KR102649919B1 - Method of managing allocation processing of picking process and apparatus thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

A method and device for managing allocation processing of a picking process, which is a process related to the shipment of products corresponding to customer order information, are provided. A method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is a method performed by an electronic device, comprising a picking process of picking an item corresponding to a customer's order information within a distribution center, Based on the paths of each of the plurality of worker terminals, performing a first allocation process to allocate to one of the plurality of worker terminals, based on a result of monitoring the first allocation process, the first allocation process determining the occurrence of an error for the first allocation process, in response to the occurrence of an error for the first allocation process, recovering the first authority for the first allocation process granted to the plurality of worker terminals, and Granting a second authority for a second allocation process that is distinct from processing to the plurality of worker terminals, and assigning the picking process to one of the plurality of worker terminals based on a setting value related to the second authority. It may include performing the second allocation process.

Description

Method and apparatus for managing allocation processing of a picking process {METHOD OF MANAGING ALLOCATION PROCESSING OF PICKING PROCESS AND APPARATUS THEREOF}

This disclosure relates to technology for managing allocation processing of a picking process, which is a process related to the shipment of products corresponding to customer order information.

Due to the development of communication technology, e-commerce services for trading products online are becoming popular. The scope of products targeted by e-commerce services is expanding to include not only goods but also services.

In accordance with this trend of expanding e-commerce services, technology related to e-commerce services such as technology for receiving customer orders, technology for shipping products corresponding to the orders, and technology for delivering products corresponding to the orders to customers. The demand for elemental technologies is also expanding.

The technical problem to be solved through this disclosure is to provide technology that can quickly process customer orders.

Another technical problem to be solved through the present disclosure is to provide a technology that can dynamically determine the occurrence of an error in allocation processing of a picking process of goods applied to a logistics center.

Another technical problem to be solved through the present disclosure is to provide a technology that can dynamically determine the occurrence of non-specific errors related to allocation processing applied to a logistics center.

Another technical problem to be solved through the present disclosure is to provide a technology that can dynamically determine the occurrence of a specific error related to allocation processing applied to a logistics center.

Another technical problem to be solved through the present disclosure is to provide a technology that can quickly apply a second allocation process that is distinct from the first allocation process by switching the first allocation process applied to the distribution center.

The technical problems of the present disclosure are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the specification.

A method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is a method performed by an electronic device, comprising a picking process of picking an item corresponding to a customer's order information within a distribution center, Based on the paths of each of the plurality of worker terminals, performing a first allocation process to allocate to one of the plurality of worker terminals, based on a result of monitoring the first allocation process, the first allocation process determining the occurrence of an error for the first allocation process, in response to the occurrence of an error for the first allocation process, recovering the first authority for the first allocation process granted to the plurality of worker terminals, and Granting a second authority for a second allocation process that is distinct from processing to the plurality of worker terminals, and assigning the picking process to one of the plurality of worker terminals based on a setting value related to the second authority. It may include performing the second allocation process.

In one embodiment, the plurality of worker terminals may include an Automatic Guided Vehicle (AGV).

In one embodiment, the product corresponding to the order information includes a first product and a second product that is distinct from the first product, and the picking process includes a first picking process for picking the first product and A second picking process for picking the second product, wherein the plurality of worker terminals include a first worker terminal and a second worker terminal that is distinct from the first worker terminal, and perform the first allocation process. The performing step may include assigning the first picking process to the first worker terminal and assigning the second picking process to the second worker terminal, based on the paths of each of the plurality of worker terminals. there is.

In one embodiment, the step of determining whether an error occurs in the first allocation process includes querying an order pool, which is a set of picking processes created based on the customer's order information, and the order pool. As a result of the inquiry, if a new picking process is not created within the first reference time, it may include determining whether an error has occurred in the first allocation process.

In one embodiment, the step of determining the occurrence of an error in the first allocation process includes the plurality of worker terminals when a new picking process is created within the first reference time as a result of the inquiry of the order pool. Inquiring about a picking pool and, as a result of the inquiry of the picking pool, if an idle worker terminal is not included in the picking pool within a second reference time, determining the occurrence of an error in the first allocation process. More may be included.

In one embodiment, the step of determining the occurrence of an error in the first allocation process includes, as a result of the inquiry of the picking pool, if an idle worker terminal is included in the picking pool within the second reference time, one worker terminal is Querying the creation time of the batch created to be performed, calculating the difference between the creation time and the inquiry time for inquiring the creation time, and if the difference exceeds a third reference time, the first allocation A step of determining whether an error in processing has occurred may be further included.

In one embodiment, the step of determining the occurrence of an error in the first allocation process includes querying a picking pool including the plurality of worker terminals and, as a result of the query of the picking pool, an idle worker within a second reference time. If the terminal is not included in the picking pool, it may include determining whether an error has occurred in the first allocation process.

In one embodiment, the step of determining the occurrence of an error for the first allocation process includes querying a picking pool including the plurality of worker terminals, and if the picking pool is not queried, the step of determining the occurrence of an error for the first allocation process It may include a step of determining whether an error has occurred.

In one embodiment, the step of determining the occurrence of an error in the first allocation process includes inquiring the generation time of the batch created to be performed by one worker terminal, the inquiry time of inquiring the generation time, and the generation time. It may include calculating a difference in time points and, if the difference exceeds a third reference time, determining whether an error has occurred in the first allocation process.

In one embodiment, the distribution center includes a first distribution center and a second distribution center that is distinct from the first distribution center, and the plurality of worker terminals include a first worker terminal group related to the first distribution center. And it may include a second worker terminal group related to the second distribution center.

In one embodiment, the step of determining whether an error occurs in the first allocation processing includes determining whether an error is specific to the first distribution center and the second distribution center, and the first authority The step of recovering and granting the second authority includes recovering the first authority granted to the first worker terminal group related to the first distribution center where the specific error occurred, and recovering the first authority granted to the first worker terminal group It may include granting the second authority to and maintaining the first authority granted to the second worker terminal group related to the second distribution center in which the specific error has not occurred.

