WO2024262121A1 - Picking system - Google Patents

Abstract

This picking system comprises: a first automated warehouse for storing items in case units; a diversion station for transferring, into containers, in-stock items which are in units of cases; a second automated warehouse connected to the diversion station; a third automated warehouse connected to the diversion station and the second automated warehouse, respectively; a picking station connected to the third automated warehouse; and a controller for managing the movement of the items. The controller causes a first item having a high picking frequency to be moved directly from the diversion station to the third automated warehouse to be stored, causes a second item having a low picking frequency to be moved from the diversion station to the second automated warehouse to be stored and, on the basis of an order, causes the second item to be moved from the second automated warehouse to the third automated warehouse.

Description

Picking System

This disclosure relates to a picking system.

A system is known that includes multiple automated warehouses and transports items stored in the automated warehouses to a picking station. For example, in the system described in Patent Document 1, trays containing multiple items are stored on the storage shelves of a first automated warehouse, and individual items or collections of multiple items are stored on the storage shelves of a second automated warehouse. Trays or items removed from each of the first and second automated warehouses are transported to a picking station near an automatic sorting device. At each picking station, a worker removes the necessary items and transfers them to the automatic sorting device. The products sorted by the automatic sorting device are packed into boxes by a worker.

JP 2018-47997 A

As mentioned above, systems with multiple automated warehouses have been considered in the past, but there are many parts of the system that require human intervention. In recent years, there has been a trend toward more diverse and larger-volume orders. Therefore, in picking systems, there is a demand for an increase in the number of items sent to picking stations (the number of items sent per unit time).

This disclosure describes a picking system that can increase the number of items sent to a picking station for a wide variety of orders.

[1] A picking system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a first automated warehouse that stores products in case units, a conversion station connected to the first automated warehouse and for transferring case-unit inventory products into containers, a second automated warehouse connected to the conversion station, a third automated warehouse connected to each of the conversion station and the second automated warehouse, a picking station connected to the third automated warehouse, and a controller that receives orders and manages the movement of products. The products include a first product that is picked frequently and a second product that is picked less frequently than the first product. The controller moves the first product directly from the conversion station to the third automated warehouse for storage, moves the second product from the conversion station to the second automated warehouse for storage, moves the second product from the second automated warehouse to the third automated warehouse based on the order, and continuously moves the first product and the second product included in the order from the third automated warehouse to the picking station.

According to the picking system of [1] above, a controller combines multiple automated warehouses and manages the flow of goods according to picking frequency. The first goods are moved directly from the conversion station to the third automated warehouse, while the second goods are temporarily stored in the second automated warehouse and then moved to the third automated warehouse based on the order. This makes it possible to increase the quantity shipped to the picking station even for large orders consisting of a wide variety of goods.

[2] In the picking system of [1] above, the controller, for example, grasps the shipping quantity of the second product included in the order and the number of the second product stored in the second automated warehouse. If the controller determines that the shipping quantity of the second product is large compared to the number stored, it may move the second product stored in the first automated warehouse in case units to the conversion station, and then move the second product transferred to a container directly to the third automated warehouse. In this case, it is possible to respond to emergency delivery of the second product. For example, by directly moving the second product included in the next batch of orders from the conversion station, it is possible to shorten the time required to collect the second product in the next batch at the third automated warehouse.

[3] In the picking system of [1] or [2] above, the controller, for example, executes multiple batches in sequence and keeps track of the orders included in the next batch scheduled after the current batch. In this case, the controller may move a first product that is not included in the next batch from the third automated warehouse to the second automated warehouse while the current batch is being executed. In this case, even if it is a first product, if it will not be shipped in the next batch, it will be moved to the second automated warehouse. As a result, the free space in the third automated warehouse can be increased, and the margin for handling a variety of products can be increased. Inventory optimization is achieved.

