WO1997021180A1

WO1997021180A1 - Optimized use of storage facilities

Info

Publication number: WO1997021180A1
Application number: PCT/CH1996/000422
Authority: WO
Inventors: Hans Wiebe
Original assignee: Hans Wiebe
Priority date: 1995-12-04
Filing date: 1996-12-02
Publication date: 1997-06-12
Also published as: CH687819A5

Abstract

Proposed is a method for the automatic use of storage facilities (9) using computer-controlled cross-linked operational steps executed by programme modules. The method calls for at least one storage module (2) and a supply module (3), and preferably also includes an input/output module (4) and a statistics module (5). The modules interact with each other and with their environment. The storage module (2) is used to determine the stock inventory and to release orders (19). The supply module (3) is used to assign articles to a particular type of management and declare orders (19). The input/output module (4) is used to approve, execute and report the acceptance (30) and delivery (39) of goods. If necessary, the input/output module can be divided into an input module (6) and an output module (7). The statistics module (5) is used to collect information from the other modules, calculate relevant parameters from this information and report these parameters to the other modules and to the environment (16).

Description

OPTIMIZED WAREHOUSE USE

The invention relates to a method for automatic storage use in industry, trade and commerce and means for its implementation according to the preambles of the independent claims.

In operational goods circulation, ordered goods are rarely used in production immediately after delivery, but are initially stored. Warehouses are buffers between the procurement, production and sales areas and have the task of absorbing irregularities, uncertainties and risks. Business management differentiates between shopping, intermediate and sales warehouses. Important partial decisions in warehousing concern the stocks and - closely related - the order quantities (or lot sizes). The aim of the decisions is to minimize the total costs; A secondary condition is the smooth running of production and sales.

The prior art distinguishes between different types of management, ie different article groups are treated differently with regard to material disposition. For those articles which make up a large part of the inventory turnover, the consumption-controlled management has best preserved, for articles with a lower inventory turnover are suitable other types of management such as order-based management, special management or replacement management. With consumption-based management, major cost savings can be achieved. However, there have so far been no processes which rationally and unambiguously assign a specific article to consumption-controlled management or another type of management. This often leads to wrong decisions and thus to excessive inventory levels or shortages.

For the determination of the optimal order quantity, it is assumed according to the state of the art that the total costs are made up of storage and ordering costs. The storage costs arise mainly from the return on the capital tied up in the warehouse. The order costs (or set-up costs) include the procurement costs incurred regardless of the quantity procured or the set-up costs in production. Small storage, but large order costs are incurred for small order quantities; the reverse is true for large order quantities. In between is an optimal order quantity, which is calculated using the Andler formula or similar formulas (De Valier, Schneider / Fischer), for example. These formulas do not take inventory costs into account. H. those costs that have to be invested to build up the inventory. They therefore result in unnecessarily large order quantities and thus also unnecessarily large stocks, ie tied-up capital. This goes hand in hand with unnecessarily large production inventories, ie also tied-up capital.

A further disadvantage of known procurement and warehousing methods is that they require personnel who write orders, take care of storage planning, etc. Therefore, these methods result in relatively high personnel costs, a greater expenditure of time and hardly avoidable incorrect cal calculations and manipulations. Arithmetical rules that are difficult for mathematically untrained personnel, for example for calculating the optimal order quantity, increase the risk of errors.

The invention has for its object to provide a method for automatic warehouse use and to create means for its execution, with the aim of firstly reducing the inventory and thus also the manufacturing inventory, secondly all orders relating to disposition, order writing and working paper production without manual intervention thirdly, to specify decision rules for the assignment of a specific article for consumption-controlled management and fourthly to control subsidies with tax data. This results in a strong reduction in costs (smaller medium-sized inventories, savings in labor costs) and a simplification and acceleration of the processes in material management.

The object is achieved by the method according to the invention and the means according to the invention for its implementation, as defined in the patent claims.