In one embodiment, determining whether an error occurs in the first allocation processing includes determining whether an error is non-specific to the first distribution center and the second distribution center, and determining whether the first authority is The step of recovering and granting the second authority includes recovering the first authority granted to the first worker terminal group and the second worker terminal group, and the first worker terminal group and the second worker terminal group. It may include granting the second authority to.

In one embodiment, the set value is a limit shipping time set to correspond to the order information, a distance between a first worker terminal included in the plurality of worker terminals, and a second worker terminal distinct from the first worker terminal. , It may include at least some of the distance between the product corresponding to the order information and the worker terminals included in the plurality of worker terminals, or the number of picking processes that can be included in the batch created to be performed by one worker terminal.

In one embodiment, the step of performing the second allocation process is within a threshold time from the time of occurrence of an error in the first allocation process, based on a preset setting value before the time of granting the second authority. It may include performing a second allocation process.

An electronic device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure includes a communication interface configured to enable communication with a network, a processor configured to execute a computer program including one or more instructions, and to load the computer program. The computer program includes a configured memory, and the computer program performs a picking process for picking products corresponding to the customer's order information within the distribution center, based on the paths of each of a plurality of worker terminals arranged within the distribution center. , an instruction for performing a first allocation process for assigning to one of the plurality of worker terminals, an instruction for determining the occurrence of an error for the first allocation process based on a result of monitoring the first allocation process, In response to the occurrence of an error in the first allocation process, the first authority for the first allocation process granted to the plurality of worker terminals is recovered, and the first authority for the first allocation process that is distinct from the first allocation process is recovered. An instruction for performing the second allocation process for assigning the picking process to one of the plurality of worker terminals based on an instruction for granting second authority to the plurality of worker terminals and a setting value related to the second authority. may include.

According to the present disclosure, customer orders can be processed quickly.

According to the present disclosure, it is possible to dynamically determine the occurrence of an error regarding allocation processing of a picking process of goods applied to a distribution center.

According to the present disclosure, it is possible to dynamically determine the occurrence of a non-specific error regarding allocation processing applied to a distribution center.

According to the present disclosure, it is possible to dynamically determine the occurrence of a specific error regarding allocation processing applied to a distribution center.

According to the present disclosure, it is possible to quickly apply a second allocation process that is distinct from the first allocation process by switching the first allocation process applied to the distribution center.

The effects according to the technical idea of the present disclosure are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned may be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the specification.

Figure 1 shows an environment in which devices according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can be applied.
Figure 2 shows a conceptual diagram of a logistics center and worker terminal that can be referenced in various embodiments of the present disclosure.
3 illustrates a computing device that can implement devices according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
4 shows a flow chart illustrating a method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 5 shows a flowchart showing detailed operations of the determination operation of the occurrence of an error described with reference to FIG. 4.
FIG. 6 shows a flowchart showing detailed operations of the determination operation of the occurrence of an error described with reference to FIG. 4.
FIG. 7 shows a flowchart showing detailed operations of the determination operation of the occurrence of an error described with reference to FIG. 4.
FIG. 8 shows a flowchart showing a detailed operation combining the operation for determining the occurrence of an error described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 7.

The various embodiments described in the present disclosure are illustrative for the purpose of clearly explaining the technical idea of the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit them to specific embodiments. The technical idea of the present disclosure includes various modifications, equivalents, and alternatives of each embodiment described in the present disclosure, and embodiments selectively combined from all or part of each embodiment. In addition, the scope of the technical idea of the present disclosure is not limited to the various embodiments or specific descriptions thereof presented below.

Terms used in this disclosure, including technical or scientific terms, unless otherwise defined, may have meanings commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains.

Expressions such as “includes,” “may include,” “includes,” “may be provided,” “has,” “may have,” and the like used in the present disclosure refer to the target feature, e.g. function, operation or component, etc.) exists, and does not exclude the presence of other additional features. In other words, such expressions should be understood as open-ended terms that imply the possibility of including other embodiments.

The singular expressions used in this disclosure may include plural meanings unless the context dictates otherwise, and this also applies to the singular expressions described in the claims.

Expressions such as "first", "second", or "first", "second", etc. used in the present disclosure distinguish one object from another when referring to a plurality of objects of the same type, unless otherwise indicated in the context. It is used to do so, and does not limit the order or importance between objects. For example, each user terminal included in the plurality of worker terminals according to the present disclosure may be distinguished from each other by being expressed as “first worker terminal” and “second worker terminal”.

As used in this disclosure, expressions such as “A, B, and C,” “A, B, or C,” “at least one of A, B, and C,” or “at least one of A, B, or C” refer to each of the listed It can refer to an item or all possible combinations of listed items. For example, “at least one of A or B” may refer to both (1) at least one A, (2) at least one B, (3) at least one A and at least one B.

As used in this disclosure, the expression "based on" is used to describe one or more factors that influence the act or action of decision, judgment, or action described in the phrase or sentence containing this expression, and is used in this disclosure. does not exclude additional factors influencing the decision, act of judgment, or action.

As used in the present disclosure, the expression that a certain component (e.g., a first component) is “connected” or “connected” to another component (e.g., a second component) means that the certain component is It may mean being connected or connected not only directly to another component, but also through another new component (e.g., a third component).

The expression “configured to” used in the present disclosure means, depending on the context, “set to”, “having the ability to”, “changed to”, “made to”, “to do”. It can have meanings such as “possible.” This expression is not limited to the meaning of "specially designed in hardware," for example, a processor configured to perform a specific operation refers to a general purpose processor capable of performing that specific operation by executing software. It may mean, or it may mean a special purpose computer structured through programming to perform a specific operation.

