EP1488362A1

EP1488362A1 - Method and device for the delivery of goods

Info

Publication number: EP1488362A1
Application number: EP03714687A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Susanne Schildknecht
Original assignee: Deutsche Post AG
Current assignee: Deutsche Post AG
Priority date: 2002-03-18
Filing date: 2003-03-07
Publication date: 2004-12-22
Also published as: WO2003079246A2; DE10211719A1; AU2003218947A1

Description

Method and device for picking goods

description

The invention relates to a method for picking goods.

The invention further relates to a picking system suitable for carrying out the method.

A large number of processes and systems suitable for carrying out the processes are known for picking goods.

The known methods and systems include a selection of a system provided for carrying out picking orders on the basis of utilization of the respective system.

The invention is based on the object of further developing a generic method in such a way that the goods are picked as quickly and reliably as possible.

According to the invention, this object is achieved in that a warehouse management control unit (LVS) creates picking orders based on transmitted order data and selects a picking type for the picking orders, and that a picking system suitable for carrying out the picking is determined depending on the result of the selection of the picking type. The warehouse management control unit (LVS) is preferably equipped with means for recording inventory in the picking areas and for transmitting order data to a material flow control computer (MFR).

The warehouse management control unit (LVS) can transfer a larger worklist of orders to the material flow control computer (MFR). Each time a batch is completed on the LVS, the data relating to the batch are reported to the MFR assigned to the respective picking system. The material flow control computer MFR controls the material flow during the picking processes. Each recorded carton / container is preferably reported to the avalanche transceiver with the corresponding status (removed or not) before the control points. In the event of a no-read (no-read) in front of checkpoints, a signal is emitted to be released into a checkpoint.

It is particularly advantageous to carry out the method in such a way and to configure the picking system in such a way that the warehouse management control unit (LVS) selects the type of picking and / or the picking system for items to be picked depending on a desired composition of the item.

A particularly preferred embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the material flow computer (MFR) selects the type of picking and / or the picking system depending on a number of different articles to be picked contained in the respective shipment.

Another special embodiment of the invention is distinguished is characterized in that the warehouse management control unit (LVS) makes the selection of the picking type and / or the picking type depending on the number of goods provided for each item type.

A particularly preferred embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the

Material flow control computer (MFR) the selection of the picking type and / or the picking system for consignments to be picked depending on the

Total number of goods to be picked for the respective shipment.

The invention further relates to a picking system with several picking systems for picking goods.

According to the invention, the picking system is characterized in that at least one of the picking systems can be assigned at least two different picking types.

It is particularly advantageous to design the picking system in such a way that a warehouse management control unit (LVS) is provided as a means for selecting a picking type and / or assigning the picking type to be carried out to a picking system.

Further advantages, special features and expedient further developments result from the subclaims and the following illustration of preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention with reference to the drawings.

Show from the drawings

1 is a schematic diagram of an inserted, preferably 3-level system hierarchy,

Fig. 2 shows a system structure using the in

1 system hierarchy shown,

3 is a screen representation of scanner

Information,

4 shows a screen representation of measured weight information,

Fig. 5 is a screen representation of

Plant data reflecting operating states,

Fig. 6 is a screen display of captured

Orders and

Fig. 7 is a screen representation of

Identification information for a single picking order.

In order to ensure that the individual picking tasks are carried out with particularly suitable picking steps and a particularly suitable picking system, the invention offers a multitude of design options.

It is particularly advantageous that the order-picking system is already designed in such a way that it can be used in a particularly flexible manner due to a modular design and the presence of several levels.

The division of tasks between system levels thus increased increases the effectiveness of the process and the reliability of the Picking system.

1 shows a preferred division of tasks between the system levels, the tasks being incorporated from the point of view of warehouse logistics.

The top level of the warehouse logistics system shown in FIG. 1 is used for the warehouse management processing of shipping data.

This level is used to manage the inventory for the individual items, to communicate with the master database, to manage warehouse movements and to communicate with the warehouse management control unit (LVS).

The second level of the order-picking system is preferably formed by a material flow control computer (MFR) and the associated components.

The second system level, or the material flow control computer (MFR) forming the second system level, preferably takes on as many of the following tasks as possible:

Communication with the LVS destination control of the entire system. FIFO management for the individual picking zones Communication with the PLC Communication with the PbL

(Destination control FZ and PbL)

With regard to the functionality of the LVS in the control hierarchy, the material flow computer (s) form the interface between the superordinate ones Warehouse management system (LVS) and automatic conveyor technology (FT) as well as a pick-by-light system (PBL). The task of the MFR is to accept transport and pick instructions from the LVS and to gradually control the execution of the LVS instructions by the subordinate systems.

