has the effect of providing a logistics management method that can respond quickly and flexibly to changes in the system or environment.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the logistics management method and system according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings, the same or corresponding components are given the same reference numerals and Duplicate explanations will be omitted.

In the following embodiments, a method and system for managing logistics using RFID is described for convenience. However, the present invention may be applied to a method and system for managing logistics without using RFID if a product can be identified through a barcode or other item identification method. have.

1A is a block diagram of a logistics management system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The logistics management system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a logistics point manager 200, a logistics path manager 300, and an RFID tag extractor 110.

The RFID tag extracting unit 110 may extract information from, or record information in, the RFID tag mounted on the article to be distributed, sold, or the like. The extracted or recorded information can be used for the processing or distribution of the article.

1B is an entity configuration diagram of a logistics management system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The logistics management system 100 may perform logistics management while maintaining the data structure according to the logistics entity 150.

Logistic entity 150 may include attributes of distribution type 151, Id 152, name 153, description 154, and state 155.

The logistics entity 150 may include a logistics point entity 250, a logistics path entity 350, a logistics management unit entity 156, and a logistics domain entity 157.

The distribution type 151 attribute is an attribute indicating whether the logistic entity 150 is disclosed. If the distribution type 151 attribute value is 'None', no disclosure is made. If the distribution type 151 attribute value is 'Private', the disclosure is made to only some of the allowed users. If the distribution type 151 attribute value is 'Public', it is open to all users.

The Id 152 attribute is an identifier for the logistics management system 100 to distinguish one logistics entity from another. One logistics management system 100 may maintain several logistics entities.

The name 153 attribute and the description 154 attribute can be freely set by the user and are provided for the user to distinguish the logistic entity 150 by providing this attribute to the user through a user interface or the like.

The state 155 attribute is an attribute representing the current state of a logistics management task using the logistics entity 150.

If the state of the logistics management task is changed by the user or due to system circumstances, the state 155 attribute value may be changed.

The 'None' state is a state in which the logistics management work by the logistics entity 150 is not yet ready to be performed.

The 'Ready' state is a state in which the logistics management work by the logistics entity 150 is ready to be performed.

'Active' state is a state in which the logistics management work by the logistics entity 150 is being performed.

The 'Cancelled' state is a state in which the logistics management work by the logistics entity 150 has been canceled by the user.

'Aborting' state is a state in which the logistics management work by the logistics entity 150 is suspended by an error.

The 'Aborted' state is a state in which the logistics management work by the logistics entity 150 is stopped by an error.

'Completing' state is a state in which the logistics management work by the logistics entity 150 is normally completed.

'Completed' state is a state in which the logistics management work by the logistics entity 150 is normally completed.

The logistics point entity 250 and the logistics path entity 350 are described below.

Logistics management unit entity 156 is an entity that represents organizational resources required for the management of logistics points. These organizational resources can include people, organizations, electronic systems, and so on.

The logistics domain entity 157 is an entity representing the business field in which the logistics entity 150 is used.

Figure 2a is a block diagram of a logistics point management unit 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Logistics branch management unit 200 performs and manages the logistics processing work in the logistics point using the workflow process model.

The logistics point manager 200 may include a workflow process model generator 210, a workflow process model execution unit 220, a detailed logistics point manager 230, and a detailed logistics path manager 240.

The workflow process model generator 210 may generate a workflow process model for a logistics processing task performed at a logistics point using a workflow process modeling tool.

The workflow process model execution unit 220 may execute the workflow process model generated by the workflow process model generation unit 210 to actually perform the logistics processing work required at the logistics point. When performing logistical processing, RFID tag information mounted on an item may be used to obtain information about an individual item and record the processing result.

2C is a class diagram of a workflow process according to one embodiment of the invention.

The workflow process model generation unit 210 may generate a workflow process model as shown in FIG. 2C, and the workflow process model execution unit 220 may manage the logistics by executing the workflow process model as shown in FIG. 2C. have.

The workflow process 260 may be performed in a logistics point manager in which logistics management work by the logistics point entity 250 is performed.

Workflow process 260 may be included in a package 261 that includes several related workflow processes 260.