[4] In any one of the above picking systems [1] to [3], the third automated warehouse is, for example, an automated warehouse group consisting of multiple automated warehouse units. The controller, for example, executes multiple batches in sequence and grasps the orders included in the next batch scheduled after the current batch. In this case, the controller may move a second product stored in the automated warehouse unit and not included in the next batch from the third automated warehouse to the second automated warehouse while the current batch is being executed. In this case, if the second product is not removed from the automated warehouse unit in the next batch, it is moved to the second automated warehouse. As a result, the free space in the third automated warehouse can be increased, and the margin for handling a variety of products can be increased. Inventory optimization is achieved.

[5] In any one of the above picking systems [1] to [3], the third automated warehouse is, for example, an automated warehouse group consisting of multiple automated warehouse units. The controller, for example, executes multiple batches in sequence and grasps the orders included in the next batch scheduled after the current batch. In this case, the controller may move a second product stored in the automated warehouse unit during execution of the current batch and not to be delivered in the next batch to another automated warehouse unit that can deliver the second product in the next batch. In this case, the second product is not delivered from the automated warehouse unit in the next batch, but is moved to another automated warehouse unit that is closer to the scheduled picking station, for example. The efficiency of moving from the automated warehouse group to the picking station is improved. Inventory is optimized.

According to this disclosure, it is possible to increase the quantity shipped to the picking station even for large orders consisting of a wide variety of products.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of a picking system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a flow of products (containers) in the picking system of FIG.

The following describes an embodiment of the present disclosure with reference to the drawings.

First, referring to FIG. 1, a picking system S according to one embodiment will be described. The picking system S is a system that is installed in, for example, a distribution center. The picking system S stores a wide variety of products (articles) in multiple automated warehouses, and moves products corresponding to orders from the multiple automated warehouses to a picking station ST by sequentially executing multiple batches. In the picking system S, the number of areas between the multiple automated warehouses where workers need to be involved is reduced, and movement control between the automated warehouses is performed by a controller 5. The picking system S excels in the number of items delivered to the picking station ST (the number of items delivered per unit time) for a wide variety of orders.

The picking system S comprises a first automated warehouse 1, a conversion station 10, a second automated warehouse 20, a third automated warehouse 30, and a picking station ST. There may be one each of the first automated warehouse 1, the conversion station 10, the second automated warehouse 20, and the third automated warehouse 30, but as appropriate, at least one of these may be provided multiple times. The picking system S comprises three different types (three formats) of automated warehouses consisting of the first automated warehouse 1, the second automated warehouse 20, and the third automated warehouse 30.

The first automated warehouse 1 is connected to the receiving station of the center, and stores many types of products in case units. When products are stored in case units, only one type of product is stored in one case. A case is also called, for example, an outer box or outer carton. The first automated warehouse 1 is a case automated warehouse. The first automated warehouse 1 is an automated warehouse using a stacker crane system, and is equipped with well-known components such as storage shelves, stacker cranes, and conveyors related to retrieval and entry. As an example, the first automated warehouse 1 has 30 to 40 lines. In this specification, when a piece of equipment is "connected" to another piece of equipment, it means that the equipment is equipped with a configuration that allows products (goods) to be moved (or transported) between those pieces of equipment.

The conversion station 10 is connected to the first automated warehouse 1 via the moving path T1. The conversion station 10 is a station for transferring case-based inventory items into containers smaller than the cases. The conversion station 10 is a container transfer station. The containers used in the conversion station 10 are, for example, folding containers and other collapsible containers, also called returnable containers. In the picking system S, a large number of containers are used to transfer (transport) a wide variety of products, and are circulated by moving along paths connecting each automated warehouse and station. The conversion station 10 has, as an example, about 25 to 35 individual stations. At each individual station, for example, a worker removes products from the case and transfers them into containers. Only one type of product is placed in one container. The conversion station 10 includes conveyors related to transport, a display device provided for worker work, a work space, and the like. Note that an automatic conversion station having multiple container conversion devices may be adopted as the conversion station 10.

