JP6782963B2 - Transportation material management program and transportation material management equipment - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a transportation material management program and a transportation material management device that manages transportation materials used for transporting luggage and the like.

As a management system for collecting returnable boxes, which is an example of transportation materials, a system in which the identification information ID of each returnable box is recorded in each returnable box and an IC tag that can read the information without contact is attached and managed. Has been proposed. This management system is provided in the product shipping department, and is provided in the shipping side terminal that reads the unique identification information attached to the return box stored in the IC tag attached to the return box, and in the return box collection department. The return box management database comprises a collection side terminal that reads the identification information stored in the IC tag of the collected return box and a return box management database that records the identification information read by each terminal. By comparing the identification information read by the shipping side terminal with the identification information read by the collecting side terminal, it is possible to confirm the collection of the returnable box.

In this management system, the shipping side terminal is provided with a related information recording means for recording the destination and shipping date of the returnable box in the returnable box management database, and the returnable box management database is provided with the current return box for each destination. By providing a destination-specific number extraction means for extracting the number, it is possible to provide a returnable box collection management system capable of managing the current number of returnable boxes for each destination in addition to managing the collection of returnable boxes.

According to this configuration, since an IC tag that can read the information without contact is used as a means of recording the identification information of the returnable box, the collection of the returnable box can be easily managed without any trouble in the input operation. Since the identification information can be associated with the destination and related information such as the pickup date, the administrator can more accurately grasp the collection status including the destination information of the returnable box, and can thoroughly collect the information. ..

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2006-0277772

However, in the conventional returnable box collection management system, in addition to managing the collection of returnable boxes, when managing related information such as the destination of the returnable box and the collection date, the shipping side terminal is provided with the related information recording means. For the related information recording means, destination data is created by manually selecting from a pre-recorded list, and the date is automatically input, so that the destination and shipping date are added to the data read from the IC tag. It is necessary to associate and send the data to the returnable box management database (paragraph 0020 of Patent Document 1 and the like), which causes a problem that it takes a lot of time and effort. In addition, since the related information such as the destination and the pickup date is manually selected from the list recorded in advance, the worker may make a mistake in the selection, and the product will be shipped with incorrect data associated with it. There was also the problem of saying.

Furthermore, considering the case where the collection management of the returnable box is performed by the assembly line using a belt conveyor or the like, there is a risk that the returnable box will flow to the subsequent process without associating the destination with related information such as the collection date. There was also.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and it is not only possible to easily manage transportation materials such as return boxes without taking time and effort for input work, but also to carry each of them. Providing a more convenient transportation material management system and transportation material management device that can easily and reliably associate related information such as destinations and shipping dates with materials without the hassle of manual input. The purpose is to do. Another object of the present invention is to provide a transportation material management system and a transportation material management device that can be operated more accurately by retroactively associating related information even if there is a return box that is not associated with each other. The purpose is to provide.

In the transportation material management program of the present invention, a storage device that rewritably stores information, a first input device that accepts input of identification information that identifies the transportation material, and input of additional information related to the transportation material are accepted. In a transportation material management program executed by a computing device of a computer including a second input device, the identification information is received by the first reception step and the first reception step of receiving the identification information via the first input device. It is abbreviated that the identification information is received by the first storage step of storing the identification information in the storage device, the second reception step of receiving the additional information via the second input device, and the first reception step. At the same time, by the determination step of determining whether or not the additional information has been accepted by the second reception step, and by the determination step, the identification information has been accepted by the first reception step substantially at the same time by the second reception step. When it is determined that the additional information has been received, the second storage step of associating the additional information received by the second reception step with the identification information received by the first reception step and storing it in the storage device, Of the identification information stored in the storage device by the first storage step when the additional information is received by the second reception step, the identification information to which the additional information is not associated by the second storage step. A selection step for selecting the above and a third storage step for storing the additional information received by the second reception step in the storage means in association with the identification information selected by the selection step are provided in the calculation device. It is characterized in that it is to be executed.

Further, the computer is provided with a time acquisition device capable of acquiring the time, and the transportation material management program acquires the time when the identification information is received by the first reception step by the time acquisition device. The calculation device is made to execute the time acquisition step to be performed, and the first storage step associates the time acquired in the time acquisition step and stores the identification information received by the first reception step. The selection step selects the identification information stored in the storage device, provided that the time associated with the identification information by the first storage step is after a predetermined time. It is suggested that it be.

In the transportation material management device of the present invention, a storage device that rewritably stores information, a first input device that accepts input of identification information that identifies the transportation material, and an input of additional information related to the transportation material are accepted. In the transportation material management device including the second input device, the first receiving means for receiving the identification information via the first input device and the identification information received by the first receiving means are stored in the storage device. The second receiving means receives the input of the additional information from the second input device, and the second receiving means receives the identification information substantially at the same time as the identification information is received by the first receiving means. It is determined by the determination means for determining whether or not the additional information has been accepted and that the additional information has been accepted by the second reception means substantially at the same time as the identification information has been accepted by the first reception means. When this is done, the additional information received by the second receiving means is associated with the identification information received by the first receiving means and stored in the storage device, and the additional information received by the second receiving means. When the input of information is accepted, the selection means for selecting the identification information stored in the storage device by the first storage means and the identification information not associated with the additional information by the second storage means. , The third storage means that stores the additional information received by the second reception means in the storage device in association with the identification information selected by the selection means, is to be executed by the calculation device. It is characterized by that.

Further, the transportation material management device includes a time acquisition device capable of acquiring a time, and a time acquisition means for acquiring the time when the identification information is received by the first reception means by the time acquisition device. The first storage means stores the identification information received by the first reception means in the storage device in association with the time acquired by the time acquisition means, and the selection means stores the first storage. It is proposed that the identification information stored in the storage device be selected on condition that the time associated with the identification information by the means is after a predetermined time.

According to the transportation material management program of the present invention, it is determined by the determination step that the identification information for identifying the transportation material is received by the first reception step and the additional information about the transportation material is received by the second reception step. Then, the additional information received substantially at the same time is stored in the storage device in the second storage step in association with the identification information stored in the storage device in the first storage step. That is, when the identification information and the additional information are received substantially at the same time, the identification information and the additional information are stored in association with each other in the storage device, so that the convenience of the information regarding the transportation material is enhanced. When the additional information is received by the second reception step, among the identification information stored in the storage device, the identification information to which the additional information is not associated is selected by the selection step, and the selected identification information is referred to. The additional information received by the second reception step is associated and stored in the storage device by the third storage step. That is, when it is determined by the determination step that the additional information is not received by the second reception step at substantially the same time as the identification information, the additional information is not stored in the storage device in association with the identification information depending on the second storage step. By the selection step and the third storage step, the additional information received later in the second reception step is associated with the identification information to which the additional information was not previously associated. Therefore, since the additional information can be retroactively associated with the identification information, there is an effect that the storage device can accurately hold the information about the transportation material.

Further, the time when the identification information is received by the first reception step with respect to the identification information is acquired by the time acquisition step, and the identification information associated with the acquired time is stored in the storage device by the first storage step. Will be done. In the selection step, the identification information is selected on condition that the time associated with the identification information in the storage device is after a predetermined time. That is, the retroactive association of the additional information with the identification information by the selection step and the third storage step described above can be performed only within a predetermined period after the identification information is received by the first reception step. , It is possible to prevent the additional information from being associated with the identification information endlessly. Therefore, there is an effect that the accuracy of the information about the transportation material stored in the storage means can be further improved.

According to the transportation material management device of the present invention, it is determined by the determination means that the identification information for identifying the transportation material is received by the first reception means and the additional information about the transportation material is received by the second reception means. Then, the additional information received substantially at the same time is stored in the storage device by the second storage means in association with the identification information stored in the storage device by the first storage means. That is, when the identification information and the additional information are received substantially at the same time, the identification information and the additional information are stored in association with each other in the storage device, so that the convenience of the information regarding the transportation material is enhanced. When the additional information is received by the second receiving means, among the identification information stored in the storage device, the identification information to which the additional information is not associated is selected by the selection means, and the selected identification information is referred to. The additional information received by the second receiving means is associated with the third storage means and stored in the storage device. That is, when the determination means determines that the additional information is not received by the second receiving means at substantially the same time as the identification information, the additional information is not stored in the storage device in association with the identification information depending on the second storage means. By the selection means and the third storage means, the additional information received later by the second receiving means is associated with the identification information to which the additional information was not previously associated. Therefore, since the additional information can be retroactively associated with the identification information, there is an effect that the storage device can accurately hold the information about the transportation material.