In the method according to the invention, management data are essentially converted as parameters in at least two networked modules of computer programs into corresponding control data for controlling funding. The at least two modules are a storage module and a procurement module. The basic procedure can be expanded by an input / output module and a statistics module. There are changes between the "inner" modules and between the modules and the environment. Effects. The stock level is monitored by the storage module, orders are placed according to certain ordering criteria defined in rules, and the internal storage structure is "organized". The procurement module assigns a management type to each article in accordance with certain management criteria defined in rules and orders are manifested and sent in accordance with a specific lot size formula. The input / output module approves, initiates and reports goods acceptances and deliveries. The statistics module collects information from other modules, calculates certain sizes from them and reports these sizes to other modules and the environment.

The means according to the invention include at least one processor for controlling and influencing a flow of goods in a company and its environment, an automatic data transmission system for ordering articles from a supplier or a production site, a warehouse in which articles can be stored in loading units, a goods receiving point and one Goods issue point with input and display means, a marking device for marking the individual delivered articles with a code, a loading and unloading device for loading the loading units, conveying means for transport, handling, storage or removal of goods, and an automatic data transmission system for the realization of interactions between different parts of the system thus formed.

The method according to the invention is described in detail with reference to figures. Show it: 1 shows a schematic representation of a preferred variant of the method according to the invention,

2 and 3 two, for example, temporal courses of an effective inventory and triggering orders according to the invention,

Pig 4 a dynamic consumption factor according to the invention according to two different definitions as a function of the annual consumption,

5 the calculation and comparison of a lot size according to the invention and the known Andler lot size,

Fig. 6 shows the reduction of the average inventory by a lot size according to the invention in comparison with the known Andler lot size and

7 shows the effect of the reduction in the average stock on the readiness for delivery.

FIG. 1 shows a preferred variant of the method according to the invention with the associated environment using the example of a shopping warehouse. For the application of the method according to the invention to intermediate or sales stores, there are at most minor changes, which are referred to in the following description if possible. In a company, it may be necessary to differentiate between purchasing, intermediate and sales shopping warehouse by location or function not possible at all; The method and system according to the invention can also be used in this case.

The method according to the invention itself is represented by the large central circle 1. It consists of at least two networked process areas, which are implemented in program modules, represented by smaller ellipses: a storage module 2 and a procurement module 3. It is preferably expanded by an input / output module 4 and a statistics module 5. If necessary, the input / output module 4 can be divided into an input module 6 and an output module 7, as in this example. All of these modules 2-7 are independent components of the method according to the invention with limited, assigned functions. Other structuring of the method are also possible. The modules 2-7 can be implemented in hardware or software, preferably as sub-programs or parts of a computer program or as independent processors or computers networked with one another. There are interactions between the modules themselves and between the modules and the environment, represented by arrows; dashed arrows mean information transfer (for example, the reporting of a certain size), solid arrows an effect (for example, the triggering of an order). The interactions are realized by means of suitable data transmission systems.

The storage module

The storage module 2 has four tasks. First, the storage module 2 determines the stock level, that is, it always stores current information about the quantity of each item stored.

Secondly, the storage module 2 triggers orders from the procurement module 3, which is indicated by the arrow 8. An order for a specific article must be triggered according to the invention at time f ^ when a first order criterion VB (to) <MB (B1) according to the invention is fulfilled or a second order criterion according to the invention

VB (L ₀ + WF) <SB (B2) is fulfilled or the first and second order criteria are fulfilled at the same time. Where: L _{j is} the current time,

WF the replacement period,

VB the available stock,

MB the reorder point and

SB the safety stock.

The available stock at the time ^ is given by

-i _c τ-WF -be, VB (to) = EB (Lo) + ∑ OB - Σ RS,

- no -OO

and the available stock at the time ^ + WF is given by

VB (L, + WF) = EB (L,) + Σ OB - Σ RS,

-oO -OO

where EB is the effective inventory, Whether the open orders and

RS are the open reservations. The reorder point in the first order criterion (BL) is calculated

MB = (MV / 20). WF-f, where

(MV / 20) the average daily consumption and a safety factor f according to the invention is defined as follows: f = 12 / (number of months with consumption per year). Table 1 shows the possible values for the safety factor f.