The interface shown represents the interface from the LVS to the MFR systems, which are used in the following areas:

KAM 1: In this area, the MFF is or are responsible for the control of the conveyor technology as well as the PBL system used.

KAM 2: In this area, the MFF is or are responsible for controlling the conveyor technology and the PBL system used.

Protocol and error messages generated on an MFR are stored there in files. The scope of the logging is configurable.

Communication between the LVS and the MFR or MFR takes place exclusively via a local area network LAN, preferably according to IEEE 802.3 over Fast Ethernet (100 Mbit / sec). TCP / IP is preferably used as the protocol.

All MFR are operated by the LVS via an interface with a uniform protocol and a uniform telegram structure.

Preferred connection methods have the feature that separate logical connections are used for sending and receiving, i.e. separate sockets with logical connections via separate services are used.

The connection between the LVS and two MFR is shown as an example. There are two connection channels per MFR. On connection 1, the LVS sends useful telegrams to the MFR and receives the response telegrams from the MFR to the sent useful telegrams.

On connection 2, the MFR sends useful telegrams to the LVS and receives the reaction telegrams from the LVS to the sent useful telegrams.

In a process environment, it makes sense to use different processes for each direction, ie for sending and receiving.

The receiver works as a server, the sender as a client. The client initiates the connection (connect), the server accepts the connection (acceptO).

The transmission is based on pure unblocked stream sockets. Blocking is only carried out at the interface level with the formats defined below. A telegram comprises a header, an optional data part and an end part.

A consecutive cycle number is used. Reaction telegrams are sent back to the sender on the same logical line with the same cycle number.

The transmitter waits with the transmission of the next telegram until the response telegram is received. The send processes can optionally send life telegrams.

In principle, it is possible to equip the picking system with the two system levels shown. However, in individual use cases, for example in the use cases in which manual picking processes take place in addition to largely automated picking processes, it is advisable to provide display control as a further system level.

The display control is preferably formed by a pick-by-light (PbL) system.

This system level preferably fulfills one or more of the functions shown below: control of the display system and processing of the feedback data including feedback to the MFR, display management at the hardware level, implementation of the individual storage locations on the physical display addresses and feedback of the operator actions on the PbL system and real-time communication with all display system components.

So that the individual systems can perform their tasks, they rely on information from the neighboring systems. The following illustration shows which information (and on which events) must be exchanged between the systems.

There is preferably an online connection between the inserting machine and the avalanche transceiver.

The picking data for an entire batch are transferred in advance:

Shipment ID Batch No.

Quantity / Trade

sort indicator

The setup data for the batch are also transferred

Batch no. Times no.

Article no .

A feedback of the finished orders to the LVS system should be feasible if possible. The feedback is preferably batch-related.

The particularly preferred order picking and inserting system shown is designed so that it can be operated in different types of order picking.

One of the most preferred types of picking is hereinafter referred to as Express KAE picking method.

The picking type KAE is particularly suitable for processing a very large number of similar orders. Processing is preferably carried out with a program-controlled inserting machine.

The term picking type Express KAE includes in particular the picking of picking orders, which each contain an increased picking volume compared to other picking types.

For example, several sheets of ten stamps are placed in a common envelope.

While the individual orders preferably have large lot sizes, the orders can vary between different consecutive shipments.

Another particularly preferred picking type is referred to below as the fully automatic picking type KAV.

It is particularly suitable for processing a large number of similar picking orders, such as those intended for the compilation of subscription programs for subscribers of fixed stamp combinations.

The KAE / KAV inserting machine is a fully automatic inserting system with infinitely adjustable cycle speed and successive start-up speed.

The components involved in the material transport (system channels, feeders, e.g. a friction feeder, Transport section and inserting station) are suitable for inserting the material and can be adapted to variable formats according to the specifications in the technical specification.

Machine processes during machine operation can be monitored manually.

KAM type of picking manually.

The MFR communicates with the LVS, from which it receives and manages the data records to be processed. These data records are connected to a box / container at the i-points and processed based on the information in the data record. Via the communication to the PLC, the TEs (transport units), based on the destinations, are specifically removed from the LVS data records. Communication with the PbL (Pick-by-Light) will make it easy to understand the content of the TE's.

The control of the boxes / containers is carried out on two computers, one for the KAM 1 area and one for the KAM 2. These computers are constructed identically. The marriage dialogues are always active on the surface. About one

In the program menu, other dialogs, such as scanners, scales (KAM 2) and the inventory of data on the system, can be made visible.

Screen representations of preferred dialog functions are shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.

Operating system states of the system are preferably represented by suitable display elements, in particular screen menus. A graphic representation of such a Screen display is shown as an example in FIG. 5.