Further, the time when the identification information is received by the first receiving means with respect to the identification information is acquired by the time acquisition means, and the identification information associated with the acquired time is stored in the storage device by the first storage means. Will be done. In the selection means, the identification information is selected on condition that the time associated with the identification information in the storage device is after a predetermined time. That is, the retroactive association of the additional information with the identification information by the selection means and the third storage means described above can be performed only within a predetermined period after the identification information is received by the first reception means. , It is possible to prevent the additional information from being associated with the identification information endlessly. Therefore, there is an effect that the accuracy of the information about the transportation material stored in the storage device can be further improved.

(A) is an explanatory diagram showing an outline of the return box management system 1, and (b) is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of reading information 200 received by the computer 10 from the receiving reader 80a or the shipping reader 80b. It is a schematic diagram which shows the electrical structure of the return box management system 1. It is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of the table stored in the database 17, (a) shows the return box table 17a, (b) shows the type table 17b, and (c) shows the history table 17c, respectively. It is a schematic diagram of the screen displayed on the monitor 30 in the return box management system 1, (a) shows the reading screen 300, and (b) shows the function selection screen 320, respectively. It is a schematic diagram of the screen displayed on the monitor 30 in the return box management system 1, (a) shows the history display screen 330, and (b) shows the shortage prediction screen 340, respectively. It is a flowchart of the main process S100 executed by the CPU 12 based on the return box management program 15b. It is a flowchart of the reading process S200 executed by the CPU 12 based on the return box management program 15b. It is a flowchart of the update process S300 executed by the CPU 12 based on the return box management program 15b. It is a flowchart of the history recording process S400 executed by the CPU 12 based on the return box management program 15b. It is a flowchart of the retroactive update process S500 executed by the CPU 12 based on the return box management program 15b. It is a flowchart of the function selection process S1000 executed by the CPU 12 based on the return box management program 15b. It is a flowchart of history display processing S1100 executed by CPU 12 based on return box management program 15b. It is a flowchart of shortage prediction processing S1200 executed by CPU 12 based on return box management program 15b.

The returnable box management system 1 will be described as an example of the invention according to the present application (hereinafter referred to as "the present invention"). The return box management system 1 is an information processing system for managing a box-shaped material (hereinafter referred to as a “return box”) 90 that stores the article for transportation in the distribution of the article between bases. In the present application, the “transportation material management program” of the claim corresponds to the return box management program 15b described later, and the “transportation material management device” corresponds to the computer 10 described later.

FIG. 1A is an explanatory diagram of an outline of the returnable box management system 1 of this embodiment. The returnable box 90 managed by the returnable box management system 1 circulates inside and outside the warehouse 100, and the returnable box 90 in which luggage (not shown) is stored in the warehouse 100 is from the shipping place 102 to the warehouse. The return box 90, which has been shipped out of the 100 and whose luggage has been taken out outside the warehouse 100, is returned to the reception area 101. The returnable box 90 returned to the receiving place 101 circulates in the warehouse 100 again and is shipped from the shipping place 102. That is, the return box 90 circulates inside and outside the warehouse 100 as shown by an arrow in FIG. 1 (a). Hereinafter, the mode in which the return box 90 circulates via the reception area 101 and the shipping area 102 is referred to as “circulation distribution”, and one return box 90 exits the reception area 101 and reaches the reception area 101 again. Is counted as one time of circulation. It is assumed that the newly added return box 90 starts circulation distribution from the reception hall 101.

A return box tag 91 that stores the return box ID 91a, which is information that can identify each of the return boxes 90, is attached to the return box 90. In FIG. 1A, the value of “B001” is exemplified as the return box ID 91a that identifies the return box 90.

In addition, the employee card 95 possessed by the employee who works at the reception hall 101 or the shipping place 102 contains an employee tag 96 that stores the employee ID 96a, which is information that can identify each employee. .. In FIG. 1A, the value of “S001” is exemplified as the employee ID 96a that identifies the employee.

Both the return box tag 91 and the employee tag 96 are storage media generally known as RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tags, and information stored by wireless communication can be read. From the return box tag 91 and the employee tag 96, the return box ID 91a and the employee ID 96a to be stored are read by the antennas 82a and 82b described later, respectively.

As shown in FIG. 1A, the return box management system 1 is configured by connecting the receiving reader 80a and the shipping reader 80b to the computer 10 via a LAN (Local Area Network) 50.

The reception reader 80a is a device for transmitting information indicating that the return box 90 has arrived at the reception hall 101 to the computer 10. In other words, the receiving reader 80a is a device for recognizing that the returnable box 90 has been returned from the outside to the inside of the warehouse 100 in the returnable box management system 1.

The sensor 81a and the antenna 82a are connected to the receiving reader 80a. The sensor 81a is a photoelectric sensor, and when the return box 90 is present at a predetermined position, a predetermined electrical signal is input to the receiving reader 80a. The receiving reader 80a receives the input of the electric signal from the sensor 81a, and causes the antenna 82a to read the return box ID 91a from the return box tag 91 of the return box 90 existing at the position detected by the sensor 81a. The return box ID 91a read by the antenna 82a is input to the receiving reader 80a.

Further, the receiving reader 80a causes the antenna 82a to read the return box ID 91a, and at the same time, causes the antenna 82a to read the employee ID 96a from the employee tag 96 of the employee card 95 existing in the vicinity. This is for recording which employee was working at the reception hall 101 at the time of accepting the return of the return box 90, and the details will be described later. The employee ID 96a read by the antenna 82a is input to the receiving reader 80a in the same manner as the return box ID 91a. Note that the antenna 82a does not input the information corresponding to the servant ID 96a of the acceptance reader 80 when the servant tag 96 does not exist in the vicinity.

The receiving reader 80a transmits the return box ID 91a and the employee ID 96a read by the antenna 82a to the computer 10 via the LAN 50. FIG. 1B is a configuration diagram of reading information 200, which is information transmitted from the receiving reader 80a to the computer 10. The read information 200 is information transmitted / received via the LAN 50, and includes a return box ID 201 and an employee ID 202.

The receiving reader 80a sets the return box ID 91a read by the antenna 82a in the return box ID 201 of the reading information 200 and the employee ID 96a read by the antenna 82a in the employee ID 202, and sends the reading information 200 to the computer 10. And send. As described above, the antenna 82a may not read the employee ID 96a. In that case, the employee ID 202 of the read information 200 is set to the NULL value by the acceptance reader 80a and transmitted to the computer 10.

The "Null value" is a special value indicating that the value does not exist, and the same applies to the following description.

The shipping reader 80b shown in FIG. 1A is a device for transmitting information indicating that the returnable box 90 has arrived at the shipping place 102 to the computer 10. In other words, the shipping reader 80b is a device for identifying that the returnable box 90 is shipped from the inside of the warehouse 100 to the outside. The configuration, role, and operation of the shipping reader 80b are the same as those of the receiving reader 80a described above, except that the sensor 81b is used instead of the sensor 81a and the antenna 81b is used instead of the antenna 81a. Is omitted.

Next, the electrical configuration of the return box management system 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an electrical configuration of a computer 10 or the like constituting the return box management system 1. In the following description, the expression "set" or "update" for a storage device or storage area means that information is stored in a rewritable storage device or storage area.

The computer 10 includes a CPU 12, a ROM 13, a RAM 14, a hard disk 15, a clock 18, and a NIC (Network Interface Card) 19, which are connected to each other via a bus 11.

The CPU 12 is a central processing unit, which performs arithmetic operations in the computer 10 and controls devices such as a hard disk 15 connected via a bus 11. The ROM 99 is a read-only non-volatile storage device, and stores a program or the like (not shown) for the CPU 12 to execute when the computer 10 starts up.

The RAM 14 is a volatile storage device that can read and write information. When the return box management program 15b, which will be described later, is executed by the CPU 12, the RAM 14 includes a retroactive time memory 14a, a process memory 14b, a return box ID memory 14c, an employee ID memory 14d, a current date and time memory 14e, and a receiving employee ID memory. A storage area of 14f, shipping employee ID memory 14g, type memory 14h, operating number memory 14i, staying number memory 14j, total number memory 14k, and predicted shortage date memory 14m is secured.