Workflow process 260 can include activity 263, transition condition 262, invoked application 280, and repository 270.

Activity 263 represents the unit of work performed when workflow process 260 is performed.

The transition condition 262 represents a condition to transition (transition) to another activity after completion of one activity.

Repository 270 represents a repository of data that is input and output when performing activity 263.

The input store 271 is a store in which data input when the activity 263 is executed, and the output store 272 is a store in which data output at the time of the activity 263 is stored. Data stored in the output store 272 may be used as an input when performing the activity 263 like the data of the input store 271.

The called application 280 is an application used when performing the activity.

Called application 280 may be computer program 281 or human activity 282.

The computer program 281 may be a Plain Old Java Object (POJO), a script, an Enterprise JavaBean (EJB), a web service, or the like.

The activity 283 may be assigned to an actor 293, a department 292, or a set of role performers 290.

The performer 293 is information of the person performing the activity 263.

Attendant 293 may belong to organization 294.

The performer 293 may belong to a department 292.

The performer 293 may belong to a set of role performers 290.

The department 292 is a collection of performers 293 and refers to a physical department.

Organization 294 is the top-level organization to which attendants 293 belong. Department 292 may be a subset of organization 294.

The role performer set 290 is a set of performers 293 having the same role.

2B is a diagram illustrating a distribution point entity configuration according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Logistics branch entity 250 may include attributes of Id 251, name 252, description 253, and state 254.

The Id 251 attribute is an identifier for the logistics management system 100 to distinguish one logistics point entity from another logistics point entity. One logistics management system 100 may maintain several logistics point entities.

The name 252 attribute and the description 253 attribute can be freely set by the user and are provided for the user to distinguish the distribution point entity 250 by providing the attribute to the user through a user interface or the like.

The state 254 attribute is an attribute representing the state of the logistics processing operation using the logistics point entity 250.

If the state of the logistics processing task is changed by the user or due to system circumstances, the state 254 attribute value may be changed.

The 'None' state is a state in which the logistics processing work by the logistics point entity 250 is not yet ready to be performed.

The 'Ready' state is a state in which the logistics processing work by the logistics point entity 250 is ready to be performed.

'Active' state is a state in which the logistics processing work by the logistics point entity 250 is being performed.

The 'Cancelled' state is a state in which the logistics processing work by the distribution point entity 250 has been canceled by the user.

The 'Aborting' state is a state in which the logistics processing work by the distribution point entity 250 is stopped by an error.

In the 'Aborted' state, the logistics processing work by the distribution point entity 250 is stopped by an error.

'Completing' state is a state in which the logistics processing work by the distribution point entity 250 is normally completed.

The 'Completed' state is a state in which the logistics processing work by the distribution point entity 250 is normally completed.

The logistics point entity 250 may include a package reference 255, a workflow reference 256, a detailed logistics reference 257, and owner information 258.

The package referrer 255 is a referrer entity of a package to which a workflow process performed in the logistics point manager belongs.

Workflow referrer 256 is a referrer entity in the workflow process model performed in the logistics point manager.

The detailed logistic referrer 257 is a reference entity of an object that manages the detailed path between the detailed logistic point and the detailed logistic point that subdivide the logistic point.

A logistics point can have several detailed logistics points and detailed logistics routes. For example, inside a logistics point of Busan, you can have a detailed logistics point of pier and a detailed logistics point of warehouse A, and you can have a detailed logistics route connecting the two detailed logistics points.

The detailed logistics point manager 230 and the detailed logistics path manager 240 may perform a logistics operation of the detailed logistics point and a distribution operation in the detailed logistics path using the detailed logistics referrer 257. The function or configuration of the detailed logistics point manager 230 and the detailed logistics path manager 240 may be implemented similarly to the functions and configurations of the logistics point manager 200 or the logistics path manager 300.

Responsible entity 258 is an entity that contains management officer information of a distribution point.

A person in charge can be a person, a department, an organization, a set of role performers, a system, and so on.

Figure 3a is a block diagram of a logistics path management unit 300 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

3B is an entity configuration diagram of a logistics path entity according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Logistics path management unit 300 performs and manages the distribution of goods between distribution points.