Hereinafter, various embodiments described in the present disclosure will be described with reference to the attached drawings. In the accompanying drawings and descriptions of the drawings, identical or substantially equivalent components may be assigned the same reference numerals. Additionally, in the description of various embodiments below, overlapping descriptions of the same or corresponding components may be omitted, but this does not mean that the components are not included in the embodiments.

Figure 1 shows an environment in which devices 110, 120, and 130 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can be applied. This environment may include a management device 110, a first worker terminal group 120, and a second worker terminal group 130.

Meanwhile, Figure 1 shows an example in which two worker terminal groups 120 and 130 are applied to the management device 110, but this is only for convenience of understanding, and the number of worker terminal groups 120 and 130 can vary at any time. That is, the plurality of worker terminal groups 120 and 130 may perform processes related to the shipment of products corresponding to the customer's order information under the management of the management device 110. In addition, Figure 1 only shows a preferred embodiment for achieving the purpose of the present disclosure, and some components may be added as needed.

Hereinafter, each component shown in FIG. 1 will be described in more detail.

The management device 110 may be a server device that manages the shipment of products corresponding to the customer's order information.

Specifically, the management device 110 performs shipping processes related to the order (e.g., picking process, rebin process, packing process, etc.) from the operation of obtaining the customer's order. It is possible to process a series of operations up to the operation of assigning to the worker terminal. The picking process may be a process of picking or collecting items placed in a specific area within a distribution center. The Livin process may be a process that gathers all items corresponding to an order in one place to be packaged at once. The packing process may be a process of packaging all products corresponding to an order.

For a more specific example, the management device 110 may obtain the customer's order from the customer's terminal (not shown). For another example, the management device 110 may generate order information corresponding to a customer's order. Order information is information generated based on a customer's request (i.e., order) and may refer to information generated in a format that can be used in the management device 110. As another example, the management device 110 may identify products corresponding to order information. As another example, the management device 110 may determine a distribution center corresponding to the product identified to correspond to the order for shipment. If the worker terminal groups 120 and 130 are classified by distribution center, the management device 110 uses the worker terminal groups 120 and 130 corresponding to the product to ship the product identified to correspond to the order. You can also decide. As another example, the management device 110 may assign processes for shipping a product corresponding to the order to one of a plurality of worker terminals arranged in a distribution center determined to correspond to the order.

Additionally, the management device 110 may determine errors that occurred in the operations illustrated above. For example, the management device 110 may determine an error occurred in an allocation operation of processes for shipping a product corresponding to a customer's order. Furthermore, based on the occurrence of an error for a specific operation, the management device 110 may modify the specific operation according to preset measures to respond to the error. For example, the management device 110 may switch the first allocation operation to a second allocation operation that is distinct from the first allocation operation, based on the occurrence of an error in the first allocation operation.

In addition, the management device 110 can perform various operations to manage the shipment of products corresponding to the customer's order information. To avoid redundant explanation, specific operations performed by the management device 110 will be described later. 4 This will be described in detail with reference to the drawings below.

Management device 110 may be implemented with one or more computing devices. For example, all of the functionality of management device 110 may be implemented on a single computing device. As another example, a first function of management device 110 may be implemented in a first computing device and a second function may be implemented in a second computing device. For example, a computing device may be, but is not limited to, a desktop computer, laptop computer, application server, proxy server, or cloud server. This does not mean that any type of device equipped with computing capabilities can be included as a computing device.

The worker terminal group 120 and 130 may be a group including one or more worker terminals 121, 122, 123, 131, 132, and 133. In one embodiment, the worker terminal groups 120 and 130 may be a group classified to correspond to a distribution center. For example, the first worker terminal group 120 may be a group of worker terminals 121, 122, and 123 related to the first distribution center, and the second worker terminal group 130 may be a group of workers related to the second distribution center. It may be a group of terminals 131, 132, and 133. According to this embodiment, the worker terminal groups 120 and 130 are clustered for each distribution center, so that the management device 110 can manage the worker terminals 121, 122, 123, 131, 132, and 133 for each distribution center. .

The worker terminals 121, 122, 123, 131, 132, and 133 may be worker terminals that perform processes related to the shipment of products corresponding to the customer's order information. The operator may be a human or an Automatic Guided Vehicle (AGV). For example, if the worker is a human, the worker carries the worker terminals 121, 122, 123, 131, and 132 and performs the process assigned from the management device 110. 132), and the assigned process can be performed within the logistics center. For a specific example, if a picking process is assigned to pick “item A” from the management device 110, “worker A” reaches “area A” in the distribution center where “item A” is stored and selects “item A”. "can be picked up and transported to a defined "A spot". For another example, if the operator is an AGV, the AGV itself may function as the operator terminal 133 and perform processes assigned from the management device 110.

Regarding completion of the process, in one embodiment, the operator terminals 121, 122, 123, 131, 132, and 133 may include one or more sensors for determining completion of the process. In other words, the management device 110 may determine completion of the process based on information detected by sensors included in the worker terminals 121, 122, 123, 131, 132, and 133. For example, the management device 110 is based on information in which the camera sensor included in the worker terminals 121, 122, 123, 131, 132, and 133 detects the “B code” displayed on the “B spot” in the distribution center. Thus, it is possible to determine whether the “B process” has been completed. For another example, the management device 110 operates the "C process" based on information that the position sensors included in the worker terminals 121, 122, 123, 131, 132, and 133 are located in the "C spot" within the distribution center. Completion of execution can be determined. According to this embodiment, the management device 110 may also determine completion of processes assigned to the worker terminals 121, 122, 123, 131, 132, and 133.