The retroactive time memory 14a is an area for storing parameters for adjusting the operation in the execution of the retroactive update process S500 shown in FIG. The process memory 14b has a value indicating whether the reading information 200 including the return box ID 201 to be processed is transmitted from the receiving reader 80a or the shipping reader 80b in the reading process S200 or the like shown in FIG. This is the area to store. In the process memory 14b, the character string "accepted" is displayed when the read information 200 is transmitted from the receiving reader 80a, and "shipped" when the reading information 200 is transmitted from the shipping reader 80b. "Character string is set.

The return box ID memory 14c and the employee ID memory 14d are storage areas for temporarily holding the return box ID 201 and the employee ID 202 included in the read information 200, respectively. The current date / time memory 14e is a storage area for holding the value of the date / time acquired by the CPU 12 at a predetermined timing based on the return box management program 15b.

The receiving employee ID memory 14f is a storage area for holding the value of the employee ID 202 (employee ID 96a) acquired as that of the employee engaged in the work at the receiving place 101. The shipping employee ID memory 14g is a storage area for holding the value of the employee ID 202 (employee ID 96a) acquired as that of the employee engaged in the work at the shipping place 102.

The type memory 14h, the operating number memory 14i, the staying number memory 14j, the total number memory 14k, and the predicted shortage date memory 14m are storage areas used in the shortage analysis process S1200 shown in FIG. The type memory 14h is an area for storing a value indicating the type (group based on size and shape) of the returnable box 90 under analysis. The operating number memory 14i, the staying number memory 14j, and the total number memory 14k are storage areas for counting the number of returnable boxes 90, and the operating number memory 14i is the number of staying numbers of the returnable boxes 90 outside the warehouse 100. The memory 14j is used to count the number of returnable boxes 90 in the warehouse 100, and the total number memory 14k is used to count the total number of returnable boxes 90 for each type. The predicted shortage date memory 14 m is a storage area used for calculating the date on which the return box 90 is predicted to run short for each type.

The hard disk 15 is a non-volatile storage device capable of reading and writing information. The hard disk 15 stores an operating system (hereinafter referred to as “OS”) 15a, a return box management program 15b, a setting file 16, and a database 17. The OS 15a is a basic program for causing the CPU 12 to control various devices (for example, the monitor 30 described later) and execute various application programs (for example, the return box management program 15b). When the computer 10 is started, the CPU 12 is first used. Is executed by.

The return box management program 15b is an application program for causing the CPU 12 to execute information processing as the return box management system 1 of the present invention. When an instruction to execute the return box management program 15b is input to the CPU 12 based on the OS 15a, the CPU 12 loads the return box management program 15b into the RAM 14 and starts processing based on the return box management program 15b.

The setting file 16 is a group of information in which various parameters related to the execution of the return box management program 15b are described. In the setting file 16, the retroactive time 16a is described as one of the parameters. The details of the retroactive time 16a will be described later.

The database 17 is a relational database for efficiently storing and referencing the information used by the return box management system 1. The information in the database 17 is managed by a database engine (not shown) executed by the CPU 12. For example, when it is necessary to update the information in the database 17 by executing the return box management program 15b, the CPU 12 determines the necessary processing based on the procedure as the database engine and updates the information in the database 17. In the following description, expressions such as updating the information in the database 17 implicitly mean that the information is performed via the database engine.

The database 17 has a return box table 17a, a type table 17b, and a history table 17c. Here, "having" means existing as a storage area in the database 17 managed by the database engine executed by the CPU 12. Further, as a concept of a database in the present specification, a database has a plurality of tables as divided storage areas, and the tables have records as individual items. A record is a set of a plurality of pieces of information (attributes), and an area for storing each piece of information is called a field. That is, a set of fields is a record, a set of records is a table, and a set of tables is a database. The combination of fields held for each record in the same table is constant. If there is no value to be set in the field, the NULL value is set.

The returnable box table 17a, the type table 17b, and the history table 17c included in the database 17 will be described later with reference to FIG.

The clock 18 is a device that outputs the date and time at that time based on the request from the CPU 12.

The NIC 19 is a net memory interface that controls communication with various devices connected via the LAN 50. The CPU 12 exchanges information with other devices (for example, the receiving reader 80a and the shipping reader 80b) connected to the LAN 50 via the NIC 19.

A monitor 30, a keyboard 31, a mouse 32, and a speaker 33 are connected to the computer 10 as user interfaces. These devices are connected to the bus 11 and can be input / output to / from the CPU 12 via the bus 11.

The monitor 30 is a display device that displays figures and characters under the control of the CPU 12. The keyboard 31 is an input device mainly for inputting character information to the CPU 12. The mouse 32 is a pointing device for inputting coordinate information by a click operation. In the CPU 12 that executes the return box management system 15b, when the coordinates are input by the click operation, the components of the screen displayed at the positions indicated by the coordinates on the screen displayed on the monitor 30 are treated as if they were clicked. .. The speaker 33 is a device that reproduces sound under the control of the CPU 12.

As described above, the acceptance reader 80a and the shipping reader 80b are connected to the LAN 50 to which the computer 10 is connected by the NIC 19. The configurations of the receiving leader 80a and the shipping leader 80b are as described with reference to FIG. 1A. The receiving leader 80a has a sensor 81a and an antenna 82a, and the shipping leader 80b has a sensor 81b and an antenna 82b, respectively. Be connected. The antenna 82a and the antenna 82b are configured to be able to read the return box ID 91a from the return box tag 91 attached to the return box 90 and the employee ID 96a from the employee tag 96 built in the employee card 95. The return box tag 91 and the employee tag 96 are RFID tags as described above, and communication between the return box tag 91 and the antennas 82a and 82b and between the employee tag 96 and the antennas 82a and 82b is performed by a wireless RFID method. ..

The return box ID 91a and the employee ID 96b read by the antenna 81a are converted into reading information 200 (see FIG. 1B) by the receiving reader 80, and the reading information 200 is transmitted to the computer 10 via the LAN 50. On the other hand, the return box ID 91a and the employee ID 96a read by the antenna 81b are also similarly converted into reading information 200 by the shipping reader 80b, and the reading information 200 is transmitted to the computer 10 via the LAN 50.

Next, various tables included in the database 17 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3A is a schematic diagram of a returnable box table 17a, FIG. 3B is a schematic diagram of a type table 17b, and FIG. 3C is a schematic diagram of a history table 17c.

The return box table 17a of FIG. 3A is a table for holding information such as a type and a state for each individual return box 90. The record of the return box table 17a has a return box ID 17a1, a type 17a2, a rotation speed 17a3, a state 17a4, a final read date and time 17a5, an average operating time 17a6, an average residence time 17a7, and a predicted disposal date 17a8 as fields. The return box ID 17a1 is a field in which information for identifying the return box 90 is set, and a value corresponding to the return box ID 91a stored in the return box tag 91 attached to the return box 90 is set. The type 17a2 is a field in which a value indicating the type of the returnable box 90 (for example, those grouped by size or shape) is set.

The rotation speed 17a3 is a field in which the number of times the return box 90 is used is set. More specifically, the number of rotations 17a3 is a value indicating how many times the returnable box 90 is circulating and circulating by adding 1 each time the returnable box 90 passes through the reception area 101. To.

The state 17a4 is a field in which either "accepted" or "shipped" is set as a value indicating whether the returnable box 90 is located inside or outside the warehouse 100. When the state 17a4 is "accepted", the return box 90 identified by the return box ID 17a1 of the record indicates that it is located between the reception place 101 and the shipping place 102, that is, in the warehouse 100. On the other hand, when the state 17a4 is "shipped", it indicates that it is located outside the warehouse 101.

The last read date and time 17a5 is a field in which the latest date and time when the same return box ID 91a as the return box ID 17a1 of the record is read by the antenna 82a or the antenna 82b is set. That is, the date and time set to the final reading date and time 17a5 is the latest date and time when the return box 90 has passed through either the receiving place 101 or the shipping place 102.

The average operating time 17a6 is a field in which the average number of days during the period of being located outside the warehouse 100 in one circulation distribution of the returnable box 90 is set. The average residence time 17a7 is a field in which the average number of days of the period of being located in the warehouse 100 in one circulation distribution of the return box 90 is set.