The second automated warehouse 20 is connected to the conversion station 10 via the movement path T2. The second automated warehouse 20 is a double-deep type shuttle type automated warehouse. The second automated warehouse 20 is equipped with a known configuration such as storage shelves, multiple shuttle carts, and conveyors related to retrieval and storage. The second automated warehouse 20 has 20 to 30 series, as an example. In a double-deep type automated warehouse, two loads can be placed in the depth direction on each shelf. Although double-deep type automated warehouses have a relatively poor retrieval capacity, they have the advantage of being able to store a large number of items. In the picking system S, this format is adopted for the mass storage of low-ranked items, which will be described later.

The third automated warehouse 30 is connected to the conversion station 10 and the second automated warehouse 20 via the movement paths T3a and T3b. The third automated warehouse 30 is, for example, an automated warehouse group consisting of multiple automated warehouse units 31 to 36. Each automated warehouse unit has, for example, four shuttle-type automated warehouses. Each shuttle-type automated warehouse includes a storage shelf and a shuttle cart that moves back and forth on each level. In addition to the movement path T3b, a movement path T4 is provided between the second automated warehouse 20 and the third automated warehouse 30. The movement path T3b is a path for moving goods (containers) from the second automated warehouse 20 to the third automated warehouse 30, and the movement path T4 is a path for moving goods (containers) from the third automated warehouse 30 (any of the automated warehouse units) to the second automated warehouse 20. The forward movement path T3b and the reverse movement path T4 may be shared.

The number of shuttle-type automated warehouses in the third automated warehouse 30 is set to a multiple of four, for example. The third automated warehouse 30 has, for example, 24 to 36 lines in total. One automated warehouse unit has four shuttle-type automated warehouses that are grouped together as one picking unit. Each picking unit is responsible for picking one small batch (a batch that is included in a large batch described below and is a smaller unit than the large batch). For example, if the third automated warehouse 30 has a total of 24 lines, six picking units (automatic warehouse units 31 to 36) make up the third automated warehouse 30. If the third automated warehouse 30 has a total of 36 lines, nine picking units make up the third automated warehouse 30.

In the picking system S, each automated warehouse unit of the third automated warehouse 30 temporarily stores low-ranked items that are to be picked in the currently executed batch, i.e., the next batch scheduled after the current batch. The storage and movement control of products in the third automated warehouse 30 will be described later.

The picking station ST is connected to the third automated warehouse 30. Each series of shuttle-type automated warehouses is connected to the picking station ST via an individual route. The picking station ST is made up of multiple order pick stations PS1 to PS8, etc. As an example, the picking station ST has approximately 60 to 70 order pick stations. At each order pick station, for example, a worker picks products from containers in the order quantity indicated in each order, and packs them into boxes, etc. The picking station ST includes a display device provided for the worker's picking work, a picking work space, conveyors, etc.

In the picking system S, the movement paths T1, T2, T3a, T3b, and T4 are configured with known transport equipment including conveyors and/or transport carts. In addition, the multiple paths between the third automated warehouse 30 and the order pick station of the picking station ST are shown as movement paths T5 and T6 collectively in FIG. 2. Regarding the movement paths between the third automated warehouse 30 and each of the order pick stations, the forward movement path and the reverse movement path may also be made common.

The picking system S may be provided with any other necessary components in addition to those shown in FIG. 1. For example, the picking system S may be provided with a pallet automated warehouse connected to the first automated warehouse 1. A container sequencer may be provided between the picking station ST and the shipping station of the center. A case movement path for shipping cases may be provided between the first automated warehouse 1 and the shipping station of the center.

The picking system S is equipped with a controller 5 that receives orders from a higher-level controller and manages the movement of various types of products based on the received orders. The controller 5 executes various types of movement control and other equipment control in the picking system S. The controller 5 is configured to include a processor such as a CPU, a RAM, and a ROM. The controller 5 can communicate information with each of the first automated warehouse 1, the conversion station 10, the second automated warehouse 20, the third automated warehouse 30, and the picking station ST, and can transmit control signals to each of them. Note that only one controller 5 is shown in FIG. 1, but the functions of the controller 5 do not need to be concentrated in one place (in one device). The various functions of the controller 5 may be distributed (shared) to individual controllers provided in, for example, the first automated warehouse 1, the conversion station 10, the second automated warehouse 20, the third automated warehouse 30, and the picking station ST. In that case, communication (transmission and reception) of information and commands between each controller is necessary, but such a control unit (control function) can be constructed appropriately by a person skilled in the art of this technical field.

