KR102792592B1 - Method, device, and recording medium for inventory management - Google Patents

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an inventory management method, a device, and a recording medium. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for inventory management performed by an electronic device may include: identifying a warehouse group including one or more warehouses; determining a first inventory quantity and a first inventory age for each warehouse and stock keeping unit (SKU) at each of the one or more warehouse levels; determining a second inventory quantity and a second inventory age for each SKU at the warehouse group level; and executing an audit to verify consistency between the first inventory quantity and the second inventory quantity.

Description

METHOD, DEVICE, AND RECORDING MEDIUM FOR INVENTORY MANAGEMENT

The present invention relates to an inventory management method and device, and more particularly, to a method for determining inventory age and verifying consistency for each inventory management unit at the warehouse and warehouse group level, and a device for performing the same.

In modern society, e-commerce companies deal with numerous vendors and products and store their goods in warehouses. In this field, inventory must be managed in real time, and it is important to accurately identify the age of inventory in order to efficiently manage inventory and charge fair storage fees or inventory storage costs to vendors. In particular, there is a demand for accurately identifying the age of inventory because inventory age can be used as a basis for important decision-making processes such as determining storage costs, forecasting demand, and setting discount strategies.

However, it is difficult to manage various products in a large-scale warehouse environment and to grasp accurate inventory information. In addition, stocking and shipping events occur for each product, and calculating the inventory age based on this requires considerable time and effort.

Existing inventory management methods generally rely on simple receipt and delivery events for each warehouse individually, which can result in low accuracy and consistency. In particular, in large-scale inventory management, if there is an omission or error in receipt and delivery events, the reliability of inventory age can be reduced, which can have a negative impact on inventory management.

Therefore, in order to achieve efficient and accurate inventory management and fair inventory storage cost estimation, a method and device for determining and verifying inventory age for each inventory unit to increase the reliability of inventory information are required.

The technical problem to be solved through one embodiment of the present invention is to improve the reliability of inventory status and management efficiency by quickly and accurately determining inventory age for multiple warehouses and stock keeping units (SKUs). The present invention aims to increase the accuracy of inventory age calculation and inventory storage cost calculation by grouping warehouses and calculating inventory age at a higher level.

Another technical problem to be solved through one embodiment of the present invention is to further enhance the reliability of the calculated inventory age by providing a warning system that verifies the consistency of inventory quantities at the warehouse level and warehouse group level and determines errors.

Another technical challenge to be solved by one embodiment of the present invention is to implement a system capable of performing advanced inventory management functions by utilizing up-to-date inventory age information for each SKU.

In addition, the present invention aims to improve user experience by integrating and managing inventory snapshots and incoming information for each warehouse using meta tags and providing error judgment and automated correction procedures through the same.

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

The present disclosure may propose an inventory management method performed by an electronic device. The inventory management method performed by an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include: identifying a warehouse group including one or more warehouses; determining a first inventory quantity and a first inventory age for each warehouse and stock keeping unit (SKU) at each of the one or more warehouse levels; determining a second inventory quantity and a second inventory age for each SKU at the warehouse group level; and executing an audit to verify consistency between the first inventory quantity and the second inventory quantity.

In one embodiment, the method may further include calculating a storage cost for each SKU based on the first inventory age or the second inventory age, according to a pre-determined criterion.

In one embodiment, the step of determining the first inventory quantity and the first inventory age for each of the warehouses and SKUs may include the step of determining the first inventory quantity and the first inventory age based on an inventory snapshot and retrieval information for each of the warehouses.

In one embodiment, the inventory snapshot includes at least a snapshot point in time, a SKU identifier, and inventory quantity information, and the import information includes import events, each import event including at least a import point in time, a SKU identifier, and import quantity information.

In one embodiment, the step of determining the first inventory age may include the steps of: for each SKU, sorting the import events in chronological order; calculating a summed import quantity by sequentially adding up import quantities from the most recent import event among the sorted import events; determining import events until the summed import quantity becomes equal to or greater than the first inventory quantity as valid import events; and determining the first inventory age based on the valid import events.

In one embodiment, the step of determining the first inventory age based on the valid import events may include the step of determining a time interval between an import time of an oldest import event among the valid import events and a current time as the first inventory age.

In one embodiment, the step of determining the first inventory age based on the valid import events may include the step of determining the first inventory age by weighting the time interval between the import points of the valid import events and the current point in time by the corresponding import quantity.

In one embodiment, the step of determining the second inventory quantity and the second inventory age for each SKU at the warehouse group level may include the step of determining the second inventory quantity and the second inventory age based on inventory snapshots and putaway information of one or more warehouses belonging to the warehouse group.

In one embodiment, the inventory snapshot includes at least a snapshot point in time, a SKU identifier, and inventory quantity information, and the import information includes import events, each import event including at least a import point in time, a SKU identifier, and import quantity information.

In one embodiment, the step of determining the second inventory age may include the steps of: for each SKU, sorting the import events in chronological order; calculating a summed import quantity by sequentially adding up import quantities from the most recent import event among the sorted import events; determining import events until the summed import quantity becomes equal to or greater than the second inventory quantity as valid import events; and determining the second inventory age based on the valid import events.

In one embodiment, the step of determining the second inventory age based on the valid import events may include the step of determining a time interval between an import time of an oldest import event among the valid import events and a current time as the second inventory age.

In one embodiment, the step of determining the second inventory age based on the valid import events may include the step of determining the second inventory age by weighting the time interval between the import points of the valid import events and the current point in time by the corresponding import quantity.

In one embodiment, the method may further include the step of assigning a meta tag capable of identifying a warehouse corresponding to the inventory snapshot and the import information to the inventory snapshot and the import information.

In one embodiment, the step of executing the audit may include the step of determining whether a sum of the first inventory quantities of the one or more warehouses belonging to the warehouse group matches the second inventory quantity.