The predicted discard date 17a8 is a field in which the date on which the return box 90 identified by the return box ID 17a1 of the record is predicted to be discarded due to exceeding the service limit is set. Details of the value set for the predicted disposal date 17a8 will be described later with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

The records stored in the return box table 17a described so far are assumed to be created (added) in advance for each return box 90, and the technique for creating the records is known (for example, data from the outside). Import etc.) can be adopted.

Next, the type table 17b shown in FIG. 4B is a table that stores information (attributes) for each type of the returnable box 90. As described above, the "type" here refers to a group of returnable boxes 90 classified based on size, shape, and the like. Each record of the type table 17b has a type 17b1, a required number 17b2, and a limit rotation speed 17b3 as fields.

The type 17b1 is a field in which a value for identifying the type is set, and corresponds to a value that can be set in the return box table 17a2. The required number 17b2 is set to the minimum number that should be held as the return box 90 of that type.

The limit rotation speed 17b3 is set to the maximum number of circulations, which is the useful limit, for the return box 90 of that type. That is, the limit rotation speed 17b3 is the maximum value of the number of times that the return box 90 passes through the receiving unit 101 before disposal.

It is assumed that the contents stored in the type table 17b described so far are prepared in advance by using a known technique separately from the return box management program 15b.

The history table 17c shown in FIG. 4C records the history of the return box 90 passing through the receiving place 101 or the shipping place 102. Each record in the history table 17c corresponds to each time the return box ID 91a of the return box 90 is read by the antennas 82a and 82b.

Each record in the history table 17c has a return box ID 17c1, a date and time 17c2, a process 17c3, and an employee ID 17c4 as fields. The return box ID 17c1 is a field in which the value of the return box ID 91a read by the antennas 82a and 82b is set, and the date and time 17c2 is a field in which the read date and time is set.

In step 17c3, the character string of "acceptance" is set when the return box ID91a is read by the antenna 82a, and the character string of "shipment" is set when the return box ID91a is read by the antenna 82b. That is, step 17c3 indicates whether the record is a record based on whether the return box 90 has passed through the receiving place 101 or the shipping place 102.

The employee ID 17c4 is a field in which the value of the employee ID 96a read by the antennas 82a and 82b from the employee tag 96 of the employee card 95 is set. The employee ID 17c4 is the employee ID 96a of the employee who was engaged in the work at the receiving place 101 or the shipping place 102 when the record passed through the receiving place 101 or the shipping place 102 of the return box 90 that triggered the creation. It is something to record.

Next, with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, the screen displayed on the monitor 30 by the CPU 12 executing the return box management program 15b will be described. The screen shown in FIG. 4A is a reading screen 300 that is first displayed on the monitor 30 when the CPU 12 executes the return box management program 15b. The reading screen 300 has a display of "reading", and when the screen is displayed on the monitor 30, the CPU 12 has the information read from the return box tag 91 and the employee tag 96 by the antennas 82a and 82b. The user is informed that the process (FIGS. 7 to 10) related to A data reference button 301 and an end button 302 are arranged on the reading screen 300. The data reference button 301 is a display element for switching the display of the monitor 30 to the function selection screen 320 described later by a click operation. The end button 302 is a display element for ending the execution of the return box management program 15b by the CPU 12 by a click operation.

Next, the screen shown in FIG. 4B is a function selection screen 320 for accepting a user's selection of a function. As described above, the function selection screen 320 is displayed on the monitor 30 when the data reference button 301 of the reading screen 300 is clicked.

On the function selection screen 320, a reading history button 321, a shortage prediction button 322, and a back button 323 are arranged. The reading history button 321 is a display element for switching the display of the monitor 30 to the history display screen 330 described later by a click operation. The shortage prediction button 322 is a display element for switching the display of the monitor 30 to the shortage prediction screen 340 described later by a click operation. The back button 323 is a display element for switching the display of the monitor 30 to the reading screen 300 described above by a click operation.

The screen shown in FIG. 5A is a history display screen 330 for displaying the contents of each record stored in the history table 17c. As described above, the history display screen 330 is displayed on the monitor 30 when the history display button 321 of the function selection screen 320 is clicked. On the history display screen 330, a history display unit 331 that displays records in the history table 17c in a table format corresponding to rows and columns is arranged. The history display unit 331 displays each value of the return box ID 17c1, the date and time 17c2, the process 17c3, and the employee ID 17c4 of the history table 331 for each record. According to the display of the history display unit 331, it is possible to easily confirm the date and time when the return box 90 has passed the receiving place 101 or the shipping place 102 and the employee who was working at the time of passing. When a problem is found in the circulating return box 90, a person investigating the cause of the problem can easily obtain useful information by displaying the history display screen 300 on the monitor 30.

Further, on the history display screen 330, a back button 332 for switching the display of the monitor 30 to the function selection screen 320 when a click operation is performed is arranged.

The screen shown in FIG. 5B is a shortage prediction screen 340 that displays the result of analysis as a time when the number of returnable boxes 90 is predicted to be short (hereinafter referred to as “prediction shortage date”). On the shortage analysis screen 340, for each type of return box 90, the number of return boxes 90 used outside the warehouse 100 is "in operation", and the number of return boxes 90 inside the warehouse 100 is "in operation". A result display unit 341 is arranged which displays "during", "total" which is the total number of operating and dwelling, and the above-mentioned "predicted shortage date".

The details of the contents displayed on the result display unit 341 will be described later with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 13, but the user (the person who operates the computer 10, the same applies hereinafter) displays the result display unit 341 displayed on the monitor 30. With reference to this, it is convenient because it is possible to easily recognize when the return box 90 is insufficient, and by extension, when the return box 90 should be replenished.

Further, on the shortage prediction screen 340, a back button 342 for switching the display of the monitor 30 to the function selection screen 320 by a click operation is arranged.

Next, the process performed by the CPU 12 that executes the return box management program 15b will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 6 to 13. When the main body is omitted in the description of the following flowchart, it means that the CPU 12 performs the operation according to the return box management program 15b. Further, although not specified in the following description, the CPU 12 that executes the returnable box management program 15b can exchange information with various devices connected to the bus 11 by a known technique.

When the CPU 12 is instructed to execute the return box management program 15b based on the control of the OS 12, the CPU 12 loads the return box management program 15b into the RAM 14 to prepare for execution, and then executes the main process S100 shown in FIG. To start. At this time, the CPU 12 that executes the return box management program 15b releases the communication port based on the TCP / IP protocol to the LAN 50 connected via the NIC 19, and the receiving reader 80a or the shipping reader is used by the communication port. The standby for receiving the read information 200 from 80b is started. Since a known technique can be used for the standby for the reception, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

In the main process S100, the CPU 12 first initializes the storage area on the RAM 14 (S101). Specifically, the CPU 12 includes a retroactive time memory 14a, a process memory 14b, a return box ID memory 14c, an employee ID memory 14d, a current date / time memory 14e, a receiving employee ID memory 14f, a shipping employee ID memory 14g, and a type memory. Each storage area of 14h, operating number memory 14i, staying number memory 14j, total number memory 14k, and prediction shortage date memory 14m is secured in the RAM 14, and these storage areas are initialized to NULL values.

Next, the CPU 12 acquires the retroactive time 16a from the setting file 16 (S102) and stores the value in the retroactive time memory 14a of the RAM 14 (S103). Although the details will be described later, the value stored in the retroactive time memory 14a is used in the retroactive update process S500 (FIG. 10). In this embodiment, the value to be set in the retroactive time memory 14a to be used in the retroactive update process S500 is acquired from the setting file 16 different from the return box management program 15b, so that the user can change the situation. The value set in the retroactive time memory 14a can be easily adjusted.

Next, the CPU 12 executes the reading process S200. Here, the reading process S200 will be described with reference to FIG. 7. In the reading process S200, the reading information 200 transmitted from the receiving reader 80a or the shipping reader 80b by converting the return box ID 91a and the employee ID 96a read by the antennas 82a and 82b is mainly processed.

In the reading process S200, the CPU 12 causes the monitor 30 to display the reading screen 300 (FIG. 4A) (S201). This indicates to the user that the CPU 12 is executing the procedure for processing the read information 200.

When the reading screen 300 is displayed on the monitor 30, the CPU 12 determines whether or not the reading information 200 is received from the receiving reader 80a or the shipping reader 80b (S202). When the CPU 12 determines that the read information 200 is being received (S202: Yes), the CPU 12 sets the value of the return box ID 201 of the read information 200 received in the return box ID memory 14c, and receives the read information 200 in the employee ID memory 14d. The value of the employee ID 202 of the reading information 200 is set (S203). When the employee ID 202 of the read information 200 has a NULL value in S203, the CPU 12 initializes the employee ID memory 14d to the NULL value.