The logistics route management unit 300 may include an article classification unit 310 and a transportation canceling unit 320.

The article classifying unit 310 classifies the article so that the article satisfying the transportation condition 356 included in the article route entity 350 can be transported. Satisfaction of the transport condition may be determined using information of the RFID tag included in the article. Classified articles may be transported to their destination by means of transport or other means of transport.

The transportation canceling unit 320 cancels the transportation in progress when it is out of the transportation time limit. The transport time restriction will be described later.

Logistic path entity 350 may include attributes of Id 351, name 352, description 353, origin 354, destination 355, and transportation condition 356.

The id 351 attribute is an identifier for the logistics management system 100 to distinguish one logistics path entity from another logistics path entity. One logistics management system 100 may maintain several logistics path entities.

The name 352 attribute and the description 353 attribute can be freely set by the user, and are provided for the user to easily distinguish the logistics route entity 350 by providing the attribute to the user through a user interface or the like.

The origin 354 attribute represents the origin logistics point of the logistics movement.

The destination 355 attribute represents the destination logistic point of logistic movement.

The transport condition 356 attribute represents the condition of the article to be transported. Satisfaction of the transport condition may be determined using information of the RFID tag included in the article.

The logistics route entity 350 can include a transit time restriction entity 360.

The transit time limit entity 350 is an entity that manages time information that permits transit.

The transit time restriction entity 360 may include attributes of the restriction type 361, the allowable start time 362, the allowable end time 363, and the allowable time required for transport 364.

The restriction type 361 attribute may be one of 'none', 'startup limit' and 'time limit'.

If the restriction type 361 is 'None', there is no restriction on the time of transport.

If the type of restriction 361 is 'start end restriction', the transport does not begin before the transport allowable start time 362 and after the transport allow end time 363, and the transport already in progress may be cancelled.

If the type of restriction 361 is a 'time limit' and the time taken for transportation is greater than the allowable time for transportation 364, the transport in progress may be cancelled.

The cancellation of transportation according to the restriction type 361 may be performed by the transportation canceling unit 320.

4 is a flowchart illustrating a logistics management process according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In step S500, the electronic device performs and manages the logistics processing work at the logistics branch using the workflow process model.

In step S600 the electronic device performs and manages the distribution of goods between distribution points.

5 is a detailed flowchart of step S500 of FIG.

In step S510, a workflow process model is generated.

The workflow process model generator 210 may generate a workflow process model for a logistics processing task performed at a logistics point using a workflow process modeling tool. The workflow process model generation may use XML Process Definition Language (XPDL).

The generated workflow process model may be a workflow process model that may be represented as shown in FIG. 2C.

The workflow process model generated in step S520 is performed to perform logistics processing at the logistics point.

The workflow process model execution unit 220 may execute the workflow process model generated by the workflow process model generation unit 210 to actually perform the logistics processing work required at the logistics point. When performing logistical processing, RFID tag information mounted on an item may be used to obtain information about an individual item and record the processing result.

In step S550, the logistics processing work at the detailed logistics point is performed and managed.

In step S560, distribution of goods between detailed logistics points is performed and managed.

6 is a detailed flowchart of step S600 of FIG.

In step S610, the article classification unit 310 classifies the article so as to be transported, which satisfies the transportation condition 356 included in the article route entity 350. Satisfaction of the transport condition may be determined using information of the RFID tag included in the article.

The goods classified in step S620 may be transported to the destination by means of transportation or other means of transport.

If the restriction type 361 of the logistics route entity is 'start end restriction' in step S630, the transport that is already being performed before the transport allowance start time 362 and after the transport allowance end time 363 may be cancelled.

In operation S640, when the restriction type 361 of the logistics route entity is 'time limit' and the time taken for transportation is more than the allowable transportation time 364, the transportation in progress may be cancelled.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention. Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

In this application, the terms "comprise" or "having" are intended to indicate that there is a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof described in the specification, one or more other It is to be understood that the present invention does not exclude the possibility of the presence or the addition of features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or a combination thereof.