In one embodiment, the method may further include the step of generating a warning signal via a user interface in response to a determination that an error has occurred as a result of executing the audit, wherein the first inventory quantity and the second inventory quantity do not match.

In one embodiment, the method may further include the step of classifying the corresponding SKU into a grade based on the first inventory age or the second inventory age according to a predetermined criterion.

In one embodiment, the method may further include: determining whether the first age or the second age exceeds a predetermined threshold; and in response to determining that the first age or the second age exceeds the threshold, generating an alert or notification.

An electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises one or more processors, one or more memories storing instructions configured to be executed by the one or more processors, and when the instructions are executed by the one or more processors, the one or more processors may be configured to execute the above method.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform operations, the instructions may be configured to cause the one or more processors to perform the above method.

According to the present invention, by updating and managing inventory information by warehouse level and warehouse group level, accurate information on the inventory quantity and age of the warehouse can be provided. This improves the accuracy of inventory management and reduces the possibility of errors.

According to the present invention, by calculating and tracking the age of inventory by warehouse level and warehouse group level, a more effective inventory turnover rate can be maintained and inventory storage costs can be calculated based on a reasonable inventory age.

According to the present invention, the accuracy and reliability of inventory age data can be improved by verifying the consistency of inventory age through audit at each warehouse level and warehouse group level.

According to the present invention, by managing inventory data using meta tags, tracking and management of inventory data by warehouse are facilitated, and consistency between inventory data is maintained, thereby increasing the reliability of data.

The present invention can reduce the risk of business operations by providing a warning or notification function for SKUs whose inventory age exceeds a threshold, thereby drawing attention to inventory status and preventing inventory loss or customer service issues.

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

FIG. 1 is a drawing for explaining an inventory management system according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram schematically illustrating the configuration of an electronic inventory management system according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an inventory snapshot according to one embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 6 is a diagram showing import information according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIGS. 7A and 7B are diagrams illustrating steps for calculating SKU age according to one embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 8 is a drawing exemplifying a meta tag according to the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing dividing SKUs into grades according to age according to one embodiment of the present invention.

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

Terms used in this disclosure, including technical or scientific terms, unless otherwise defined, may have the meaning commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs.

The expressions such as “includes,” “may include,” “comprises,” “may have,” “have,” and “may have” used in this disclosure indicate the presence of a target feature (e.g., a function, operation, or component), but do not exclude the presence of other additional features. That is, such expressions should be understood as open-ended terms that imply the possibility of including other embodiments.

As used herein, singular expressions may include plural meanings unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, and the same applies to singular expressions set forth in the claims.

The expressions "first", "second", or "firstly", "secondly", etc., used in this document, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, are used to refer to multiple similar objects and to distinguish one object from another, and do not limit the order or importance among the objects.

The expressions "A, B, and C", "A, B, or C", "A, B, and/or C", or "at least one of A, B, and C", "at least one of A, B, or C", "at least one of A, B, and/or C", etc., as used herein, can mean each of the listed items or all possible combinations of the listed items. For example, "at least one of A or B" can refer to (1) at least one A, (2) at least one B, (3) at least one A and at least one B.

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

As used herein, the expression that a component (e.g., a first component) is “connected” or “connected” to another component (e.g., a second component) may mean that the component is directly connected or connected to the other component, but also connected or connected via a new other component (e.g., a third component).

The expression "configured to" used in the present disclosure can have the meanings of "set to", "having the ability to", "modified to", "made to", "capable of", etc., depending on the context. This expression is not limited to the meaning of "specifically designed in hardware", and for example, a processor configured to perform a specific operation can mean a general purpose processor that can perform the specific operation by executing software, or a special purpose computer that is structured through programming to perform the specific operation.

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

FIG. 1 is a drawing for explaining an inventory management system according to one embodiment of the present invention. One or more electronic devices (110a-f) are connected through a network (120), and each electronic device (110) may be capable of storing and processing data, including a database. One or more electronic devices (110a-f) may be a single electronic device or may be a plurality of electronic devices. Hereinafter, the electronic devices (110a-f) are referred to as electronic devices (110).

In one embodiment, the system of the present invention comprises a plurality of electronic devices (110) connected through a central network, each electronic device (110) operating with an independent database to store and transmit data according to a user's request. The electronic devices (110) within the network have their own processing capabilities and can perform data sharing and processing tasks with other electronic devices (110) as needed.

For example, each electronic device (110) can receive a request from a software application, a web service, or another electronic device (110), process specific data, and transmit the result back to the requesting device or service through the network. In addition, the database of each electronic device (110) provides quick access to data and enables efficient data management. The network itself can also include multiple electronic devices and databases to perform data management and distributed processing at the network level.

For example, an electronic device (110) can receive data from another electronic device (110) via a network (120), process the data, and then store the processed data or retransmit it via the network (120) as needed. Through this, the electronic device (110) can perform real-time processing of data and efficiently exchange data with the network (120) level.

In addition, the electronic device (110) can manage transactions related to e-commerce services provided to users, i.e., inventory of products online. That is, the electronic device (110) can track inventory inflow and outflow and display user interface warnings according to the inventory status.

The electronic device (110) of the present invention is connected through a network (120) and can calculate the age of inventory. Through this, the electronic device (110) can contribute to increasing the efficiency of the inventory management system.

In one embodiment, the electronic device (110) can collect inventory data and analyze it to calculate the elapsed time for each inventory item. The electronic device (110) can thereby calculate inventory storage costs. In addition, in additional embodiments, the freshness of the inventory and inventory turnover rate can be determined.

For example, the electronic device (110) can calculate the age of the inventory by comparing the date of receipt with the current date based on inventory information. The electronic device (110) can also calculate the age of the inventory based on the receipt information and the inventory snapshot. The electronic device (110) can store the calculated age in a database and use it to make future inventory management decisions.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the ability of the electronic device (110) of the present invention to be connected to a network (120) and share information with other electronic devices (110) is important in aggregating and analyzing data across multiple inventory items. This allows the task of calculating the age of inventory to be performed independently by each electronic device (110) or collaboratively over the network (120).