Table 1.

A safety stock SB according to the invention in the second ordering criterion (B2) is calculated according to SB = MB - (MV / 20) -WF = (MV / 20). WF- (f - 1). FIGS. 2 and 3 show, using two different examples, courses of effective stocks EB (t) of a specific article as a function of time t. In the example of FIG. 2, the order is triggered at time t ₀ according to the first order criterion (B1), in the example of FIG. 3 according to the second order criterion (B2). In summary, it can be said that compliance with the ordering criteria (B1) and (B2) according to the invention on the one hand prevents excessive ordering and storage costs and on the other hand ensures a high level of readiness for delivery for each article.

Third, the bearing module 2 organizes the internal structure of a bearing 9, indicated by the arrow 10; For this purpose, it contains a clear illustration of the warehouse 9. The warehouse module 2 takes into account which articles are assigned to consumption-controlled management and which are assigned to a special management. The differentiation between different types of management allows an optimal spatial organization of the store 9: for example, items which are used for consumption and which make up a large part of the turnover in the store can be stored in easily accessible locations 11 of the store, while specially managed articles which make up a small part of the turnover in the store , in places that are more difficult to access 12. Details of the storage technology such as the type of storage system, the structural design of the storage facility 9 or the storage and conveying means used are insignificant for the method according to the invention.

Fourth, the warehouse module 2 reports information about the inventory to other modules. Such information is indicated by arrows 13 and 14 and is commented on below. The procurement module

The procurement module 3 has four tasks.

First, the procurement module 3 automatically assigns certain articles to the consumption-controlled and certain articles to the special management, indicated by the arrow 15. An article is to be managed in a consumption-controlled manner if a first management criterion according to the invention is at the same time for it

Qwo < ^Q w (Wl) and a second management criterion 1.00 <f <1.33 (W2) according to the invention are met. In the first management criterion (Wl), Q _wo = V [2.K _R / (1 + z) V (V / Ks)] is a decisionless quantity according to the invention and

Q _w = VG.VK _R / IK _S .F _V ^ I + z)] ^} . (D) a first lot size according to the invention. It means: K _R the set-up or ordering costs,

Kg the unit price, z the storage rate and

V annual consumption; The procurement module 3 receives this data from an environment 16, for example the management, and from the statistics module 5, indicated by the arrows 17 and 18. In the second management criterion (W2), f is the one described above and tabulated in Table 2 ¬ safety factor according to the invention. A dynamic consumption factor F _v according to the invention in the first lot size formula (D) has the property of increasing with increasing annual consumption V; it lowers the inventory and storage costs, especially for items with high annual consumption V. It can be defined in various ways. A first example is the definition for the dynamic consumption factor F _v

F _v IO ⁸

The dynamic consumption factor F _v according to this definition is plotted as a continuous curve 51 in FIG. 4 as a function of the annual consumption V (logarithmic scale). A second possible definition for the dynamic consumption factor F _v is given in Table 2 and recorded as a stair curve 52 in FIG. 4. These two definitions provide similar values for F _v ; the second definition is simpler in that it assigns a constant value for F _v to each consumption decade. In a third variant of the method according to the invention, the dynamic consumption factor F _v can be omitted from the first lot size formula (D), ie set to one regardless of the annual consumption V. Even this simplest variant results in a considerable optimization of the inventory.

In summary, it can be said that an article according to the management criteria (Wl) and (W2) according to the invention is then assigned to consumption-controlled management when its annual consumption V is high and its unit price K _{s is} low.

Table 2.