The worker terminals 121, 122, 123, 131, 132, and 133 may display a page to which the user interface provided by the management device 110 is applied. In addition, the worker terminals 121, 122, 123, 131, 132, and 133 obtain input from the worker about the page and transmit the input to the management device 110, thereby performing operations defined to correspond to the input. It can be done. In this way, in order for the worker to use the page to which the user interface is applied, a web browser or application may be installed on the worker terminals 121, 122, 123, 131, 132, and 133. These worker terminals (121, 122, 123, 131, 132, 133) are, for example, desktop computers, laptop computers, tablet computers, wearable devices, or smart phones. It may be any one of the devices, but is not limited to this, and any type of device equipped with a computing function may be the worker terminal (121, 122, 123, 131, 132, 133).

If the worker terminals 121, 122, 123, 131, 132, and 133 are AGVs, all known technologies related to AGVs that can be applied in the WMS (Warehouse Management System) field can be applied to the present disclosure.

The management device 110 and worker terminal groups 120 and 130 shown in FIG. 1 may communicate through a network. This network can be any type of wired network, for example, a Local Area Network (LAN), a Wide Area Network (WAN), a Mobile Radio Communication Network (MRCN), or a Wireless Broadband (WiBro). Alternatively, it may be implemented as a wireless network.

Figure 2 shows a conceptual diagram of a logistics center 200 and worker terminals 220a and 220b that can be referenced in various embodiments of the present disclosure.

The logistics center 200 shown in FIG. 2 is a logistics center managed by the management device 110 and can be understood as a place to store products corresponding to customer order information. Distribution center 200 may include one or more areas 210. One or more areas 210 may be an area of a distribution center that stores items classified according to product type. For example, the first area 210 may be an area where fresh items such as vegetables and fruits are stored. As another example, the second area may be an area where furniture items are stored. Unlike the above example, the area of the distribution center 200 can be determined in a way to quickly ship products corresponding to the customer's order information, and any method can be used to store goods by dividing areas of the distribution center 200. This may be included within the scope of this disclosure.

The worker terminals 220a and 220b shown in FIG. 2 may move through one or more areas 210 within the distribution center 200 and perform processes related to the shipment of products corresponding to the customer's order information. For example, a worker holding the first worker terminal 200a may move along a path related to one or more processes assigned by the management device 110 to perform the one or more processes. For another example, the second worker terminal 200b is a Yoohoo worker terminal, and a worker holding the second worker terminal 200b can wait for process allocation from the management device 110. In this way, the worker performing the processes related to the shipment of the product can perform the process assigned by the management device 110 or wait for the assignment of the process through the worker terminals 220a and 220b.

3 illustrates a computing device 300 that can implement devices 110, 120, and 130 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In this disclosure, computing device 300 may be referred to interchangeably with an electronic device. The management device 110 or the worker terminals 121, 122, 123, 131, 132, and 133 described above with reference to FIG. 1 may be implemented by the computing device 300.

Computing device 300 may include one or more processors 310, one or more memories 320, or communication interfaces 330. In one embodiment, some components may be deleted from computing device 300 or other components (eg, a display or input device, etc.) may be added to computing device 300 . Additionally, some components may be integrated and implemented additionally or alternatively, or may be implemented as a single or plural entity. In this disclosure, one or more processors 310 may be referred to as processor 310. The term processor 310 may mean a set of one or more processors, unless the context clearly expresses otherwise. Additionally, in this disclosure, one or more memories 320 may be referred to as memory 320 . The term memory 320 may mean a set of one or more memories, unless the context clearly expresses otherwise.

Hereinafter, each component shown in FIG. 3 will be described in more detail.

The processor 310 may perform operations or information processing related to control or communication of each component of the computing device 300. Specifically, the processor 310 may control at least one component of the computing device 300 connected to the processor 310 by running software (or computer program) received from another component. As an example, processor 310 loads instructions (e.g., instructions, code, or code segments) or information into memory 320, processes the instructions or information stored in memory 320, and processes the instructions or information. The result information according to can be stored in the memory 320. Additionally, the processor 310 may be operatively connected to components of the computing device 300 and perform various operations related to the present disclosure, such as calculation, processing, generation, or processing.

Memory 320 can store various information. Information stored in the memory 320 is information acquired, processed, or used by at least one component of the computing device 300, and may include software. Software, when loaded into memory 320, may include one or more instructions that cause processor 310 to perform operations according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. That is, the processor 310 may perform operations according to various embodiments of the present disclosure by executing one or more instructions described above. Memory 320 may include, for example, volatile or non-volatile memory. In one embodiment, the program is software stored in the memory 320, and is an operating system, application, or application for controlling the resources of the computing device 300 and provides various functions to the application so that the application can utilize the resources of the computing device 300. It may include provided middleware, etc.

The communication interface 330 can establish a wired or wireless communication channel with another device and transmit and receive various information with the other device. In one embodiment, the communication interface 330 may include at least one port to be connected to another device with a wired cable in order to communicate with the other device by wire. In this case, the communication interface 330 can communicate with another device connected by wire through at least one port. In one embodiment, communication interface 330 may include a cellular communication module and be configured to connect to a cellular network (e.g., 3G, LTE, 5G, Wibro, or Wimax). In one embodiment, the communication interface 330 includes a short-range communication module and can transmit and receive information with other devices using short-range communication (e.g., Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), UWB). In one embodiment, communication interface 330 may include a contactless communication module for contactless communication. Non-contact communication may include at least one non-contact proximity communication technology, such as, for example, Near Field Communication (NFC) communication, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) communication, or Magnetic Secure Transmission (MST) communication. In addition to the various examples described above, the computing device 300 may be implemented in various known ways for communicating with other devices, and the scope of the present disclosure is not limited by the examples described above.

In one embodiment, computing device 300 may include a display. The display may display various screens (eg, one or more pages) based on control of the processor 310. In order to display a screen with various interfaces applied on the display, for example, a web browser or a dedicated application may be installed on the computing device 300. Additionally, the display is a configuration that allows interaction with the operator and can receive input from the operator. This display may be implemented in the form of a touch sensor panel (TSP) that can recognize the contact or proximity of various external objects (eg, a worker's finger or stylus).