The electronic device (110) of the present invention can attach a meta tag to data. The electronic device (110) can classify data using the meta tag and effectively perform data management and search.

In one embodiment, the electronic device (110) may include a mechanism that can assign meta tags to information generated or modified during the data processing process. The mechanism can collect meta tags such as the content, source, creation date, etc. of the data and store them in association with the data. The electronic device (110) can thereby make subsequent retrieval of the data more efficient and increase data reliability.

The electronic device (110) can perform an audit during data processing via the network (120) and generate a warning signal if an error occurs. In one embodiment, the electronic device (110) can display the calculated result and data and the warning signal on the user interface.

In addition, even if an operation that an electronic device (110) can perform is not mentioned in the present disclosure, if it is a general operation that an electronic device included in inventory management of a known e-commerce service can perform, it should be noted that applying the technical idea of the present disclosure by referring to that operation is not excluded from the scope of the present disclosure.

Specifically, the electronic device (100) may include a plurality of computer systems or computer software implemented as network servers, and may provide various information by configuring them as web pages. For example, the electronic device (100) may refer to a computer system and computer software that are connected to a lower device that can communicate with another network server through a computer network such as an intranet or the Internet, receive a request to perform a task, perform the task for the request, and provide the result of the performance. In addition, the electronic device (100) may be understood as a broad concept that includes a series of application programs that can operate on a network server, and various databases built inside. For example, the electronic device (100) may be implemented using a network server program that is provided in various ways according to an operating system such as DOS, Windows, Linux, UNIX, or MacOS.

The electronic device (110) may be a server, i.e., a server device that interacts with one or more other electronic devices (110) and hosts various software. The electronic device (110) may, for example, host warehouse management system software and manage inventory data, order processing, inventory planning, etc. The electronic device (110) may perform database management, user interface provision, and backend logic processing.

A database can be a system that stores and manages various information. That is, a database can store data such as inventory, inventory receipt information, and inventory withdrawal information related to e-commerce services.

The database may be included as a component connected to or built into the electronic device (110). The database may be accessed by the electronic device (110) and updated in real time. Specifically, the database may be accessed by the electronic device (110) and may provide information or be updated. For example, when inventory age calculation is required, the electronic device (110) may retrieve relevant data from the database and perform calculations based thereon.

Additionally, the database may include security features. Specifically, the database may include various mechanisms and protocols to prevent unauthorized access, alteration, deletion, etc. of data.

The network (120) may play a role of connecting one or more electronic devices (100) and connecting with electronic devices (not shown) at the network level. For example, the network (120) may provide a connection path so that the electronic device (100) may be connected to an electronic device at the network level and transmit and receive packet data. The network (120) may be implemented as any type of wired or wireless network (120), such as a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a mobile radio communication network, Wibro (Wireless Broadband Internet), etc.

The inventory management system according to various embodiments may be implemented as a single physical device, or may be implemented in a manner in which multiple physical devices are organically combined. For example, some of the components included in the inventory management system may be implemented by one physical device, and the remaining parts of the components included in the inventory management system may be implemented by another physical device. For example, one of the physical devices may be implemented as a part of the electronic device (110a), and the other physical device may be implemented as a part of the electronic device (110b) or an external device (not shown). In some cases, each of the components included in the inventory management system may be distributed and arranged in different physical devices, and the distributed components may be organically combined to perform the functions and operations of the inventory management system.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an electronic device (110) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 2, an electronic device (100) according to various embodiments may include one or more processors (210), one or more memories (220), and a communication interface (230) as components. In one embodiment, at least one of the components of the electronic device (200) may be omitted, or another component may be added to the electronic device (200). In one embodiment, additionally or alternatively, some of the components may be implemented in an integrated manner, or may be implemented as a single or multiple entities. In the present disclosure, one or more processors (210) may be expressed as a processor (210). The expression “processor (210)” may mean a set of one or more processors, unless otherwise explicitly stated in the context. In the present disclosure, one or more memories (220) may be expressed as a memory (220). The expression “memory (220)” may mean a set of one or more memories, unless otherwise explicitly stated in the context. In one embodiment, at least some of the components inside/outside the electronic device (200) may be connected to each other via a bus, a General Purpose Input/Output (GPIO), a Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI), or a Mobile Industry Processor Interface (MIPI), and may exchange information (data, signals, etc.).

The processor (210) may control at least one component of the electronic device (200) connected to the processor (210) by running software (e.g., commands, programs, etc.). In addition, the processor (210) may perform various operations related to the present disclosure, such as calculations, processing, data generation, and processing. In addition, the processor (210) may load data, etc. from the memory (220) or store data in the memory (220). In one embodiment, the processor (210) may control the communication interface (230) to request various information from the user terminal (120) and receive various information from the user terminal (120).

The processor (210) can control other components of the electronic device (110) in general and process a series of steps for performing an inventory management method according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

The processor (210) may have the ability to process data received from other electronic devices via the network (120) together with the running software, store such data in memory, and then retransmit the data via the network (120) as needed. The real-time data processing capability of the processor (210) and the storage function of the memory enable efficient data exchange via the network (120).

The processor (210) may be connected via the network (120) to perform inventory age calculation. In one embodiment, the processor (210) of the electronic device (110) may collect, process, and analyze various inventory data to calculate the elapsed time for each inventory item, which may be used to calculate inventory storage costs. For example, the processor (210) may utilize the incoming information and inventory snapshots stored in the memory to calculate the age of the inventory, and store this in a database for use in future management decisions. Additionally, the processor (210) may additionally perform a role in determining inventory freshness and turnover. The processor (210) may interact with other devices via the network (120) to perform more extensive data aggregation and analysis, and may support inventory age calculations individually or collaboratively.