Next, the CPU 12 determines whether or not the source of the read information 200 is the acceptance reader 80a (S204). When the CPU 12 determines that the source of the read information 200 is the acceptance reader 80a (S204: Yes), the CPU 12 updates the character string of the process memory 14b to "acceptance" (S205). On the other hand, when the CPU 12 determines that the source of the reading information 200 is not the receiving reader 80a, that is, the source of the reading information 200 is the shipping reader 80b (S204: No), the CPU 12 "ships" the character string of the process memory 14b. Is updated (S206). When the processes of S204, S205, and S206 are executed by the CPU 12, the process memory 14b has a value indicating whether the read information 200 is transmitted from the receiving reader 80a or the shipping reader 80b, in other words, the return box ID 201. A value indicating whether the return box 90 identified by the above has passed through the receiving place 101 or the shipping place 102 is set.

The CPU 12 executes the update process S300 shown in FIG. 8 after the process of S205 or S206. From here, the update process S300 will be described with reference to FIG. The update process S300 is a process for updating the information in the return box table 17a based on the contents of the received read information 200.

In the update process S300, the CPU 12 first acquires a value indicating the date and time at that time from the clock 18, and sets the acquired value in the current time memory 14e (S301). In other words, in the process of S301, the CPU 12 updates the contents stored in the current time memory 14e to a value indicating the date and time at that time.

Next, the CPU 12 positions the record to be updated in the return box table 17a (S302). Here, "positioning" is a known technique known as a "cursor" in the field of relational databases, and refers to specifying one of a plurality of records for reference processing or update processing to be executed thereafter. The same applies when the expression "positioning" is used in the following description.

Regarding the processing of S302, specifically, the CPU 12 determines that among the records in the return box table 17a, the return box ID 17a1 is the same as the value of the return box ID memory 14c, that is, the value of the return box ID memory 14c. Positioned in a record that has information about the identified return box 90.

Next, the CPU 12 determines whether or not the position 17a4 of the positioned record is the same as the value of the process memory 14b (S303). As will be described in detail later, the state 17a4 is a field in which the value of the process memory 14b when the record was last updated is set. In this embodiment, it is premised that one return box 90 passes through the receiving place 101 and the shipping place 102 alternately, but when the values of the state 17a4 and the process memory 14b are the same, the values are the same. , It is expected that the return box ID 91a is read from the return box tag 91 in duplicate at either the reception place 101 or the shipping place 102. Therefore, when the CPU 12 determines that the values of the state 17a4 and the process memory 14b are the same in the determination of S303 (S303: Yes), the CPU 12 skips the processes from S304 to S314 and records the history, which is the next procedure. Proceed to process S400. By skipping the processes from S304 to S314 based on the determination of S303, it is possible to avoid updating the return box table 17a based on invalid information.

When the CPU 12 determines that the values of the state 17a4 and the process memory 14b are not the same (S303: No), the CPU 12 updates the state 17a4 to the value of the process memory 14b (S304). As a result, in the state 17a4, a value indicating whether the return box 90 identified by the return box ID 17a1 of the record finally passed through the order reception place 101 or the shipping place 102 is set. The location of the returnable box 90 can be easily known by referring to the value of the state 17a4.

Next, the CPU 12 determines whether or not the value of the process memory 14b is “acceptance” (S305).

When the CPU 12 determines that the value of the process memory 14b is "accepted" (S305: Yes), the CPU 12 updates the average operating time 17a6 of the record positioned in the process of S302 (S306). As described above, the average operating time 17a6 is the average number of days that the return box 90 is used outside the warehouse 100, in other words, the average number of days from the return box 90 passing through the shipping place 102 to the receiving place 101. is there.

In S306, the CPU 12 specifically calculates the average operating time 17a6 by the formula of "(average operating time 17a6 x rotation speed 17a3 + (current date / time memory 14e-last read date / time 17a5)) ÷ (rotation speed 17a3 + 1)". Update to the calculated value. In this calculation formula, the influence of the average operating time 17a6 calculated by executing S306 up to the previous time in the part of "average operating time 17a6 x rotation speed 17a3" is "current date and time memory 14e-last read date and time 17a5". This time, the return box 90 shows the influence of the time from the shipping place 102 to the ordering place 101, and the CPU 12 should newly set the average operating time 17a6 as the average value of these times in S306. Is calculated. As described here, the fact that the subtraction between the values indicating the date and time indicates the time interval between the two dates and times is the same in other parts of the present specification.

As described above, in this embodiment, a new average value is calculated using the average value (average operating time 17a6) and the number of samples (rotation speed 17a3) calculated up to the previous time. As a result, the average operating time 17a6 can be updated without memorizing the values of all the past samples (the time required from the shipping place 101 to the receiving place 101), so that the storage resources and computational resources in the computer 10 can be stored. You can save.

After the process of S306, the CPU 12 adds 1 to the rotation speed 17a3 to update (S307). As a result, the number of times the returnable box 90 has passed through the order receiving place 101 can be grasped from the value stored in the rotation speed 17a3. Further, the number of times that the returnable box 90 has passed through the shipping place 102 is obtained by subtracting 1 from the rotation speed 17a3.

Next, the CPU 12 acquires the value of the limit rotation speed 17b3 from the type table 17b (SS308). As described above, the limit rotation speed 17b3 is a value indicating the number of circulations and circulations, which is the useful limit of the returnable box 90, and is predetermined according to the type of the returnable box 90. Specifically, in S308, the CPU 12 acquires the limit rotation speed 17b3 from the record of the type table 17b having the type 17b1 that matches the type 17a2 of the record of the return box table 17a positioned in S302.

The CPU 12 uses the acquired limit rotation speed 17b3 to determine whether the rotation speed 17a3 is larger than the limit rotation speed 17b3 (S309). That is, in the determination of S309, it is determined whether or not the target returnable box 90 exceeds the service limit.

When the CPU 12 determines that the rotation speed 17a3 is larger than the limit rotation speed 17b3 (S309: Yes), the return box 90 should be discarded, so that the speaker 33 reproduces an alarm sound (S310). As a result, it is possible to notify the worker or the like of the existence of the return box 90 to be discarded, so that the return box 90 that has reached the end of its useful life can be reliably discarded.

Next, the CPU 12 updates the predicted discard date 17a8 of the record of the return box table 17a positioned in S302 to the date indicated by the value of the current date and time memory 14e (S311). This is a measure to set the current date and time as the date when the return box 90 is expected to be discarded because the return box 90 has already reached the state where it should be discarded.

On the other hand, in the determination of S309, when the CPU 12 determines that the rotation speed 17a3 is the limit rotation speed 17b3 or less (S309: No), it calculates the date on which the target return box 90 is expected to be discarded, and predicts the disposal. The day 17b8 is updated to the calculated date (S312). Specifically, the CPU 12 sets the predicted disposal date 17a8 to be "(average operating time 17a6 + average residence time 17a7) x (limit rotation speed 17b3-rotation speed 17a3-1)" with respect to the date indicated by the current date and time memory 14e. Update the period (number of days) calculated by the formula to the advanced date. In this calculation formula, the portion of "average operating time 17a6 + average residence time 17a7" corresponds to the average time of one circulation and distribution of the return box 90, and the portion of "limit rotation speed 17b3-rotation speed 17a3-1" is , Corresponds to the number of circulations until the return box 90 reaches the end of its useful life.

In this way, the time when the returnable box 90 is predicted to reach the useful limit is determined by using the average time interval required for the returnable box 90 for one circulation and the number of times of circulation until the return limit is reached. Since the calculation is performed, the person who manages the return box 90 can easily recognize the disposal time of the return box 90. For example, it is difficult to recognize when the returnable box 90 will be discarded by grasping only the number of circulations to the end of its useful life, but in this embodiment, the disposal time of the returnable box 90 is specified. You can know.