Second, the procurement module 3 manifests orders 19 as soon as these, indicated by the arrow 8, are triggered by the storage module 2. The manifestation of orders includes, for example, the calculation of the order quantity, the printing of the orders, the sending of orders, etc. An order 19 can be printed out automatically and transmitted to a supplier 20 by fax or another first automatic data transmission system. The optimal order quantity or lot size is given by the first lot size formula according to the invention, already specified above

Q _w = ^ {2. V. K _R /[Ks.F _v . (L + z)]). (D) FIGS. 5-7 illustrate the first lot size formula (D) and its effects on the average stock and the readiness for delivery. In Figure 5, the costs K are plotted against the order quantity or lot size Q. Curve 53 represents the set-up or ordering costs K _R , which decrease with I / O. Curve 54 represents the sum of inventory and storage costs K _B + K _L , which increase in proportion to Q. Finally, curve 55 represents the total costs K _R + (K _B + K _L ); it has a minimum with a lot size Q _w , the value of which is given by the first lot size formula (D). The first batch size formula (D) therefore minimizes the total costs. For comparison with the prior art, the storage costs K _{L are} also plotted as curve 56 in FIG. 5 and the sum of set-up and storage costs K _R + K _L as curve 57. The latter curve also has a mimmum, which is given by the well-known Andler formula Q _A = Vß.VK ^ Ks.z] ⁾ . As can be seen, the first lot size Q _w according to the invention is smaller than the known Andler lot size Q _A. This fact results in a reduction in inventories and costs owed to the present invention, indicated in FIG. 5 by an arrow.

FIG. 6 illustrates a lowering of the middle inventory according to the invention; it qualitatively shows the inventory level LB (t) as a function of time t. If one assumes the simplifying assumption that the inventory level LB (t) decreases linearly with time t and that the lot size Q is supplied as soon as the inventory level LB (t) has dropped to zero, then the time profile of the Inventory LB (t) the shape of a sawtooth curve. In this case, the average inventory over a longer period is

<LB> = O / 2. With the well-known Andler lot size Q _A , larger quantities are ordered at larger intervals; the corresponding sawtooth curve carries the reference symbol 58. With the first lot size Q _w according to the invention, however, smaller quantities are ordered at shorter intervals; the corresponding sawtooth curve bears the reference number 59. With the method according to the invention, reductions in the average inventory Q / 2 by more than 50% compared to the known Andler method can be achieved, indicated in FIG. 6 by an arrow.

Thirdly, the procurement module 3 checks with each order whether the readiness for delivery is sufficiently high and, if necessary, increases the order quantity. The readiness for delivery is the part of the need for an article that can be covered from the warehouse at the requested times.

Of course, the reduction in the average inventory level Q / 2 also goes hand in hand with a reduction in the readiness to deliver Li. In FIG. 7, the readiness to deliver Li is plotted as a function of the average inventory Q / 2 for a specific calculation example. In this example, the decrease in the readiness to deliver Li can be easily coped with: halving the mean inventory level Q / 2 results in a reduction in the readiness to deliver Li by just a few percent. The reductions are indicated in the figures by arrows.

In other examples, however, the "blind" use of the first batch size list (D) could lead to the readiness for delivery Li falling below a tolerable level, which could result in customer dissatisfaction or a production standstill in one's own company . In order to prevent this, the procurement module 3 calculates the readiness for delivery Li = 100 - V / (6-Q _w ) with each order. The procurement module compares this readiness to deliver Li with a critical readiness to deliver threshold Li _κ , which is predetermined by the environment 16, for example by the management (indicated by arrow 17). For example, Li _κ = 95%. If Li <Li _κ (L), the lot size Q _w is not ordered according to (D), but a second (critical) lot size according to the invention

Qκ = V / [6- (100 - Li _κ )]. (K)

This ensures that the specified critical readiness to deliver is just reached and at the same time the average inventory is as small as possible. In summary, it can be said that compliance with a certain readiness for delivery is a secondary condition when optimizing the inventory.

The procurement module 3 also manifests orders for specially managed articles that are not subject to the first batch size formula (D).

Fourth, the procurement module 3 reports information about orders to other modules. Such information relates in particular to the open orders OB, which the storage module 2 requires for evaluating the order criteria (B1) and (B2) and which are represented by an arrow 21, or information 22 for the statistics module 5. The input / output module

The input / output module 4 approves, initiates and reports goods receipts 30 and goods deliveries 39, indicated by the arrows 29 and 38, respectively. If necessary, it can be divided into an input module 6 and an output module 7, which is the case in the example in FIG. 1 .