The processor (210) can assign a meta tag to data. In one embodiment, the meta tag can be assigned to information generated or modified during the data processing process. In addition, the processor (210) can monitor errors that may occur during the data processing process via the network (120), perform an audit function for the errors, and display a warning signal on the user interface.

The memory (220) can store various information (data). The information stored in the memory (220) is information acquired, processed, or used by at least one component of the electronic device (200), and may include software (e.g., commands, programs, etc.). The memory (220) may include volatile and/or nonvolatile memory. In the present disclosure, the commands or programs are software stored in the memory (220), and may include an operating system for controlling resources of the electronic device (200), an application, and/or middleware for providing various functions to the application so that the application can utilize the resources of the electronic device (200). In one embodiment, the memory (220) may store commands that cause the processor (210) to perform operations when executed by the processor (210). The memory (220) may store at least a portion of information received from a database through the communication interface (230) and/or information transmitted to the database through the communication interface (230). In one embodiment, the memory (220) may replace the role of a database. The memory (220) may store information relating to electronic commerce and instructions configured to be executed by the processor (210).

The communication interface (communication interface, 230) can perform wireless or wired communication between the electronic device (200) and a database or other external electronic device (110). For example, the communication interface (230) can perform wireless communication according to a method such as eMBB (enhanced Mobile Broadband), URLLC (Ultra Reliable Low-Latency Communications), MMTC (Massive Machine Type Communications), LTE (Long-Term Evolution), LTE-A (LTE Advance), NR (New Radio), UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System), GSM (Global System for Mobile communications), CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access), WCDMA (Wideband CDMA), WiBro (Wireless Broadband), WiFi (Wireless Fidelity), Bluetooth (Bluetooth), NFC (Near Field Communication), GPS (Global Positioning System), or GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System). For example, the communication interface (230) may perform wired communication according to a method such as Universal Serial Bus (USB), High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI), Recommended Standard-232 (RS-232), or Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS). In one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may be implemented by being integrated with another device. In this case, the communication interface (230) may function as a connection circuit or interface that connects the electronic device (200) and the other device.

Hereinafter, the operations described as being performed by the electronic device (110) in FIGS. 3 to 8 can be understood as being performed by the processor (210) of the electronic device (200) described in FIG. 2.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

An electronic device (110) can identify a warehouse group including one or more warehouses (S310).

The electronic device (110) can integrate inventory data and management methods by classifying multiple warehouses into a single management group. Specifically, the electronic device (110) can identify each warehouse and group or classify one or more warehouses according to preset criteria (e.g., location, inventory type, size, etc.).

In one embodiment, the electronic device (110) groups one or more warehouses into one or more groups based on preset criteria, and this grouping can be executed through a database or management program.

For example, the software of the electronic device (110) can automatically or through user input assign warehouses to warehouse groups, taking into account the location of the warehouse, the type of operation, inventory characteristics, etc. The grouped warehouses are managed according to an integrated inventory management procedure and can provide basic data for subsequent steps such as determining inventory quantity and age, and performing audits.

Those skilled in the art will understand that by grouping multiple warehouses together, inventory data can be managed centrally and the inventory status of each warehouse can be effectively grasped.

The electronic device (110) can determine a first inventory quantity and a first inventory age for each warehouse and stock keeping unit (SKU) at one or more warehouse levels (S320).

Warehouse level can mean the management unit of an individual warehouse. SKU is a stock management unit, which can mean a unit that identifies each distinct item or service. Stock age is an indicator of the time that a specific stock has been stored in a warehouse or store, which can mean the period from the time the product was received into stock to the present.

Step S320 is further described with reference to FIG. 4.

The electronic device (110) can determine each first stock quantity and first stock age at the warehouse level (410, S320). Referring to FIG. 4, determining the first stock age can be associated with a warehouse SKU age calculation component (411), a warehouse SKU age publisher component (412), and a warehouse database component (413).

The components may form part of a process for calculating the age of a SKU. In one embodiment, the warehouse SKU age calculation component (411) may execute a process for calculating the inventory age of each SKU. This may be done using data stored in the warehouse database component (413), and the calculated first inventory age may be written back to the warehouse database component (413). The warehouse SKU age publisher component (412) may then communicate the calculated first inventory age to other systems or modules. Specifically, the warehouse SKU age publisher component (412) may publish the first inventory age as an event.

For example, a warehouse SKU age calculation component (411) may calculate the age of inventory based on data from a database component (413), and this information may be stored in the warehouse database component (413). A warehouse SKU age publisher component (412) may then pass this age information to a system that calculates the storage cost for each SKU.

The electronic device (110) can determine the second stock quantity and the second stock age for each SKU at the warehouse group level (S330). The electronic device (110) can determine the second stock quantity and the second stock age at the group level by synthesizing data of multiple warehouses belonging to the warehouse group at the warehouse group level. The stock quantity and age at the warehouse group level can be determined by synthesizing data of all warehouses within the group, and can represent the overall stock status within the group.

The electronic device (110) can receive data from each warehouse of the warehouse level at the warehouse group level. For example, the electronic device (110) can receive data from each warehouse of the warehouse level via the network (120) at the warehouse group level. Additionally, for example, the electronic device (110) can stream data in real time from each warehouse of the warehouse level at the warehouse group level.

The warehouse group level can refer to a higher level of management unit that manages multiple warehouses as a single group.

Referring to FIG. 4, step S330 is further described (420). Determining the second inventory age may be associated with the group SKU age calculation component (421), the group SKU age publisher component (422), and the group database component (423).