In one embodiment, computing device 300 may include an input device (eg, a mouse or keyboard). The input device may receive information to be used in components of the computing device 300 from outside the computing device 300 (eg, an operator).

The processor 210, memory 320, and communication interface 330 shown in FIG. 3 include a bus, General Purpose Input/Output (GPIO), Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI), or Mobile Industry Processor Interface (MIPI), etc. They are connected to each other and can send or receive information or signals.

Hereinafter, methods according to various embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail. Although operations are shown in a specific order in the drawings below, it should be noted that the operations do not necessarily have to be executed in the specific order or sequential order shown, or that all of the illustrated operations must be executed to obtain the desired results.

Additionally, operations of the method to be described with reference to the drawings below may be performed by a computing device. In other words, the operations of the method may be implemented as one or more instructions executed by a processor of the computing device. All operations included in this method may be performed by a single physical computing device, but the first operation of the method may be performed by the first computing device and the second operation of the method may be performed by the second computing device. It may be possible.

Hereinafter, the description will be continued assuming that the operation of the above-described method is performed by the management device 110 shown in FIG. 1. For convenience of explanation, the subject of the operation included in the method may be omitted, but unless the context indicates otherwise, the operation should be interpreted as being performed by the management device 110.

4 shows a flow chart illustrating a method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The method shown in FIG. 4 determines the occurrence of an error in the first allocation process for assigning the picking process to the worker terminal, and performs a series of operations to switch from the first allocation process to the second allocation process based on the occurrence of the error. Includes. Hereinafter, individual operations shown in FIG. 4 will be described in detail.

Based on the paths of each of the plurality of worker terminals, a first allocation process for assigning the picking process to one of the plurality of worker terminals may be performed (S410). The picking process may be a process in which workers pick products corresponding to the customer's order information from a distribution center. The first allocation process is a process of allocating a picking process to one of a plurality of worker terminals, and may be an allocation process based on the paths of each of the plurality of worker terminals.

Regarding the first allocation process, in one embodiment, the first allocation process is the limit shipping time of the order information corresponding to the picking process for which allocation is required (from the time of creation of the order information, the goods corresponding to the order information are shipped (defined time until the point), location of the article related to the picking process for which allocation is required, location of the worker terminal, number of picking processes already assigned to the worker terminal, and location of the article related to the picking process already assigned to the worker terminal It may include a process of allocating a picking process to one of a plurality of worker terminals based on at least part of the process. In other words, the first allocation process may include the process of allocating a picking process so that the paths of the worker terminals do not overlap. According to this embodiment, since the paths of the worker terminals do not overlap, unnecessary time can be eliminated, and thus, the efficiency of the picking process can be maximized.

According to this first allocation process, picking processes for picking a plurality of products corresponding to order information may be assigned to different workers. For example, a first picking process for picking a first product corresponding to order information is assigned to a first worker terminal, and a second picking process for picking a second product corresponding to order information is assigned to a second worker terminal. It can be. According to the allocation process that does not consider the worker's route, there is a high possibility that picking processes that each pick an item corresponding to one order information are assigned to one worker terminal, whereas according to the first allocation process, the worker's route By taking into account, the picking process can be performed efficiently.

The above-described first allocation process may, for example, be referred to as a streaming-type allocation process, and in order to perform the streaming-type allocation process, a number of other factors may be used in addition to the factors of the above-described first allocation process. It can be used alternatively or additionally.

Based on the monitoring result for the first allocation process, occurrence of an error in the first allocation process may be determined (S420). Monitoring is an operation to review the allocation of the picking process that has already been processed by the management device 110 ex post, or to proactively review the logic related to the first allocation process for allocation of the picking process for which allocation is required. It could be a movement. In the following specification, the description will focus on the operation of preliminary review of the logic related to the first allocation process for allocation of the picking process (new picking process) for which allocation is required, but the allocation of the already processed picking process will be explained. It should be noted that ex post review operations are not excluded from the scope of the present disclosure.

Regarding the cycle of monitoring, in one embodiment, the management device 110 may perform monitoring of the first allocation process at preset time periods. As for the preset time period, depending on the actual implementation example, the operating entity that operates the management device 110 may select a specific value that can accurately and quickly perform delivery of the product through efficiency of the first allocation process.

Regarding the cycle of monitoring, in another embodiment, the management device 110 may perform monitoring for the first allocation process for each preset number of new picking processes. The preset number can be implemented by applying the technical idea regarding the preset time period described above.

According to the error occurrence determination operation S420, a detection rule for error occurrence may be applied based on the monitoring result. For example, errors related to the inquiry of the picking pool, errors related to the creation of a new picking process, errors related to the inclusion of idle worker terminals, errors related to the creation of batches, etc. may be determined according to the detection rules. . Errors in this first allocation processing may occur for various reasons. For example, if there is an error in the digital map related to the distribution center, an error may occur in calculating the distance between the worker terminal and/or the product, thereby causing an error in the first allocation process. For another example, as a module of the management device 110 that performs the first allocation process goes down, an error in the first allocation process may occur. For another example, depending on the size of the picking processes (ie, batch) allocated to one worker terminal, an error may occur in the first allocation process. To avoid redundant description, detailed operations for determining the occurrence of an error will be described later with reference to the drawings of FIG. 5 and below.

The first authority for the first allocation process granted to the plurality of worker terminals may be recovered, and the second authority for the second allocation process may be granted to the plurality of worker terminals (S430). This switching of authority may be performed based on a determination that an error has occurred in the first allocation process in the error occurrence determination operation (S420).