The terms first, second, etc. may be used to describe various components, but the components should not be limited by the terms. The terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

Embodiments of the invention may include computer readable media containing program instructions for performing various computer-implemented operations. The computer readable medium may include program instructions, local data files, local data structures, or the like, alone or in combination. The media may be those specially designed and constructed for the purposes of the present invention, or they may be of the kind well-known and available to those having skill in the computer software arts.

In addition, the components illustrated in FIGS. 1A, 2A, and 3A do not necessarily have a hardware configuration, and some components may be implemented in the form of an application program that performs the same or similar functions. In addition, each component may be combined or separated within the scope of the invention.

So far I looked at the center of the present invention with respect to the embodiment. Many embodiments other than the above-described embodiments are within the scope of the claims of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention can be implemented in a modified form without departing from the essential features of the present invention. Therefore, the disclosed embodiments should be considered in descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. The scope of the present invention is shown in the claims rather than the foregoing description, and all differences within the scope will be construed as being included in the present invention.

1A is a block diagram of a logistics management system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

1B is an entity configuration diagram of a logistics management system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2a is a block diagram of a logistics point management unit 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

2B is a diagram illustrating a distribution point entity configuration according to an embodiment of the present invention.

2C is a class diagram of a workflow process according to one embodiment of the invention.

Figure 3a is a block diagram of a logistics route management unit 300 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

3B is an entity configuration diagram of a logistics path entity according to an embodiment of the present invention.

4 is a flowchart illustrating a logistics management process according to an embodiment of the present invention.

5 is a detailed flowchart of step S500 of FIG.

6 is a detailed flowchart of step S600 of FIG.

Claims (12)

Logistics branch management unit for performing and managing the logistics processing at the logistics point using the workflow process model; And Including a logistics route management unit for performing and managing the distribution of goods between the logistics point, The logistics point management unit, A workflow process model generator for generating a workflow process model; And Logistics management system including a workflow process model execution unit for executing the workflow process model. delete According to claim 1, The logistics point management unit, A detailed logistics point manager for managing a detailed logistics point in the logistics point; And Logistics management system including a detailed logistics path management unit for performing and managing the distribution of goods between the detailed logistics point. The method of claim 1, The logistics path management unit, An article classifying unit classifying articles satisfying transport conditions; And Logistics management system that includes a carriage canceling unit that cancels carriage if it is outside the shipping time limit. The method of claim 4, wherein Transportation cancellation department, If the type of transport time limit is start end restriction, cancel the carriage in progress before or after the end of the allowable time; Logistics management system that performs the function of canceling an unfinished transport if the required time is more than the allowable transit time if the transit time limit type is required time limit. The method according to any one of claims 1 and 3 to 5, Logistics management system further comprising an RFID tag extraction unit for extracting information of the radio frequency identification (RFID) tag mounted on the article. Performing and managing logistics processing at the distribution point by the electronic device using the workflow process model; And The electronic device performing and managing distribution of goods between the distribution points; The step of the electronic device to perform and manage the logistics processing at the logistics point using the workflow process model, Generating a workflow process model; And Logistics management method comprising the step of executing the generated workflow process model. delete The method of claim 7, wherein The step of the electronic device to perform and manage the logistics processing at the logistics point using the workflow process model, Performing and managing logistics processing at a detailed logistics point by the electronic device using a workflow process model; And And managing, by the electronic device, distribution of goods between the detailed distribution points. The method of claim 7, wherein The electronic device performing and managing the distribution of goods between the distribution points, Classifying the goods satisfying the shipping conditions; And Logistics management method comprising the step of canceling the carriage if it is outside the shipping time limit. The method of claim 10, If you deviate from the shipping time limit, Canceling the transport being performed before or after the transport allowance start time if the transport time limit type is the start stop limit; And If the transit time limit type is a time limit, then canceling any shipments that are longer than the allowable transit time and have not ended. In the recording medium recording program that can be read by the electronic device is implemented tangibly implemented by the electronic device to perform the logistics management method, A recording medium on which a program for performing the method of any one of claims 7 and 9 to 11 is recorded.

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