In one embodiment, the group SKU age calculation component (421) can determine the age for each SKU using data stored in the group database component (423). For example, the group SKU age calculation component (421) can aggregate data from all warehouses belonging to the group at the warehouse group level to calculate the inventory quantity and average inventory age of the entire group. The determined second inventory age can be recorded again in the group database component (423). Thereafter, the second inventory age can be delivered to a relevant system or module through the group SKU age publisher component (422). Specifically, the group SKU age publisher component (422) can publish the second inventory age as an event. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that this configuration can improve the efficiency of inventory management and maintain inventory freshness and optimized inventory levels.

The electronic device (110) can execute an audit to verify consistency between the first inventory quantity and the second inventory quantity (S340).

The electronic device (110) may perform an audit to ensure the accuracy of inventory age calculation. An audit is a process of verifying the accuracy of data or records, and in the present invention, it may mean verifying the consistency of inventory quantity and inventory age.

Referring to Fig. 4, step S340 is further explained (430). The electronic device (110) can check whether there is a match between the inventory quantity identified at the warehouse level and the warehouse group level. The electronic device (110) can use this as a basis for ensuring the accuracy of inventory data and detecting errors.

In one embodiment, the electronic device (110) may compare the inventory quantity at the warehouse level (the first inventory quantity) with the inventory quantity at the warehouse group level (the second inventory quantity) to determine if there is a mismatch. For example, the electronic device (110) may compare the first and second inventory quantity data from the warehouse database component (413) and the group database component (423), respectively, to determine if there is a match. As described below, if a mismatch is determined, the mismatch indicates an error and may require additional action.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram schematically illustrating the configuration of an electronic inventory management system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Steps S320, S330, and S340, respectively, corresponding to steps 410, 420, and 430, are as described above. The service unit (440) can interact with data published by the warehouse SKU age publisher component (412) and the group SKU age publisher component (422). That is, the service unit (440) can interact with each component and collate data. Through the service unit (440), multiple pieces of data can be transmitted or streamed, collated/processed, coordinated, and the load of the entire system can be distributed.

The cost calculation unit (450) of Fig. 4 can calculate inventory storage costs based on the first inventory age or the second inventory age.

In one embodiment, the cost calculation unit (450) can calculate the storage cost that increases as the age of the inventory increases. For example, the cost calculation unit (450) can execute an algorithm that calculates the additional cost incurred when an inventory item is stored in a warehouse for a certain period of time. The storage cost can increase gradually with the storage period, or can increase sharply after a certain period of time. The storage cost can be calculated in combination with the age of the inventory, the cost of storing the inventory, the handling cost, the risk of loss, or other related cost factors, and the calculated inventory management cost can be modified based on the criteria used for classification, or can be used to adjust the inventory management strategy of the SKU.

Calculating carrying costs can make the age-related costs of inventory items transparent in an inventory management system and provide important information needed to adjust inventory levels. Those skilled in the art will understand that reliable age determination of SKUs is important in calculating transparent costs.

In one embodiment, the method may further include calculating a storage cost for each SKU based on the first inventory age or the second inventory age, according to a pre-determined criterion.

In one embodiment, the predetermined criterion may be a criterion determined by the goods supplier. Specifically, the cost calculation unit (450) may calculate the storage cost based on the first inventory age or the second inventory age according to the decision of the goods supplier. For example, the goods supplier may preset the storage cost to be calculated based on the first inventory age when the goods of a specific goods supplier have special storage requirements or when fast distribution is important and the location of the warehouse from which the goods are shipped is important, and the cost calculation unit (450) may calculate the storage cost according to the decision. This may appropriately reflect the storage cost by considering the freshness and distribution period of the goods. Alternatively, for example, the goods supplier may set the second inventory age as the criterion for calculating the storage cost, and the cost calculation unit (450) may calculate the storage cost according to the decision.

Additionally, alternatively, in one embodiment, the predetermined criteria may be criteria determined by the warehouse manager. Specifically, the cost calculation unit (450) may calculate the storage cost based on the first inventory age or the second inventory age for each material supplier and/or SKU, as determined by the warehouse manager.

In another embodiment, the predetermined criterion may be a criterion determined according to the characteristics of the SKU. The cost calculation unit (450) may calculate the storage cost based on the first inventory age or the second inventory age according to the characteristics of the SKU. For example, in the case of a product with a long distribution period, the storage cost may be calculated based on the second inventory age, and the inventory storage cost may be calculated. For example, in the case of a product with a short distribution period, the storage cost may be calculated based on the first inventory age, and the inventory storage cost may be calculated. The cost calculation unit (450) may calculate the storage cost based on the first inventory age or the second inventory age according to the criterion determined according to the characteristics of the SKU. This may enable more efficient cost management according to the characteristics of the inventory item.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an inventory snapshot according to one embodiment of the present invention.

An inventory snapshot can refer to a data set representing the state of inventory within a warehouse at a specific point in time. The data in an inventory snapshot can be used as a data source for determining inventory quantity and inventory age.

In one embodiment, an inventory snapshot may include the current inventory quantity and status for each SKU in a warehouse at a particular date, point in time. The data in an inventory snapshot may be snapshotted (or captured) periodically by an inventory management system or in response to a particular event.

In one embodiment, the inventory snapshot includes at least a snapshot point in time, a SKU identifier, and inventory quantity information, and the import information includes import events, each import event including at least a import point in time, a SKU identifier, and import quantity information.

The items in the inventory snapshot according to one embodiment are as follows:

- Snapshot point in time ('stock_create_dttm'): The date and time that serves as the basis for the stock quantity.

- SKU identifier ('SKU_id'): A unique identifier that distinguishes inventory items in each stock management unit.

- Stock quantity ('stock_unit'): Stock quantity according to SKU identifier.

Figure 6 is a diagram showing import information according to one embodiment of the present invention.

The receipt information represents data about inventory items that entered the warehouse at a specific time. That is, the receipt information can record the most recent receipt date and quantity for each SKU. The data in the receipt information can be used as a data source for determining inventory quantity and inventory age.