Authority is a qualification that allows a worker to perform a specific process at a specific spot within a distribution center, and may be granted to the worker terminal by the management device 110. These rights may need to be converted depending on how the assignment is handled. For example, in a state where the first authority for the first allocation process is granted to the worker terminal, the second allocation process may not be performed on the worker terminal. Accordingly, the second allocation process can be performed on the worker terminal only when the first authority granted to the worker terminal is revoked and the second authority for the second allocation process is granted. In an actual implementation case regarding permissions, the management device 110 may manage permissions using a type of switching type of binary number (e.g., boolean).

Based on the setting value related to the second authority, a second allocation process may be performed (S440). The second allocation process may be an allocation process that is different from the first allocation process.

For example, the second allocation process may be an allocation process that does not consider the path of the worker terminal, unlike the first allocation process that considers the path of the worker terminal. Specifically, the second allocation process may be an allocation process that allocates a new picking process to an appropriate worker terminal according to the creation order of the new picking process without considering the picking process already allocated to the worker terminal. The second allocation process may be referred to as, for example, RTB (Real-Time Batch) allocation processing.

The setting value may be a factor considered for the second allocation process. This setting value may be commonly applied to multiple logistics centers or may be a fixed value applied only to some logistics centers. For example, the setting values include the limit shipping time set to correspond to order information, the distance between worker terminals, the distance between the position of the worker terminal and the article corresponding to the new picking process, and the number of picking processes that can be included in the arrangement. It may include at least some of them. In actual implementation cases, the setting value can be appropriately set by the operator of the management device 110 to enable efficient delivery of goods.

Regarding the operation of performing the second allocation process (S440), in one embodiment, based on a preset setting value before the second authorization time, within a threshold time from the time of occurrence of an error in the first allocation process, 2 Allocation processing can be performed. According to this embodiment, as the allocation of the new picking process is switched from the first allocation process to the second allocation process within a critical time from the time of occurrence of an error in the first allocation process, the new picking process is backlogged and the order to the customer is increased. Delays in delivery can be prevented. This critical time can be set by the operator of the management device 110 according to actual implementation cases, and any value determined to ensure rapid and accurate delivery of goods may be included in the scope of the present disclosure.

According to the method described so far with reference to FIG. 4, when an error occurs in the first allocation process, the allocation to the new picking process can be dynamically switched to the second allocation process and the product can be shipped. In other words, the shipment of products corresponding to the customer's order information can proceed without a backlog.

Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 5 to 8, detailed operations of determining an error in the first allocation process (S420) will be described. The error determination operation S420, which will be described below, may be selectively performed using at least one method. Additionally, when multiple methods are performed, they may be performed in parallel or sequentially.

Figure 5 shows detailed operations related to determination of errors related to the creation of a new picking process. Operation S500 of FIG. 5 may be understood as a detailed operation of the error determination operation S420 shown in FIG. 4.

The order pool, which is a set of picking processes created based on the customer's order information, can be viewed (S510). The order pool is a type of data set managed by the management device 110 and may include multiple picking processes generated from order information of multiple customers.

If a new picking process (ie, a new picking process) is not created within the first reference time (S520), occurrence of an error in the first allocation process may be determined (S530). Since a new picking process may not be created even if a customer's order is not received, the operator of the management device 110 can appropriately set the first reference time by referring to statistical values of previously received orders. That is, if a new picking process is not created beyond the first reference time, there is an error in the logic related to the creation of the new picking process, and the occurrence of an error in the first allocation process may be determined according to this error.

If a new picking process is created within the first reference time (S520), there is no error in the logic related to the creation of the new picking process, and therefore, the occurrence of an error in the first allocation process may not be determined.

Figure 6 shows detailed operations related to determination of an error related to the inclusion of an idle worker terminal. Operation S600 of FIG. 6 may be understood as a detailed operation of the error determination operation S420 shown in FIG. 4.

A picking pool including a plurality of worker terminals can be queried (S610). The picking pool is a type of data set managed by the management device 110 and may include a plurality of worker terminals. In one embodiment, the picking pool may be clustered separately by distribution center.

If an idle worker terminal (eg, an active worker terminal) is not included in the picking pool within the second reference time (S620), occurrence of an error in the first allocation process may be determined (S630). Even if all worker terminals in the distribution center are not waiting for allocation of the picking process, idle worker terminals may not be included in the picking pool, so the operating entity of the management device 110 may collect statistical values, etc. regarding the already assigned picking process. The second reference time can be appropriately set by reference. That is, if the idle terminal is not included in the picking pool beyond the second reference time, there is an error in the logic related to the inclusion of the idle worker terminal, and the occurrence of an error in the first allocation processing may be determined according to this error. .

If the idle worker terminal is included in the picking pool within the second reference time (S620), there is no error in the logic related to the inclusion of the idle worker terminal, and therefore, the occurrence of an error in the first allocation process may not be determined.

Figure 7 shows detailed operations related to determination of errors related to the creation of a batch. Operation S700 of FIG. 7 may be understood as a detailed operation of the error determination operation S420 shown in FIG. 4.

The creation time of a batch created to be performed by one worker terminal can be inquired (S710). A batch may include one or more picking processes created for one worker terminal to perform. That is, by creating a batch, a picking process can be assigned to the worker terminal, and the management device 110 can inquire the time of batch creation.

The difference between the inquiry time to check the creation time and the batch creation time can be calculated (S720). This difference calculation operation (S720) can also be understood as an operation to inquire the creation time of the most recently created batch.

If the difference exceeds the third reference time (S730), occurrence of an error for the first allocation process may be determined (S740). Even if a sufficient picking process is not created in the order pool, the batch may not be created, so the operator of the management device 110 can appropriately set the third reference time by referring to statistical values related to the already created batch. . That is, if the batch is not created beyond the third reference time, there is an error in the logic related to the creation of the batch, and the occurrence of an error for the first allocation process can be determined according to this error.