A cardboard box is scanned at the KAM 2 i point (TE ID no.) And linked with an order number. The empty weight of the carton is determined using scale 1 (tare scale). The carton is then conveyed to the specified goals on the main transport line, in the K module 2.1 area. At the end of the route, the gross weight of the carton is determined using the scale 2. The MFR calculates the net weight for this box and based on the instructions from the LVS, the

The carton is ejected to the control station or transported further to the KAM 1 area. After completing all the goals, the carton is conveyed to the stuffing station, to the carton capper and to the labeler.

At the KAM 1 i point, a container is identified by means of a hand scanner (TE Ident No.). Then the orders (order no.) Are read in using a hand scanner (max. 4 orders) and assigned to the compartments in the container. The order can be a picking or a replenishment order.

Based on the orders in the container, the container is led to the K zones in the module 1.1 B and 1.2 B area. After all the goals have been processed, the container is conveyed to the control station KAM 1 and / or to the consignment sorting KAM 1 in accordance with the picking result or the specifications.

Each cardboard / container recorded is reported to the avalanche control system with the corresponding status (removed or not) before the control points.

In the event of a no-read in front of the control points, a signal is output to the PLC to be discharged into the control point. The corresponding box / container is not reported to the avalanche transceiver. With a no-read in front of the K zones, no ejection signals are transferred to the PLC.

KAM 1 i point KAM 1

Empty containers are fed to i-point KAM 1. Each container is marked on both sides with a barcode (6 digits, code: 2/5 Interleaved). The container is by means of

Hand scanner scanned and thus the loading of a container started. Then the 1st order (order number: 12 digits, code: 2/5 Interleaved), also using a hand scanner, is recorded and assigned to the 1st compartment in the container, then the 2nd order - the 2nd compartment, etc. Max. 4 orders can be assigned to a container.

A mask with a table is displayed on the MFR, which in turn corresponds to a container. All orders entered are displayed in the relevant subjects. The loading of the container is completed using the keyboard or a fixed barcode. The unoccupied subjects remain empty.

A particularly preferred embodiment of the screen mask is shown in FIG. 6.

K zones KAM 1

The carton is identified at the discharge points. Based on the specified avalanche transceiver data, the MFR informs the PLC whether the carton should be rejected or not. In the event of a removal, the PLC must hand over a receipt to the MFR. The box is only entered in the FIFO list for this K zone if the receipt is positive. The first entry in the FIFO list is always that of the PbL system is communicated, ie between the MFR and the PbL system, only one box is being processed. If the carton in the K zone is processed by the PbL system, this is communicated to the MFR. The MFR creates a "ready for order" message (K-zone related) for the avalanche transceiver, deletes this box from the FIFO list and notifies the PbL system of the next entry from the list. The box leaves the K-zone without a completion message from the PbL system, this box is considered as not processed.

Behind all K zones, the container is fed to the control station KAM 1 and / or to the consignment sorting KAM 1 based on the picking results or the avalanche transceiver specifications.

KAM 2 i-point KAM 2

The procedure in the K zones for KAM 2 boxes is preferably identical to the procedure in the K zones for KAM 1.

KAM 2 boxes are fed to the i-point KAM 2. Each box is labeled on both sides with a barcode (6 digits, code: 2/5 Interleaved). The carton is scanned and assigned to an order (order number: 12 digits, code: 2/5 Interleaved). In addition to the order, the box also shows the box size on the dialog.

A particularly preferred screen display of such a dialog is shown in FIG. 7.

In order to maintain unambiguity, each box is identified immediately in front of the scale 1. The weight sent by the scale 1 is assigned to this box and noted. The weight of another scale is assigned to the box scanned by the scanner.

The MFR calculates the net weight of each recorded carton and compares it with the LVS weight specifications. If this comparison is positive, the box in the KAM 1 area becomes the K modules 1.2. B led. If the comparison is negative, the box is sent to a KAM 2 control station.

When leaving the K-module zone, the containers / boxes are checked to see whether all the destinations in the K-module zone have been reached. If this is the case, the container / box is conveyed to the next destinations, otherwise the

Container / carton to a circulator and is conveyed back to the unused destinations. After rounds of n the container / box is conveyed to the control station. The number of round trips must be set on the MFR. This box is reported to the avalanche transceiver.

Communication with the LVS, scanner network, PLC and PbL system is established via a suitable network (LAN) with a suitable protocol, for example a TCP / IP protocol.

Preferred structures of the computers used are:

- MFR server

This computer has two network cards to separate the internal network from an external network. On the

The computer runs an operating system, a Microsoft SQL server database and an MFR server program that was written to handle communication with the LVS.

- MFR CAME 2 This computer is responsible for controlling the targets in the KAM 2 area and for processing the i-point KAM 2.