The items of import information according to one embodiment are as follows:

- SKU identifier ('SKUid'): A unique identifier for an inventory item.

- Created date ('createdat_day'): The date the stock was created.

- Inbound quantity ('inbound_quantity'): The quantity of stock received.

In one embodiment, the step of determining the first inventory quantity and the first inventory age for each warehouse and SKU may include the step of determining the first inventory quantity and the first inventory age based on the inventory snapshot and the delivery information of each warehouse. Specifically, the electronic device (110) may determine the first inventory quantity and the first inventory age for each warehouse and SKU based on the data of the inventory snapshot and the delivery information. For example, the electronic device (110) may use a specific date of the inventory snapshot as a reference date, compare the reference date with the snapshot time of the inventory snapshot, and calculate the inventory age of each SKU on the reference date based on the compared period and the delivery quantity. In addition, the electronic device (110) may identify the flow of inventory through the above.

In one embodiment, the step of determining the second stock quantity and the second stock age at a SKU level at a warehouse group level may include the step of determining the second stock quantity and the second stock age based on an inventory snapshot and putaway information of one or more warehouses belonging to the warehouse group.

FIG. 7a is a diagram illustrating a step of calculating SKU age according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7a shows the number of SKUs remaining in a warehouse and the age of SKUs brought in according to each bringing-in event.

For example, in FIG. 7a, a warehouse had 100 units in stock on February 1, 2022, and a put-in event of "put-in: 40, take-out: 20" occurred on February 2, 2022. Accordingly, 20 of the oldest existing 100 SKUs were used for take-out using FIFO (First In First Out), leaving 80 units. The electronic device (110) can calculate the stock age of the corresponding SKU as 'age 1'. The newly put-in SKU 40 units matures from 'age 0'.

As above, according to the import events 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, and 2.6, the warehouse will have 200 units of 'Age 1', 5 units of 'Age 3', and 27 units of 'Age 4' in stock.

FIG. 7b is a diagram illustrating in detail the import and export of SKU inventory quantities in chronological order according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 7b tracks inventory changes of SKUs in a warehouse, that is, inventory inflow and outflow over time. 'Inbound Quantity' can indicate the quantity of inventory that has come into the warehouse, 'Existing Inventory at EOD (End of Day)' can indicate the quantity of inventory that exists at the end of the day, and 'Replenished Quantity' can indicate the quantity of inventory that has been removed.

Each box represents the quantity of inventory at a specific point in time, and the arrows can represent changes in inventory and inventory levels at that point in time.

Looking at the import column (710), for example, on February 1st there were no imports (no boxes), and on February 2nd 40 items of inventory were imported (boxes marked 40).

The shipment column (720) represents inventory that was shipped out of the warehouse on a specific date. For example, a box in the shipment column (720) represents how much inventory was shipped out on a specific date (e.g., 20, 50).

In one embodiment, determining age may include the following steps:

1. For each SKU, sort the import events in chronological order.

2. Among the sorted import events, the import quantities are sequentially added up starting from the most recent import event to calculate the total import quantity.

3. The import events that occur when the total import quantity is equal to or greater than the current inventory quantity are determined as valid import events.

4. Determine the inventory age of each SKU based on valid import events.

Additionally, in one embodiment, determining the age may include determining a reference date and a reference SKU quantity for determining the age; determining, based on the import information, one or more import events including a reference point in time and a SKU reference point in time of the first inventory, and sorting them in chronological order of creation time; determining, from the sorting, a valid import event among the import events to hold the reference SKU quantity, wherein the valid import event indicates quantities corresponding to which of the import events remain in inventory as of the reference date; and calculating, based on the determination of the valid import event, the age of the SKU starting from an oldest import event among the valid import events until it reaches the SKU quantity on the reference date, wherein the age calculation is calculated as the difference between the reference date and the reference point in time in days.

In one embodiment, the step of determining the second inventory age may include, for each SKU, the steps of: sorting the import events chronologically; calculating a summed import quantity by sequentially adding up the import quantities of the sorted import events starting from the most recent import event; determining import events until the summed import quantity is equal to or greater than the second inventory quantity as valid import events; and determining the second inventory age based on the valid import events.

In one embodiment, the step of determining the first inventory age based on the valid import events may include the step of determining the time interval between the import time of the oldest import event among the valid import events and the current time as the first inventory age. According to the above embodiment, it may represent how long a period of time has passed since the inventory arrived at the warehouse. For example, if the inventory was received at the warehouse on January 1 and today's date is January 31, the age of the inventory may be calculated as 30 days. This inventory age may be used to determine whether the inventory is maintained in a fresh state or is approaching its expiration date.

In one embodiment, the step of determining the second inventory age based on the valid import events may include the step of determining the time interval between the import time of the oldest import event among the valid import events and the current time as the second inventory age.

In one embodiment, the step of determining the first inventory age based on the valid import events may include the step of determining the first inventory age by weighting the time interval between the import points of the valid import events and the current point in time by the corresponding import quantity. According to the above embodiment, the importance of each valid import event may be adjusted according to the import quantity to calculate a more accurate inventory age. For example, if 10 units of inventory were received on January 1 and another 20 units were received on January 15, the average age of the inventory may be weighted and averaged by reflecting the influence of each received quantity, rather than simply calculating over time. It will be appreciated that the first inventory age calculated in this way is useful, especially when a large amount of inventory is received at different times.

In one embodiment, the step of determining the second inventory age based on the valid import events may include the step of determining the second inventory age by weighting the time interval between the import points of the valid import events and the current point in time by the corresponding import quantity.

Additionally, in one embodiment, the step of determining the valid import event may include the step of calculating a difference between a total of the SKU import quantities and the reference SKU quantity, and the step of determining from which import event the quantity difference was exported by a first method or a second method, wherein the first method determines that the export was sequentially from an import event corresponding to an oldest import point among the import events, and the second method determines that the export was sequentially from an import event corresponding to a most recent import point among the import events.