Returning to S305, the explanation will be given. In S305, when the CPU 12 determines that the process memory 14b is not "accepted", that is, the process memory 14b is "shipped" (S305: No), the average retention of the records in the return box table 17a positioned in S302 is retained. The time 17a7 is updated (S313). Specifically, the CPU 12 calculates the average residence time 17a7 by the calculation formula of "(average residence time 17a7 x (rotation speed 17a3-1) + (current date and time memory 14e-last read date and time 17a5)) / rotation speed 17a3". Update to the calculated value. In this calculation formula, the part of "average residence time 17a7 x (rotation speed 17a3-1)" is the influence of the average residence time 17a7 calculated by executing S313 up to the previous time, and "current date and time memory 14e-final". The part of "reading date and time 17a5" represents the influence of the time required for the returnable box 90 to reach the ordering place 101 from the shipping place 102, respectively, and the CPU 12 newly averages the average value of these times in S313. The value to be set at the time 17a7 is calculated.

As for the calculation of the average residence time 17a7 here, as in the calculation of the average operating time 17a6 (S306) described above, a new average value is calculated by using the average value calculated in the past and the number of samples. , The storage resources and computational resources of the computer 10 can be further saved.

After executing any of the processes of S311 and S312 or S313, the CPU 12 updates the last read date and time 17a5 of the record of the return box table 17a positioned in S302 to the value of the current date and time memory 14e (S314). By executing the processes S301 to S313 described so far in the CPU 12, the update of the return box table 17a based on the received read information 200 is completed.

After executing S314, the CPU 12 executes the history recording process S400 in order to keep a record that the return box 90 has passed through either the receiving place 101 or the shipping place 102. Here, the history recording process S400 will be described with reference to FIG.

In the history recording process S400, the CPU 12 first creates a new record in the history table 17c, and sets the record as a subsequent processing target (S401). The CPU 12 updates the record created in S401 to the value of the return box ID 17c1 to the value of the return box ID memory 14c, the date and time 17c2 to the value of the current date and time memory 14e, and the process 17c3 to the value of the process memory 14b (S402). As a result, the history of the return box ID 91a (return box ID 17c1) being read by the antenna 82a or the antenna 82b, in other words, the history of the return box 90 passing through the receiving place 101 or the shipping place 102 is stored in the history table 17c. Can be done.

Next, the CPU 12 determines whether or not the employee ID memory 14d has a NULL value (S403). When the CPU 12 determines that the employee memory 14d is a NULL value (S403: Yes), the employee ID 96a is not read together with the return box ID 91a by the antennas 82a and 82b, and the return box ID 91a (return box ID 17c1) is not read. There is no value for employee ID 17c4 associated with. Therefore, when the CPU 12 affirms the judgment of S403 (S403: Yes), the CPU 12 sets the NULL value in the employee ID 17c4 (S410).

Next, the CPU 12 updates the accepting employee ID memory 14f to the NULL value when the process memory 14b is "accepted" (S411: Yes) (S412), and when the process memory 14b is not "accepted", that is, When the process memory 14b is "shipped" (S411: No), the shipping employee ID memory 14g is updated to the NULL value (S413).

When the CPU executes S412 or S413, the CPU terminates the history storage process S400.

The explanation will be given by returning to S403. When the CPU 12 determines in S403 that the employee ID memory 14d is not a NULL value (S403: No), the CPU 12 updates the employee ID 17c4 of the record created in S401 to the value of the employee ID memory 14d (S404). .. Thereby, the return box ID 17c1 and the employee ID 17c4 can be associated and stored in the history table 17c. By referring to the record stored in the history table 17c in this way, the return box 90 and the employee (not shown) can be recognized in association with the return box ID 17c1 and the employee ID 17c4. It is also useful for traceability management of the return box 90.

Next, the CPU 12 determines whether or not the process memory 14b is “accepted” (S405). When the CPU 12 determines that the process memory 14b is "accepted" (S405: Yes), the CPU 12 determines whether or not the employee ID memory 14b and the accepting employee ID memory 14f match (S406). The value of the receiving employee ID memory 14f is a value updated in S407 described below as that of the employee working at the receiving entrance 101. Therefore, in the determination of S406, it is determined whether or not the employee ID 96a different from the previously grasped accepting employee ID memory 14f is read by the antenna 82a of the receiving entrance 101.

When the CPU 12 determines that the employee ID memory 14d matches the receiving employee ID memory 14f (S406: Yes), there is no change in the employee ID 96a read at the receiving entrance 101, and the retroactive update process S500 described later Is determined to be unnecessary, and the history recording process S400 is terminated.

On the other hand, when the CPU 12 determines that the employee ID memory 14d and the accepting employee ID memory 14f do not match (S406: No), the CPU 12 first updates the accepting employee ID memory 14f to the value of the employee ID memory 14d. .. Next, the CPU 12 executes the retroactive update process S500 shown in FIG. 10 and then ends the history recording process S400. The details of the retroactive update process S500 will be described later.

In the determination of S405, when the CPU 12 determines that the process memory 14b is not "accepted", that is, the process memory 14b is "shipped" (S405: No), the employee ID memory and the shipping employee ID memory 14g are one. If not (S408: No), the shipping employee a D memory 14g is updated to the value of the employee ID memory 14d, the retroactive update process S500 is executed, and the history recording process S400 is terminated. On the other hand, when it is determined that the employee ID memory 14d and the shipping employee ID memory 14g match (S408: Yes), the CPU 12 skips S409 and S500 and ends the history recording process S400.

In the history recording process S400 described so far, the value of the employee ID memory 14b is the value of the previously acquired employee ID (accepting employee ID memory 14f or shipping employee ID memory 14g) based on the judgment of S406 or S408. The retroactive update process S500 is executed only when it is different from the above. Therefore, since the retroactive update process S500 is not executed even when the value of the employee ID memory 14b is the same as before, the computational resources of the computer 10 can be effectively utilized.

Next, the retroactive update process S500 described above will be described with reference to FIG. The retroactive update process S500 is a process of updating the employee ID 17c4 of the records in the history table 17c for which the employee ID 17c4 is set to the NULL value.

In the retroactive update process S500, the CPU 12 first positions the first record in the history table 17c (S501). Next, the CPU 12 determines whether or not the employee ID 17c4 of the positioned record is a NULL value (S502). When the CPU 12 determines that the employee ID 17c4 has a NULL value (S502: Yes), the CPU 12 determines whether or not the process 17c3 matches the value of the process memory 14b (S503). When the CPU 12 determines that the values of the process 17c3 and the process memory 14b match (S503: Yes), the date and time 17c2 and the current date and time memory 14e time interval, that is, from the creation of the record in the history table 17c to the present. It is determined whether or not the period is smaller than the retroactive time memory 14a (S504).

When the CPU 12 determines that the date / time 17c2 and the current date / time memory 14e time interval are equal to or less than the value of the retroactive time memory 14a (S504: Yes), the CPU 12 updates the employee ID 17c4 of the record to the value of the employee ID memory 14d ( S505).

On the other hand, when the CPU 12 denies any of the above-mentioned determinations S502, S503, and S504, the CPU 12 skips the process of S505.

If there is an unprocessed record in the history table 17c (S506: Yes), the CPU 12 positions the record in the history table 17c next to the record and repeats the process from S502. On the other hand, if there is no unprocessed record in the history table 17c (S506: No), the CPU 12 ends the execution of the retroactive update process S500.

In other words, in the retroactive update process S500 described so far, in the CPU 12, among the records in the history table 17c, the employee ID 17c4 is the NULL value (S502: Yes), and the process 17c3 is one with the value of the process memory 14b. When the time interval between the date and time 17c2 and the current time memory 14e is less than or equal to the retroactive time memory 14a (S504: Yes), the process of S505 is executed and the employee ID 17c4 is converted to the employee ID memory. Update to the value of 14d.

According to the retroactive update process S500, the employee ID 17c4 can be retroactively set for the record in the history table 17c for which the employee ID 17c4 could not be set in the history recording process S400. For example, even if the employee ID 96a is not read by the antenna 82a at the same time as the return box ID 91a for some reason, the value is set in the employee ID 17c4 based on the employee ID 96a read thereafter, so that the history table 17c It is possible to improve the accuracy of the contents stored in.

Further, in this embodiment, the retroactive update of the employee ID 17c4 is limited to the time interval indicated by the value of the retroactive time memory 14c. As a result, it is possible to prevent the employee ID 17c4 from being set with a value that should not be associated with the return box ID 17c1 in the history table 17c. As described above, the value of the retroactive time memory 14a is the retroactive time 16a acquired from the setting file 16, and may be appropriately adjusted depending on the mode of business in the warehouse 100, for example, “5 minutes”.