- MFR CAME 2

This computer is responsible for controlling the goals in the KAM 1 area and processing the i-point KAM 1.

- KAM 1 This computer is only responsible for processing the i-point KAM 1.

All data is stored in the database, so that no data is lost due to a stop or a fault. This means that a restart can also be carried out without any problems.

In the event of a total system failure, the LVS is able to resend the orders to the MFR.

The database is reorganized automatically or by querying one of the MFR computers.

The programs are started manually by the operator on site. A copy of all MFR programs will be given to the customer once after commissioning on diskette or CD-ROM.

In the event of a failure, the MFR server is provided with an identical cold standby computer. No cold stand-by computers are provided for the other MFR computers.

All MFR computers are designed redundantly The MFR server runs on a computer, which is preferably equipped with two mirrored disks, so that a disk failure does not lead to a complete system stop.

The location for the MFR server should be selected in the control center so that the failure of a disk on the server is registered as quickly as possible. The failure of a disk is visually and acoustically displayed on the computer, which is equipped with two network cards. Communication with the LVS is handled via a card, communication with the internal network participants via the other: MFRKAM2, MFRKAM1, KAMI, Visu, PbL, labeller, PLC.

The server has the following composition:

-1 MB ASUS ATX

-1 CPU Intel P-III 800/133/256

-1 DIMM 128MB PC133

-1 VGA ATI Xpert 98 Pro 8MB -2 10 / 100Mbit 3Com Net card

-1 Controller Promise FastTraklOO IDE Raid

-2 HDA IBM 30.0 GB DTLA307030 UDMA100 7200rpm. 2MB cache

-1 CDE 40-f. Teac CDE-540

-1 FD Teac FD-235HF 3.5 "1.44BM -1 Mouse PS / 2

-1 Chery PS / 2 keyboard

The locations of the KAM-MFR computers are to be placed at the i-points. 3 computers are used in the KAM area, each of them has the following composition:

-1 MB ASUS ATX

-1 CPU Intel P-III 800/133/256 -1 DIMM 128MB PC133 -1 VGA ATI Xpert 98 Pro 8MB -1 10 / 100Mbit 3Com Net card

-1 HDA IBM 30.0 GB DTLA307030 UDMA100 7200rpm. 2MB cache -1 CDE 40-f. Teac CDE-540 -1 FD Teac FD-235HF 3.5 "1.44BM -1 Mouse PS / 2 -1 keyboard Chery PS / 2 -1 17" monitor

The concept described for the implementation of logistical processes in a method for picking goods, displaying the pickings and the systems and devices suitable for this is independent of the respective specific configuration.

The exemplary embodiments shown for the details of the computer configuration and for the operating systems and transmission protocols used represent a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention. However, it is of course also possible to use other systems and system components, since the invention is neither a special hardware nor a special one Configuration or a special control depends.

Reference symbol list:

PCI on this PC is the process database of the visualization and the visualization itself;

PC2 is the second one on this PC

Visualization application (plant statistics); MFR some information for the plant statistics is obtained from the MFR; SPS1 the first PLC of the picking system. All

Controllers that do not have their own TCP) IP network card transmit their information via this

PLC; SPS2 the second PLC of the picking system; SPS3 PLC of the pre-sorting system (WE); SPS4 PLC of the returns system (WE); SPS5 PLC of the pallet system;

Other controls: inserting and packaging machines (KAE, KAS, KAV, LET ...)

Claims

Claims:

1.Procedure for picking goods, characterized in that a warehouse management control unit (LVS) creates picking orders based on transmitted order data and selects a picking type for the picking orders, and that, depending on the result of the selection of the picking type, a picking system suitable for carrying out the picking is determined.

2. The method of claim 1, d a d u r c h g e k e n n z e i c h n e t that the warehouse management control unit (LVS) the selection of

Picking type and / or the picking system for consignments to be picked depending on a desired composition of the shipment.

3. The method according to claim 2, so that the warehouse management control unit (LVS) selects the type of picking and / or the picking system depending on a number of different articles to be picked contained in the respective shipment.

4. The method according to one or both of claims 2 or 3, so that the warehouse management control unit (LVS) performs depending on the number of goods provided for each article type.

5. The method according to one or more of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the warehouse management control unit (LVS) the selection of Picking type and / or the picking system for consignments to be picked depending on the total number of goods to be picked for the respective consignment.

6. Order picking system for order picking of goods with several order picking systems, so that at least one of the order picking systems can be assigned at least two different types of order picking.

7. The picking system according to claim 6, which also means that as a means for selecting a picking type and / or assigning the picking type to be carried out to one

A warehouse management control unit (LVS) is provided for the picking system.