Although physical receipt and removal of inventory occurs at each warehouse level, it will be understood that the first inventory age calculated at each warehouse level and the second inventory age calculated at the warehouse group level may be different, depending on the unit level at which the inventory age is calculated.

Figure 8 is a drawing exemplifying a meta tag according to the present invention.

Meta tags can be used to provide additional information to data items, making them easier to identify and search. Meta tags can be used to give each data point an additional identifier, allowing you to categorize and manage the source, nature, and purpose of the data. Meta tags can be particularly useful in complex systems with large inventories.

Meta tag items according to one embodiment are:

- fc_id: This is the identifier of the Fulfillment Center, which can be used to identify the warehouse where the inventory is located.

- fc_lot_suric: A number that identifies the area or batch to which the inventory belongs, and can be used to track and manage products.

- fc_location_type: This indicates the storage area within the warehouse, and can broadly indicate a picking, packing, or cart movement area.

- rfm_flag: A flag indicating whether the inventory item meets certain management criteria or requirements (e.g. requires fast movement, is subject to special management, etc.).

There may be.

In one embodiment, these meta tags may be entered into an inventory management system to help users quickly find the information they need. For example, an inventory item with 'rfm_flag' set to 'YES' may indicate that special attention is needed and may be prioritized for review or processing by a warehouse manager.

In one embodiment, inventory snapshot data may be tagged to identify the location or zone of each warehouse. For example, an inventory snapshot for warehouse A may have a meta tag 'Zone A' added to identify that the inventory item is managed in a particular zone of warehouse A.

In one embodiment, the method may further include the step of assigning a meta tag capable of identifying a warehouse corresponding to the inventory snapshot and the import information to the inventory snapshot and the import information.

In one embodiment, the step of executing the audit may include the step of determining whether the sum of the first inventory quantity of the one or more warehouses belonging to the warehouse group matches the second inventory quantity. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that the reliability of the first and second inventory ages can be increased through the above audit.

Additionally, in one embodiment, the method may further include the step of performing an audit at the warehouse group level immediately after the data is received and/or at regular time intervals after storage.

In one embodiment, the step of executing the audit may further include using meta tags to determine whether the warehouse level data matches data at the warehouse group level.

In one embodiment, the method may further include the step of generating a warning signal via a user interface in response to a determination that an error has occurred in which the first inventory quantity and the second inventory quantity do not match as a result of executing the audit. Specifically, if the quantity data does not match, such a mismatch may indicate a loss or an error in inventory. In addition, if the quantity data does not match, the reliability of the first inventory age and/or the second inventory age may not be guaranteed. Accordingly, if a mismatch is found during the audit process, the electronic device (110) may generate a warning signal via the user interface.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing dividing SKUs into grades according to age according to one embodiment of the present invention.

SKU grades can represent age-based inventory data by SKU ID. For example, each SKU ID uniquely identifies a product, and the age grade can represent the number of days the product has been in the warehouse: the age grades could be '1-30 days', '31-40 days', '41-50 days', '51-60 days', '61-90 days', '91+ days'. For example, a high number in the '61-90 days' grade could mean that a lot of inventory was left unsold during that period.

In one embodiment, the method may further include the step of classifying the corresponding SKU into a tier based on the first inventory age or the second inventory age, based on a predetermined criterion. The tier may provide important information for managing inventory at the warehouse level and/or at the warehouse group level to avoid overstocking. For example, a discount sale may be promoted for a SKU with a high inventory count in the '91 days+' tier, or production volume may be adjusted to prevent overstocking.

In one embodiment, the method may further include the step of determining whether the first age or the second age exceeds a predetermined threshold, and in response to determining that the first age or the second age exceeds the threshold, generating an alert or notification. For example, if the first age or the second age of the SKU exceeds 90 days and is in the '91 days+' tier, the threshold may be determined to have been exceeded, and an alert or notification may be generated. Additionally, a special discount may be applied to SKUs in the '91 days+' tier, or advertisements may be targeted to consumers in that tier.

Additionally, in one embodiment, the method may further include the step of determining whether the stock count of a SKU in each tier has fallen below a lower bound, and in response to determining that the stock count of the SKU has fallen below the lower bound, the step of generating an alert or notification. For example, if the stock count of a SKU in the '31-40 days' tier is lower than expected, an action may be taken, such as urgently placing an additional order or increasing production of the product.

In one embodiment, an electronic device (110) may include one or more processors, one or more memories storing instructions configured to be executed by the one or more processors, and when the instructions are executed by the one or more processors, the one or more processors are configured to perform the method described above.

In one embodiment, a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform operations, the instructions may include a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium configured to cause the one or more processors to perform the method described above.

In the flowchart according to the present disclosure, each step of the method or algorithm is described in a sequential order, but each step may be performed in an order that can be arbitrarily combined, in addition to being performed sequentially. The description of the flowchart or flowchart of the present disclosure does not exclude changes or modifications to the method or algorithm, and does not imply that any step is essential or desirable. In one embodiment, at least some of the steps may be performed in parallel, iteratively, or heuristically. In another embodiment, at least some of the steps may be omitted, or other steps may be added.

Various embodiments according to the present disclosure may be implemented as software in a machine-readable storage medium. The software may be software for implementing various embodiments described in the present disclosure. The software may be inferred from various embodiments described in the present disclosure by programmers in the technical field to which the present disclosure belongs. For example, the software may be a program including machine-readable instructions (e.g., instructions, codes, or code segments). The device may be a device capable of operating according to instructions called from a storage medium, for example, a computer. In one embodiment, the device may be a computing device according to various embodiments described in the present disclosure. In one embodiment, the processor of the device may execute the called instructions to cause components of the device to perform functions corresponding to the instructions. The storage medium may mean all kinds of recording media that can be read by the device and on which data is stored. The storage medium may include, for example, a ROM, a RAM, a CD-ROM, a magnetic tape, a floppy disk, an optical data storage device, etc. In one embodiment, the storage medium may be implemented in a distributed form, such as in a computer system connected to a network (120). At this time, the software may be distributed and stored and executed in the computer system, etc. In another embodiment, the storage medium may be a non-transitory storage medium. A non-transitory storage medium means a medium that exists regardless of whether data is stored semi-permanently or temporarily (Tangible Medium), and does not include a signal that is transmitted transitively (Signal).