When the CPU 12 finishes the execution of the retroactive update process S500, the history recording process S400, and the update process S300, the CPU 12 returns to the execution of the read process S200 (FIG. 7) and repeats the process from S202. When the CPU 12 determines in the reading process S200 that the reading information 200 is not received (S202: No), the CPU 12 determines whether or not the button element arranged on the reading screen 300 displayed on the monitor 30 has been clicked. (S207). When the CPU 12 determines that there is no click operation of the button element (S207: No), the CPU 12 returns to S202 and repeats the process.

On the other hand, when the CPU 12 determines that the button element on the reading screen 300 has been clicked (S207: Yes), the CPU 12 determines which button element has been clicked (S208). When the CPU 12 determines that the click operation is the data reference button 301 (S208: refer to the data), the CPU 12 executes the function selection process S1000 described later, while the click operation is the end button 302. If it is determined that (S208: end), the reading process S200 is terminated. The CPU 12 ends the execution of the main process S100 following the end of the execution of the read process S200, and ends the execution of the return box management program 15b by the end of the main process S100.

Next, the function selection process S1000 will be described with reference to FIG. As described above, the function selection process S1000 is a process called when it is determined in the reading process S200 that the data reference button 301 has been clicked (S208: data reference), and the monitor 30 displays the function selection screen S320. It is for accepting the user's selection of functions.

In the function selection process S1000, the CPU 12 first displays the function selection screen 320 (see FIG. 4B) on the monitor 30 (S1001), and waits until the button element is clicked by the mouse 32 (S1002: No).

When the CPU 12 determines that the button element has been clicked (S1002: Yes), the CPU 12 determines which button element has been clicked (S1003).

When the CPU 12 determines that the click operation is the history display button 321 (S1003: history display), the history display process S1100 shown in FIG. 12 is executed, and the click operation is the shortage prediction button 322. When it is determined (S1003: shortage prediction), the shortage prediction process S1200 shown in FIG. 13 is executed. When the CPU 12 finishes executing the history display process S1100 or the shortage prediction process S1200, the CPU 12 returns to S1001 and repeats the process.

In the determination of S1003, when the CPU 12 determines that the click operation is the end button 323 (S1003: end), the function selection process S1000 is terminated and the process returns to the execution of the read process S200.

Next, the history display process S1100 will be described with reference to FIG. The history display process S1100 is a process for displaying the history display screen 330 (see FIG. 5A) on the monitor 30 to show the user the contents stored in the history table 17c.

The CPU 12 first causes the monitor 30 to display the history display screen 330 (S1101), and then positions it in the first record of the history table 17c (S1102).

The CPU 12 displays the returnable box ID 17c1, the date and time 17c2, the process 17c3, and the employee ID 17c4 of the positioned records on the history display unit 331 of the history display screen 330 (S1103). As described above, the history display unit 331 is configured in a table format, and the CPU 12 controls the display so that the content corresponding to one record becomes one line.

Next, the CPU 12 determines whether or not there is an unprocessed record in the history table 17c (S1104). When the CPU 12 determines that there is an unprocessed record (S1104: Yes), it positions it in the next record in the history table 17c and repeats the process from S1103. On the other hand, when the CPU 12 determines that there is no unprocessed record in the history table 17c (S1104: No), it waits until the user clicks the back button 332 (S1106: No), and then clicks the back button 332. If there is (S1106: Yes), the history display process S1100 is terminated and the process returns to the execution of the function selection process S1000.

By referring to the history display screen 330 displayed on the monitor 30 by executing the history display process S1100 in this way, the user can easily refer to the history of passing through the reception hall 101 or the shipping place 102 for each of the return boxes 90, and the history. , You can know the employee who was engaged in the work at the time of passing. Further, as described above, since the employee ID 17c4 in the history table 17c is accurately recorded by the effect of the retroactive update process S500 (FIG. 10), the user can acquire more reliable information.

Next, the shortage prediction process S1200 will be described with reference to FIG. The shortage prediction process S1200 calculates the time when the number of return boxes 90 is predicted to be insufficient for each type of return box 90, that is, the prediction shortage date, and displays the calculation result or the like on the monitor 30 to show the user. It is a process.

In the shortage prediction process S1200, the CPU 12 first causes the monitor 30 to display the shortage prediction screen 340 (see FIG. 5B) (S1201).

Next, the CPU 12 sets the order of extracting records from the return box table 17a (S1202). Specifically, the return box table 17a is set to be in ascending order of type 17a2 and descending order of scheduled disposal date 17a8. As the order setting referred to here, a known technique known as SQL can be used.

Next, the CPU 12 positions the first record of the return box table 17a under the order set in S1202 (S1203). After that, the CPU 12 sets the value of the type 17a2 of the positioned record in the type memory 14h (S1204). As a result, the value of the type 17a2 currently being processed is held in the type memory 14h.

Next, the CPU 12 initializes the operating number memory 14i, the staying number memory 14j, the total number memory 14k, and the prediction shortage date memory 14m, respectively, in order to start counting the types of the values held in the type memory 14h (S1205). ). The term "initialization" as used herein means to set 0 (zero) for the operating number memory 14i, the staying number memory 14j, and the total number memory 14k, and the prediction shortage date memory 14m is sufficiently separated from the present. It means setting a future date (for example, a date 100 years later).

Next, the CPU 12 acquires the required number 17b2 from the type table 17b (S1206). More specifically, the CPU 12 acquires the required number 17b2 from the record of the type table 17b having the type 17b1 matching the type memory 14h.

Next, the CPU 12 determines whether or not the state 17b4 of the record of the positioned return box table 17a is "accepted" (S1207). That is, in S1207, it is determined whether the return box 90 identified by the return box ID 17a1 of the record is operating outside the warehouse 100 or staying inside the warehouse 100.

When the CPU 12 determines that the state 17a4 is "accepted" (S1207: Yes), the CPU 12 adds 1 to the retention number memory 14j and updates it (S1208). On the other hand, when the CPU 12 determines that the state 17a4 is not "accepted", that is, "shipped" (S1207: No), the CPU 12 adds 1 to the operating number memory 14i and updates it (S1209). After executing S1208 or S1209, the CPU 12 adds 1 to the total number memory 14k and updates it (S1210).

Next, the CPU 12 determines whether or not the value of the total number memory 14k is smaller than the value of the required number 17b2 acquired in S1206 (S1211). When the CPU 12 determines that the value of the total number memory 14k is smaller than the required number 17b2 (S1211: Yes), the CPU 12 updates with the value of the predicted disposal date 17a8 of the record of the return box table 17a in which the predicted shortage date memory 14m is positioned. (S1212). On the other hand, when the CPU 12 determines that the value of the total number memory 14k is the required number 17b or more, the processing of S1212 is skipped.

After that, the CPU 12 determines whether there are unprocessed records in the return box table 17a (S1213), and if it determines that there are unprocessed records (S1213: Yes), the return box table 17a follows the order set in S1202. It is positioned in the next record of (S1214).

Next, the CPU 12 determines whether or not the type 17a2 of the positioned record matches the type memory 14h (S1215). When the CPU 12 determines that the type 17a2 and the type memory 14h are the same (S1215: Yes), the CPU 12 repeats the process from S1207, assuming that the aggregation for the same type of the returnable box 90 can be continued.

On the other hand, when the CPU 12 determines that the type 17a2 and the type memory 14h do not match (S1215: No), the monitor 30 displays the result of the calculation by the processing performed so far (S1216). More specifically, in the processing of S1216, the CPU 12 displays the result display unit 341 of the shortage prediction screen 340 (see FIG. 5B) with the type memory 14h, the operating number memory 14i, the staying number memory 14j, and the total number memory 14k. , The value of the predicted shortage day memory 14m is displayed as one line.

After performing the display processing of S1216, the CPU 12 updates the type memory 14h to the value of the type 14a2 of the positioned record (S1214), and repeats the processing after S1205.

In the determination of S1213, when the CPU 12 determines that there is no unprocessed record in the return box table 12a (S1213: No), the type memory 14h, the operating number memory 14i, and the staying number memory 14j, as in the processing of S1216 described above. The values of the total number memory 14k and the prediction shortage date memory 14m are displayed on the result display unit 341 on the monitor 30 (S1217).