An order 19 triggers a delivery 23 from the supplier 20 after a certain time. If the warehouse 9 under consideration is not a purchase but an intermediate or sales warehouse, the box 20 represents the production. As soon as the delivery, symbolized by a truck 24, is at a goods receiving point at the entrance to the warehouse 9 has arrived, the input module 6 becomes active. It first accepts information 25 about the delivered articles and the delivered quantity via suitable first input means. He also immediately reports this information to storage ^module 2, procurement module 3 and satellite module 5, indicated by arrows 26-28. If the delivery is 24 unvorgesehen and no capacity to be available to them in the warehouse 9, it would report the storage module 2 via suitable first display means, indicated by an arrow 13. Otherwise authori ^¬ migt the input module 6 accepting 29 of the supply 24 through the second Display means. The individual delivered articles are marked by a suitable marking device with a code corresponding to the storage system used. The input module 6 causes the Bela- d _ü 30 ng of charging units used device through a suitable first Belade¬. Then it passes the delivery to the storage module 2 for the purpose of a ^¬ storage. The whole process can optionally run more or less automatically. If the production 31 requires certain stored articles, it triggers a reservation 32 at the storage module 2. If the warehouse 9 under consideration is not a shopping or intermediate warehouse but a sales warehouse, then the box 31 represents the customer. A means of transport is symbolized by an arrow 33 and a forklift 34 to pick up the reserved items , posted. As soon as the means of transport 34 has arrived at a goods issue point of the warehouse 9, the exit module 7 becomes active. It first accepts information 35 about the reserved articles and the ordered quantity via suitable second input means. It also immediately reports this information to storage module 2 and satellite module 5, indicated by arrows 36 and 37. If one or more of the items ordered are missing in storage 9, storage module 2 would report this using suitable second display means, indicated by an arrow 14 Otherwise the output module 7 authorizes the delivery 38 of the reserved articles via the second display means. The output module 7 takes over the ordered articles from the storage module 2 and initiates the loading 39 of the transport means 34 by means of a suitable device. Depending on company custom, it can issue a pro forma invoice 40 to production 31 for internal delivery. If the warehouse 9 under consideration is a sales warehouse, the output module 7 itself issues an invoice 40 to the customer 31 or initiates an invoice for the accounting department.

The statistics module

The statistics module 5 continuously collects relevant modules from other modules 3 and 4

Information about orders 19, deliveries 30 and deliveries 39, indicated by arrows 22, 28 and 37, respectively. the large replacement period WF, safety factor f, annual consumption V and dynamic consumption factor F _v introduced above and passes them on to modules 2 and 3, respectively, indicated by arrows 41 and 18. Statistics module 5 therefore has the important task, too let the latest developments flow into the calculations and thereby automatically optimize the inventory in a forward-looking manner.

The statistics module 5 also provides the environment 16, for example the management, with relevant information 42. This includes the large replacement period WF, safety factor f and dynamic consumption factor f _v introduced above. In addition, the information 42 also includes a monthly ratio variable Y _M = (number of withdrawals per month) / (reference quantity per month) and an annual ratio variable according to the invention

Y _j = (number of withdrawals per year) / (reference quantity per year). The larger the ratio Y, the greater the number of operations in warehouse 9 and production 31. The ratio Y is therefore a yardstick for the workload of the location personnel and provides information about seasonal peak and underloads. The information 42 to the environment 16 also includes the delivery deviation

A = t _E - t _A. Therein t _{E means} the actual date of receipt of an ordered item and

¹ _A - ⁼ ^ ⁺ WT? the date of arrival, ie the expected date of receipt of the article in question. Delivery deviation A is a means of supplier qualification; it should be as small as possible, because deliveries that are both too early and too late 22 are detrimental to an optimal inventory. The information 42 represents a means of control for the environment 16 and forms the basis for possible influences 43 or 44, for example on delivery or reservation discipline.