Although the technical idea according to the present disclosure has been described by the above various embodiments, the technical idea according to the present disclosure includes various substitutions, modifications, and changes that can be made within the scope that can be understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure belongs. In addition, it should be understood that such substitutions, modifications, and changes can be included within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (19)

In a method of inventory management performed by an electronic device,
A step of identifying a warehouse group containing one or more warehouses;
A step of determining a first inventory quantity and a first inventory age for each warehouse and stock keeping unit (SKU) at one or more of the above warehouse levels, wherein the first inventory age represents a period from the time when the first inventory quantity for the corresponding SKU was received into the corresponding warehouse to the present time;
A step of determining a second stock quantity and a second stock age for each SKU at the level of the warehouse group, wherein the second stock quantity is determined based on data received from each warehouse of the one or more warehouses, and the second stock age represents a period from the time when the second stock quantity for the corresponding SKU was received into the warehouse group to the present time; and
A step of executing an audit to determine whether the sum of the first inventory quantity of one or more warehouses belonging to the above warehouse group matches the second inventory quantity.
An inventory management method comprising: In the first paragraph,
The above method,
An inventory management method further comprising the step of calculating a storage cost for each SKU based on the first inventory age or the second inventory age, according to a pre-determined criterion. In the first paragraph,
The steps for determining the first stock quantity and the first stock age for each of the above warehouses and SKUs are:
An inventory management method, comprising: a step of determining the first inventory quantity and the first inventory age based on an inventory snapshot and retrieval information of each of the warehouses, wherein the inventory snapshot comprises a data set representing the inventory status of the warehouse at a specific point in time. In the third paragraph,
The above inventory snapshot includes at least the snapshot time, SKU identifier, and inventory quantity information;
An inventory management method, wherein the above import information includes import events, and each import event includes at least import time, SKU identifier, and import quantity information. In paragraph 4,
The step of determining the first inventory age is as follows:
For each SKU, a step of chronologically sorting the above import events;
A step of calculating the sum of import quantities by sequentially adding up the import quantities from the most recent import event among the above-mentioned sorted import events;
A step of determining the import events until the total import quantity becomes equal to or greater than the first stock quantity as valid import events; and
A step of determining the first inventory age based on the above valid import events.
An inventory management method comprising: In paragraph 5,
The step of determining the first inventory age based on the above valid import events is:
A step of determining the time interval between the import time of the oldest import event among the above valid import events and the current time as the first inventory age.
An inventory management method comprising: In paragraph 5,
The step of determining the first inventory age based on the above valid import events is:
A step of determining the first inventory age by weighting the time interval between the import time of the above valid import events and the current time with the corresponding import quantity.
An inventory management method comprising: In the first paragraph,
The steps for determining the second stock quantity and second stock age by SKU at the above warehouse group level are:
An inventory management method, comprising: a step of determining the second inventory quantity and the second inventory age based on an inventory snapshot and retrieval information of one or more warehouses belonging to the warehouse group, wherein the inventory snapshot includes a data set representing the inventory status of the warehouse at a specific point in time. In Article 8,
The above inventory snapshot includes at least the snapshot time, SKU identifier, and inventory quantity information;
An inventory management method, wherein the above import information includes import events, and each import event includes at least import time, SKU identifier, and import quantity information. In Article 9,
The step of determining the second inventory age is as follows:
For each SKU, a step of chronologically sorting the above import events;
A step of calculating the sum of import quantities by sequentially adding up the import quantities from the most recent import event among the above-mentioned sorted import events;
A step of determining the import events until the combined import quantity becomes equal to or greater than the second stock quantity as valid import events; and
A step of determining the second inventory age based on the above valid import events.
An inventory management method comprising: In Article 10,
The step of determining the second inventory age based on the above valid import events is:
A step of determining the time interval between the import time of the oldest import event among the above valid import events and the current time as the second inventory age.
An inventory management method comprising: In Article 10,
The step of determining the second inventory age based on the above valid import events is:
A step for determining the second inventory age by weighting the time interval between the import time of the above valid import events and the current time with the corresponding import quantity.
An inventory management method comprising: In the third paragraph,
A step of assigning a meta tag that can identify a warehouse corresponding to the above inventory snapshot and the above import information to the above inventory snapshot and the above import information.
A method of inventory management, further comprising: delete In the first paragraph,
The above method,
In response to a determination that an error has occurred in which the first inventory quantity and the second inventory quantity do not match as a result of executing the above audit, a step of generating a warning signal through a user interface
A method of inventory management, further comprising: In the first paragraph,
The above method,
A step of classifying the corresponding SKU into a grade based on the first stock age or the second stock age according to a predetermined criterion.
A method of inventory management, further comprising: In the first paragraph,
The above method,
a step of determining whether the first age or the second age exceeds a predetermined threshold; and
In response to a determination that the first age or the second age exceeds the threshold, a step of generating an alert or notification.
A method of inventory management, further comprising: In electronic devices,
one or more processors; and
comprising one or more memories storing instructions configured to be executed by said one or more processors;
An electronic device, wherein when the instructions are executed by the one or more processors, the one or more processors are configured to execute a method according to any one of claims 1 to 13 and claims 15 to 17. A non-transitory computer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform an operation,
A non-transitory computer-readable recording medium configured to cause the one or more processors to execute a method according to any one of claims 1 to 13 and claims 15 to 17.

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