After that, the CPU 12 waits until the back button 342 is clicked (S1218: No), and ends the shortage prediction process S1200 when the back button 342 is clicked (S1218: Yes). When the shortage prediction process S1200 is terminated, the CPU 12 returns to the execution of the function selection process S1000.

By referring to the shortage prediction screen 340 displayed on the monitor 30 by executing the shortage prediction process S1200 in this way, the user can determine the number of the commuting places 90 for each type (number of operations, number of stays, total number). Not only can it be grasped, but it is also possible to easily grasp when it is predicted that there will be a shortage for each type. For example, when the user who refers to the shortage prediction screen 340 is a person who manages the inventory of the return box 90, the replenishment time and the replenishment quantity of the return box 90 can be easily determined based on the display content of the result display unit 341. It is convenient.

According to the return box management system 1 of the present embodiment described above, it is possible to easily know when the return box 90 is expected to reach the end of its useful life and be discarded. In addition, since it is possible to easily know when the number of returnable boxes 90 is less than a predetermined number for each type, that is, when it is predicted that the number of returnable boxes 90 will be insufficient, the user can efficiently manage the inventory of the returnable boxes 90. Can be done.

In the return box management system 1, the CPU 12 that executes the return box management program 15b retroactively updates the employee ID 17c4 in the history table 17c, so that it is possible to prevent the information from being left incomplete. Therefore, the history of circulation and distribution of the returnable box 90 can be accurately obtained from the history table 17c.

Although the present invention has been described so far based on Examples, it goes without saying that the practice of the present invention is not limited to this.

For example, in the present embodiment, it has been described that the antennas 82a and 82b are installed in the reception area 101 and the shipping area 102, respectively, but the antenna 82a may be installed only in the reception area 101. In this case, since the circulation distribution of the return box 90 is grasped only at the reception entrance 101, the average circulation time is calculated and stored as one value for the average operating time 17a3 and the average residence time 17a4 of the return box table 17a. You can do it like this. Further, the calculation of the average operating time 17a3 and the average residence time 17a4 in the update process S300 (FIG. 8) may be replaced with the above-mentioned calculation of the average circulation time.

Further, in this embodiment, it has been described that the "average value" is calculated as the average operating time 17a3 and the average residence time 17a4, but another statistical value is used to grasp the time required for the circulation and distribution of the returnable box 90. Needless to say, use it. For example, it is possible to calculate as an average value including weighting in order to give priority to the latest value, or to select from known statistical methods such as the mode value and the maximum value. In addition, it was explained that a specific date is calculated as the scheduled disposal date 17a8 or the forecast shortage date, but this is just an example, and the time such as the year and month, a more specific time, or the time from the present. The interval may be calculated.

Further, in the present embodiment, the employee ID 17c4 for identifying the employee has been described as the information associated with the return box ID 17c1 in the history table 17c, but other information may be used as the information associated with the return box ID 17c1. .. For example, instead of the employee ID 17c4, it may be information indicating a destination outside the warehouse 100 or information indicating a package to be stored in the return box 90.

Further, it has been explained that the return box ID 91a and the employee ID 96a read by the antennas 82a and 82b by the RFID method are input to the computer 10 from the receiving reader 80a and the shipping reader 80b as the reading information 200 via the LAN 50. Other means can be used as a method for inputting the ID 91a and the employee ID 96a into the computer 10. For example, a bar code reader may be connected to the computer 10 to read the return box ID 91a from the bar code attached to the return box 90. The return box ID 91a and the employee ID 96a may be configured to be acquired by the same method (that is, RFID) as in this embodiment. For example, the return box ID 91a is a barcode and the employee ID 96a. May be configured to be acquired in a different manner from RFID.

Further, although it has been explained that the returnable box management program 15a of this embodiment is one program, it is naturally possible to have a plurality of programs divided according to the function. Alternatively, it has been described that the information used for executing the return box management program 15b, such as the return box table 17a, is stored in the hard disk 15 in the computer 10, but for example, a server connected via the LAN 50 or a cloud on the Internet. Information may be retained in the storage. In this case, the NIC 19 serves as a storage device in the computer 10. Similarly, in the point of acquiring the time using the clock 18, the NIC 19 serves as a time acquisition device when the time is acquired from another device connected via the LAN 50.

In the return box management system 1, the box-shaped return box 90 has been described as a management target, but it goes without saying that various transportation materials such as pallets and packaging containers can be managed in the present invention.

1 Returnable box management system 10 Computer (transportation material management device, electronic computer)
12 CPU (arithmetic unit)
15 Hard disk (storage device)
15b Return box management program (transportation material management program)
16 Setting file 16a Retroactive time 17a Return box table 17a1 Return box ID (identification information)
17b Type table 17c History table 17c1 Returnable box ID (identification information)
17c4 Employee ID (additional information)
18 Clock (time acquisition device)
19 NIC (1st input means, 2nd input means)
80a Accepting reader 81a Sensor 82a Antenna 80b Shipping leader 81b Sensor 82b Antenna 90 Return box (transport material)
91 Return box tag 91a Return box ID (identification information)
95 Employee Card 96 Employee Tag 96a Employee ID (Additional Information)
100 Warehouse 101 Reception 102 Shipping place S203 (1st reception step, 2nd reception step, 1st reception means, 2nd reception means)
S301 (time acquisition step, time acquisition means)
S402 (1st storage step, 1st storage means)
S403 (judgment step, judgment means)
S404 (second storage step, second storage means)
S502 (part of selection step, part of selection means)
S504 (part of selection step, part of selection means)
S505 (third storage step, third storage means)

Claims (4)

Calculation of a computer including a storage device that rewritably stores information, a first input device that accepts input of identification information that identifies a transportation material, and a second input device that accepts input of additional information about the transportation material. In the transportation material management program executed on the equipment
The first reception step of receiving the identification information via the first input device, and
The first storage step of storing the identification information received by the first reception step in the storage device, and
A second reception step for receiving the additional information via the second input device, and
A determination step for determining whether or not the additional information has been received by the second reception step at substantially the same time as the identification information has been received by the first reception step.
When it is determined by the determination step that the additional information has been received by the second reception step at substantially the same time as the identification information has been received by the first reception step, the additional information received by the second reception step. In the second storage step, which is associated with the identification information received by the first reception step and stored in the storage device.
When the additional information is received by the second reception step, among the identification information stored in the storage device by the first storage step, the identification information to which the additional information is not associated by the second storage step is not associated. With selection steps to select
A third storage step of storing the additional information received by the second reception step in the storage device in association with the identification information selected by the selection step.
A transportation material management program characterized by being executed by the arithmetic unit. The computer is equipped with a time acquisition device capable of acquiring time.
The arithmetic unit is made to execute a time acquisition step of acquiring the time when the identification information is received by the first reception step by the time acquisition device.
The first storage step is
The identification information received by the first reception step is stored in the storage device in association with the time acquired in the time acquisition step.
The selection step
The first aspect of claim 1, wherein the identification information stored in the storage device is selected on condition that the time associated with the identification information in the first storage step is after a predetermined time. Transportation material management program. A transportation material management device including a storage device that rewritably stores information, a first input device that accepts input of identification information that identifies the transportation material, and a second input device that accepts input of additional information about the transportation material. In
A first receiving means for receiving the identification information via the first input device,
A first storage means for storing the identification information received by the first reception means in the storage device, and
A second receiving means for receiving the input of the additional information from the second input device, and
A determination means for determining whether or not the additional information has been received by the second reception means at substantially the same time as the identification information has been received by the first reception means.
When it is determined by the determination means that the additional information has been received by the second reception means at substantially the same time as the identification information has been received by the first reception means, the additional information received by the second reception means. The second storage means for storing the information in the storage device in association with the identification information received by the first reception means.
When the input of the additional information is received by the second receiving means, among the identification information stored in the storage device by the first storage means, the additional information is not associated with the second storage means. A selection method for selecting identification information and
In association with the identification information selected by the selection means, transport the material control system and a third storage unit that stores the additional information received by the second receiving means in said storage device.
A time acquisition device that can acquire the time and
The time acquisition means for acquiring the time when the identification information is received by the first reception means by the time acquisition device is provided.
The first storage means
The identification information received by the first receiving means is stored in the storage device in association with the time acquired by the time acquiring means.
The selection means
The third aspect of claim 3, wherein the identification information stored in the storage device is selected on condition that the time associated with the identification information by the first storage means is after a predetermined time. Transportation material management device.

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