In summary, the method according to the invention for the automatic use of one or more bearings 9, management data being converted as parameters in networked modules 2, 3 of computer programs into corresponding control data for controlling funds, at least one storage module 2 and a procurement module 3. With the storage module 2, the inventory is determined, orders 19 are triggered 8 on the basis of management data precisely when a first order criterion is fulfilled or a second order criterion is fulfilled or the first and second order criteria are fulfilled at the same time , and control data are determined with which the conveying means for the transport of goods, for the handling, the storage or retrieval of goods are controlled. With a procurement module, those articles for which a first management criterion and a second management criterion are simultaneously fulfilled are automatically assigned to consumption-controlled management on the basis of management data, and the other articles are automatically assigned to special management; With the procurement module, data are also determined according to a first lot size formula or a second lot size formula and processed as orders 19 and optionally sent as soon as these are triggered by the storage module 2, the second lot size formula (K) being used if one Willingness to deliver Li _falls below a critical readiness to deliver threshold Li _κ , and the first batch size formula (D) is used in all other cases. The method is preferably expanded by an input / output module 4 and a statistics module 5. With the input / output module 4, goods acceptances 30 and goods deliveries 39 are approved and initiated and reported to other modules. If necessary, the input / output module 4 can be divided into an input module 6 and an output module 7. The statistics module 5 continuously collects information from other modules, calculates relevant variables from this information and reports these variables to other modules and to an environment 16. If required, two or more process or program modules 2-7 can also be combined. The method according to the invention can be used in shopping warehouses, intermediate stores, sales warehouses or in combinations thereof.

Means for carrying out the method according to the invention have at least the following components. A flow of goods in a company and its environment is controlled and influenced with a processor. With a first automatic data transmission system, articles are ordered from a supplier or a production site 20. A warehouse 9, which has a warehouse entrance and a warehouse exit and in which articles can be stored in loading units, has a goods receiving point at the warehouse entrance, at which first input means for receiving information 25 about the delivered articles, first advertisement title for approval 29 or Rejection of a goods receipt 30, a labeling device for labeling the individual items delivered with a code and a first loading device for loading the loading units. The warehouse 9 has a goods issue point at the warehouse exit, at which there are second input means for receiving information 35 about the reserved articles, second display means for approval 38 or rejection of a goods issue 39 and a second loading device for loading a transport means 34 . With funding, the transport, the handling, the Storage or retrieval of goods accomplished. With a second data transmission system interactions ^¬ be realized of the system between various parts.

Claims

P A T E N T A N S P R Ü C H E

1. Procedure for automatic warehouse use of one or more

Storage (9), wherein management data as parameters in interconnected modules (2, 3) of computer programs in corresponding

Control data for controlling subsidies are implemented, characterized in that

a) with a storage module (2): the inventory is determined, orders (19) are triggered (8) on the basis of management data precisely when a first order criterion

VB (to) <MB (Bl) is fulfilled or a second order criterion

VB (t ₀ + WF) <SB, (B2) is fulfilled or the first and second order criteria are fulfilled at the same time, and

Control data are determined with which the funds for goods transport, handling, storage or retrieval of goods are controlled.

b) with a procurement module (3): on the basis of management data, those articles are automatically assigned to consumption-controlled management for which a first management criterion Qwo <Qw (Wl) and a second management criterion

1.00 <f <1.33 (W2) are fulfilled, and the other articles are automatically assigned to a special management, and according to a first lot size formula

_Qw = V {2.VK _R / [K _S .F _V. (1 + z)]) (D) or a second lot size formula

Q _κ = V / [> (100 - Li «)] (K) data are determined and processed as orders (19) and optionally sent as soon as they are triggered by the storage module (2), the second lot size formula (K) is used if a delivery readiness (Li) falls below a critical delivery readiness threshold Li _κ , according to the condition Li <Li _κ , (L) and the first batch size formula (D) is used in all other cases,

the management data in the order criteria (B1) and (B2)

. <, the current time, WF the replacement period,

VB the available stock,

MB the reorder point and

SB means the safety stock, an available stock at the time ^ through

VB (to) = EB (to) + Σ OB - Σ RS - no - oo

and an available stock at the time L _Q + WF VB (to + WF) = EB (to) + ∑ OB - Σ RS