If the difference is less than or equal to the third reference time (S730), there is no error in the logic related to the creation of the batch, and therefore the occurrence of an error for the first allocation process may not be determined.

So far, with reference to FIGS. 5 to 7 , examples of determining errors specific to a distribution center have been described. A specific error may mean an error that can occur only in a specific logistics center among multiple logistics centers. For example, a specific error may occur in the first distribution center, but no specific error may occur in the second distribution center. Regarding the authority of a specific error according to the above-described example, the first authority granted to the first worker terminal group related to the first distribution center where the specific error occurred is recovered and the second authority is granted to the first worker terminal group. It can be. Additionally, the first authority may be maintained in the second worker terminal group related to the second distribution center in which no specific error has occurred.

On the other hand, non-specific errors may refer to errors that may occur across multiple distribution centers. For example, non-specific errors may occur in both the first and second logistics centers. Regarding the authority of a non-specific error according to the above-described example, the first authority granted to the first worker terminal group related to the first distribution center and the second worker terminal group related to the second distribution center is recovered, and the second authority is restored to the second worker terminal group related to the first distribution center. It may be assigned to one worker terminal group and a second worker terminal group.

Regarding non-specific errors, in one embodiment, the operation of determining the occurrence of an error for the first allocation process (S420) includes the operation of querying a picking pool including a plurality of worker terminals (S610) and the picking pool not being queried. Otherwise, it may include an operation of determining whether an error has occurred in the first allocation process. That is, according to this embodiment, since the picking pool itself is not queried, it may be determined that a non-specific error in the first allocation process has occurred in the entire distribution center. This technical idea can be similarly applied to an order pool similar to a picking pool.

FIG. 8 shows a flowchart showing a detailed operation combining the operation for determining the occurrence of an error described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 7. Operation S800 of FIG. 8 can be understood as a detailed operation of the error determination operation S420 shown in FIG. 4.

An error related to the inquiry of the picking pool may be determined (S810). This operation may refer to the description of non-specific errors described above.

If an error related to the inquiry of the picking pool is not determined, an error related to the creation of a new picking process may be determined (S820). For this operation, the description of the detailed operations shown in FIG. 5 may be referred to.

If an error related to the creation of a new picking process is not determined (that is, if a new picking process is created within the first reference time as a result of the inquiry of the order pool), an error related to the inclusion of the idle worker terminal may be determined ( S830). For this operation, reference may be made to the description of the detailed operations shown in FIG. 6.

If an error related to the inclusion of the idle worker terminal is not determined (that is, if the idle worker terminal is included in the picking pool within the second reference time as a result of the query of the picking pool), an error related to the creation of the batch may be determined ( S840). For this operation, the description of the detailed operations shown in FIG. 7 may be referred to.

The series of operations shown in FIG. 8 is an example that the operating entity of the management device 110 can select as a detection rule. The detection rule may be selected in an order that is different from the order shown in FIG. 8, or the detection rule may be selected in an order shown in FIG. 8. Some of the operations described above may be omitted, or other operations not shown in FIG. 8 may be added.

So far, various error detection rules for the first allocation process have been described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 8. According to various embodiments described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 8, the occurrence of an error in the first allocation process may be dynamically determined. As the occurrence of this error is dynamically determined, switching to allocation processing (eg, switching from first allocation processing to second allocation processing) can be performed more quickly.

In the flowcharts of this disclosure, the operations of the method or algorithm are described in a sequential order, but in addition to being performed sequentially, they may also be performed according to an order that can be arbitrarily combined. The description of the flowcharts of this disclosure does not exclude making changes or modifications to the method or algorithm, nor does it imply that any operation is required or desirable. In one embodiment, at least some of the operations may be performed in parallel, iteratively, or heuristically. In another embodiment, at least some operations may be omitted or other operations may be added.

Various embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented as software in a storage medium (MRSM, Machine-Readable Storage Medium) that can be read by a computing device. The software may be software for implementing various embodiments of the present disclosure. Software can be inferred from various embodiments of the present disclosure by programmers in the technical field to which this disclosure pertains. For example, software may be a computer program that contains instructions that can be read by a computing device. A computing device is a device that can operate according to instructions retrieved from a storage medium, and may be referred to interchangeably with, for example, an electronic device. In one embodiment, a processor of the computing device may execute the called instruction, causing components of the computing device to perform a function corresponding to the instruction. A storage medium may refer to any type of recording medium in which information is stored that can be read by a device. Storage media may include, for example, ROM, RAM, CD-ROM, magnetic tape, floppy disk, or optical information storage devices. In one embodiment, the storage medium may be implemented in a distributed form, such as in a networked computer system. At this time, the software may be distributed, stored, and executed on a computer system, etc. In another embodiment, the storage medium may be a non-transitory storage medium. Non-transitory storage media refers to media that exist regardless of whether information is stored semi-permanently or temporarily, and do not include signals that propagate temporarily (transitory).

Although the technical idea according to the present disclosure has been described above through various embodiments, the technical idea according to the present disclosure can be variously replaced, modified, and changed within a range that can be understood by those skilled in the art in the technical field to which the present disclosure pertains. Includes. Additionally, it is to be understood that such substitutions, modifications and alterations may be included within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (15)

In a method performed by an electronic device,
The picking process of picking products corresponding to the customer's order information within the distribution center is assigned to one of the plurality of worker terminals based on the paths of each of the plurality of worker terminals arranged within the distribution center. performing a first allocation process;
determining occurrence of an error in the first allocation process based on a result of monitoring the first allocation process;
In response to the occurrence of an error in the first allocation process, the first authority for the first allocation process granted to the plurality of worker terminals is recovered, and the first authority for the first allocation process that is distinct from the first allocation process is recovered. Granting second authority to the plurality of worker terminals; and
Comprising the step of performing the second allocation process of assigning the picking process to one of the plurality of worker terminals, based on a setting value related to the second authority,
The logistics center is,
Comprising a first logistics center and a second logistics center distinct from the first logistics center,
The plurality of worker terminals are,
It includes a first worker terminal group related to the first distribution center and a second worker terminal group related to the second distribution center,
The step of determining the occurrence of an error in the first allocation process includes:
It includes determining whether there is a specific error for the first distribution center and the second distribution center,
The step of recovering the first authority and granting the second authority is,
The first authority granted to the first worker terminal group related to the first distribution center where the specific error occurred is recovered, the second authority is granted to the first worker terminal group, and the specific error occurs. A method comprising maintaining the first authority granted to the second worker terminal group related to the second distribution center that has not occurred.
According to paragraph 1,
The plurality of worker terminals are,
A method comprising an Automatic Guided Vehicle (AGV).
According to paragraph 1,
Products corresponding to the above order information are:
Comprising a first article and a second article distinct from the first article,
The picking process is,
Comprising a first picking process for picking the first product and a second picking process for picking the second product,
The plurality of worker terminals are,
It includes a first worker terminal and a second worker terminal that is distinct from the first worker terminal,
The step of performing the first allocation process is,
Based on the paths of each of the plurality of worker terminals, the method comprising assigning the first picking process to the first worker terminal and allocating the second picking process to the second worker terminal.
According to paragraph 1,
The step of determining the occurrence of an error in the first allocation process includes:
Checking an order pool, which is a set of picking processes created based on the customer's order information; and
If, as a result of the inquiry of the order pool, a new picking process is not created within a first reference time, determining the occurrence of an error in the first allocation process.
According to paragraph 4,
The step of determining the occurrence of an error in the first allocation process includes:
As a result of the inquiry of the order pool, if a new picking process is created within the first reference time, inquiring a picking pool including the plurality of worker terminals; and
If, as a result of the inquiry of the picking pool, an idle worker terminal is not included in the picking pool within a second reference time, the method further includes determining that an error has occurred in the first allocation process.
According to clause 5,
The step of determining the occurrence of an error in the first allocation process includes:
As a result of the inquiry of the picking pool, if an idle worker terminal is included in the picking pool within the second reference time, inquiring the generation time of a batch created to be performed by one worker terminal;
Calculating the difference between the creation time and the inquiry time to check the creation time; and
If the difference exceeds a third reference time, determining the occurrence of an error for the first allocation process.
According to paragraph 1,
The step of determining the occurrence of an error in the first allocation process includes:
Querying a picking pool including the plurality of worker terminals; and
If, as a result of the inquiry of the picking pool, an idle worker terminal is not included in the picking pool within a second reference time, determining that an error has occurred in the first allocation process.
According to paragraph 1,
The step of determining the occurrence of an error in the first allocation process includes:
Querying a picking pool including the plurality of worker terminals; and
If the picking pool is not queried, determining that an error has occurred for the first allocation process.
According to paragraph 1,
The step of determining the occurrence of an error in the first allocation process includes:
Checking the creation time of a batch created to be performed by one worker terminal;
Calculating the difference between the creation time and the inquiry time to check the creation time; and
If the difference exceeds a third reference time, determining the occurrence of an error for the first allocation process.
delete delete According to paragraph 1,
The step of determining the occurrence of an error in the first allocation process includes:
It includes determining whether there is a non-specific error for the first distribution center and the second distribution center,
The step of recovering the first authority and granting the second authority is,
In response to determining that a non-specific error has occurred for the first distribution center and the second distribution center, the first authority granted to the first worker terminal group and the second worker terminal group is retrieved, and the first authority granted to the first worker terminal group and the second worker terminal group is recovered. A method comprising granting the second authority to one worker terminal group and the second worker terminal group.
According to paragraph 1,
The above setting value is,
A limit shipping time set to correspond to the order information, a distance between a first worker terminal included in the plurality of worker terminals and a second worker terminal distinct from the first worker terminal, the goods corresponding to the order information, and the A method comprising at least a portion of the distance between worker terminals included in a plurality of worker terminals or the number of picking processes that can be included in a batch created to be performed by one worker terminal.
According to paragraph 1,
The step of performing the second allocation process is,
A method comprising performing the second allocation process within a threshold time from the time of occurrence of an error in the first allocation process, based on a setting value preset before the time of granting the second authority.
A communication interface configured to enable communication with a network;
A processor configured to execute a computer program including one or more instructions; and
comprising a memory configured to load the computer program,
The computer program is,
The picking process of picking products corresponding to the customer's order information within the distribution center is assigned to one of the plurality of worker terminals based on the paths of each of the plurality of worker terminals arranged within the distribution center. instructions for performing a first allocation process;
instructions for determining occurrence of an error in the first allocation process based on a result of monitoring the first allocation process;
In response to the occurrence of an error in the first allocation process, the first authority for the first allocation process granted to the plurality of worker terminals is recovered, and the first authority for the first allocation process that is distinct from the first allocation process is recovered. Instructions for granting second authority to the plurality of worker terminals; and
Based on a setting value related to the second authority, it includes instructions for performing the second allocation process to assign the picking process to one of the plurality of worker terminals,
The logistics center is,
Comprising a first logistics center and a second logistics center distinct from the first logistics center,
The plurality of worker terminals are,
It includes a first worker terminal group related to the first distribution center and a second worker terminal group related to the second distribution center,
The instruction for determining whether an error has occurred in the first allocation process is:
Includes instructions for determining whether there is a specific error for the first distribution center and the second distribution center,
The instruction to retrieve the first authority and grant the second authority is,
The first authority granted to the first worker terminal group related to the first distribution center where the specific error occurred is recovered, the second authority is granted to the first worker terminal group, and the specific error occurs. An electronic device comprising instructions for maintaining the first authority granted to the second worker terminal group related to the second distribution center that has not occurred.

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