-OO - βö given where

EB the effective inventory,

Whether the open orders and

RS are the open reservations, a reorder point in the first order criterion (BL)

MB = (MV / 20) - WF-f calculated where

(MV / 20) is an average daily consumption and a safety factor f is defined by f = 12 / (number of months with consumption per year), a safety stock in the second order criterion (B2)

SB = MB - (MV / 20). WF = (MV / 20) • WF. (f - 1) calculates a decisionless quantity in the first management criterion (Wl)

Q _wo = V [2-K _R / (1 + z) V (V / K _s )], a lot size in the first management criterion (Wl) is given by the first lot size formula (D), where K _{R is} the setup or Order costs, K _g the unit price, z the storage interest rate and

V means the annual consumption, a dynamic consumption factor F _v in the first lot size formula (D) is either constant or increases with increasing annual consumption V, the readiness to deliver decreases

calculated and Li _{κ is} a predetermined critical readiness to deliver, which management data yield data that are passed as parameters into the modules (2, 3) and converted into control data. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that an input / output module (4) allows goods acceptances (30) and goods deliveries (39) to be authorized, initiated and reported to other modules.

Method according to claim 2, characterized in that the input / output module (4) is divided into an input module (6) and an output module (7).

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that the incoming module (6) accepts goods (30), initiates them and reports them to other modules.

5. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that the outgoing module (7) allows goods deliveries (39) to be initiated and to be reported to other modules.

6. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that information from other modules is continuously collected from a statistics module (5), sizes required from this information are calculated by other modules and these sizes are sent to the corresponding modules and to the environment (16 ) are passed on.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that two or more process or program modules (2-7) are combined. 8. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the control data for controlling the funding are determined in such a way that articles which are associated with consumption-controlled management are located in easily accessible locations (11) and articles which are used for special management are assigned, are stored at locations (12) of the store (9) which are more difficult to access.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that the storage module (2) transmits information about the inventory to other modules.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that information about orders (19) is transmitted to other modules by the procurement module (3).

11. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the dynamic consumption factor F _v in the first lot size formula (D) according to

F _v 10 ⁸

is calculated, where V means the annual consumption.

12. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the dynamic consumption factor F _{v is} set equal to one in the first lot size formula (D). 13. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that the statistics module (5) reports the replacement period WF, the safety factor f, the annual consumption V and the dynamic consumption factor F _v to the environment (16).

14. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that the statistics module (5) has a monthly ratio Y _M = (number of payments per month) / (reference amount per month) and / or an annual ratio

Y _: = (number of purchases per year) / (reference quantity per year) reports to the environment (16) as an indicator of the load on the location.

15. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that the statistic module (5) the delivery deviation

A = t _E - t _A , in which t _{E means} the actual date of receipt of an ordered article and t _A = ^ + WF the date of arrival, ie the expected date of receipt of the article in question, as a means of supplier qualification to the environment (16) mel ¬ det. 16. Application of the method according to one of claims 1-15 in shopping stores, intermediate stores, sales stores or in combinations thereof.

17. Means for carrying out the method according to claim 1, with at least one processor for controlling and influencing a flow of goods in a company and its surroundings, with a first automatic data transmission system for ordering articles from a supplier or a production site (20), with a warehouse (9), which has a warehouse entrance and a warehouse exit and in which

Articles can be stored in loading units, with a goods receiving point at the warehouse entrance, at which the first input means for receiving information (25) about the delivered articles, first advertisement title for approval (29) or rejection of a goods receipt (30), a marking device for identifying the individual delivered

Articles with a code and a first loading device for loading the loading units are located, with a goods issue point at the warehouse exit, at which there are second input means for receiving information (35) about the reserved articles, second display means for approval (38) or rejection of a goods issue (39) and a second loading device for loading a means of transport (34), with conveying means for transport, handling, storage or retrieval of goods, and with a second automatic data transmission system for the realization of interactions between different parts - len of the system thus formed.