The controller 5 executes multiple large batches in sequence in the picking system S according to a predetermined schedule for one day. In the picking system S, many types of products are classified into high-ranked products (first products) that are picked frequently, and low-ranked products (second products) that are picked less frequently than the high-ranked products. Some index or threshold may be used to determine whether a high-ranked product has a "high picking frequency," or the high-ranked product may be set manually by a user or worker. Usually, the picking frequency of high-ranked products is higher than the picking frequency of low-ranked products. However, it is acceptable for a situation to arise where the picking frequency of some low-ranked products is temporarily higher than the picking frequency of some high-ranked products. The classification and setting of high-ranked products and low-ranked products may be performed appropriately, but overall, the picking frequency of high-ranked products tends to be higher than the picking frequency of low-ranked products.

The control of product movement by the controller 5 will be described in detail below. The controller 5 stores identification information for a certain type of product as to whether it is a high-ranked product or a low-ranked product. The controller 5 identifies all products as being high-ranked or low-ranked products.

First, when a case containing goods arrives from the center's receiving station, the controller 5 moves the goods to the first automated warehouse 1 for storage, regardless of whether the goods are high-ranked or low-ranked goods. Next, the controller 5 moves the goods to the conversion station 10. In the conversion station 10, inventory goods in cases are transferred to containers. Next, the controller 5 moves high-ranked goods directly from the conversion station 10 to the third automated warehouse 30 for storage. The controller 5 also moves low-ranked goods from the conversion station 10 to the second automated warehouse 20 for storage. In the second automated warehouse 20, a storage capacity equivalent to 1.5 to 2 large batches of low-ranked goods is secured.

The controller 5 starts the execution of one large batch (current batch). The controller 5 first imports data and starts the batch. The controller 5 then performs regular replenishment. The controller 5 moves the products included in the order of the next large batch (next batch) scheduled after the current large batch from the second automated warehouse 20 to the third automated warehouse 30. The controller 5 supplies the third automated warehouse 30 with low-ranked products of a type and quantity equivalent to the shortage for the required number of pickings, based on the orders included in the next large batch in particular. More specifically, the controller 5 tally up the types and quantities of products to be shipped in the orders included in the large batch, and supplies low-ranked products to the third automated warehouse 30 so that each product is equal to or greater than the shipping quantity. For high-ranked products, the replenishment amount is determined and stored in the third automated warehouse 30. The controller 5 performs regular replenishment of the replenishment amount for high-ranked products when the replenishment point is lowered, and emergency replenishment for excess allocation exceeding the storage amount, from the first automated warehouse 1 via the conversion station 10.

Then, the controller 5 successively moves the high-ranked and low-ranked items included in the orders of the current large batch from the third automated warehouse 30 to the picking station ST. More specifically, for the high-ranked items included in the orders, the controller 5 releases the items stored in the third automated warehouse 30. For the low-ranked items, the controller 5 releases the items moved from the second automated warehouse 20. At this time, each picking unit (shuttle cart) of the third automated warehouse 30 enters and leaves the warehouse. Then, picking work is performed by workers at each order pick station in the picking station ST.

The controller 5 performs emergency replenishment (direct emergency shipment) of low-ranked items as necessary. Specifically, the controller 5 grasps the shipping quantity of low-ranked items included in the order and the number of low-ranked items stored in the second automated warehouse 20. If the controller 5 determines that the shipping quantity of the low-ranked items is large compared to the number stored, it moves the low-ranked items stored in the first automated warehouse 1 by the case to the conversion station 10, and then moves the low-ranked items, which have been transferred to containers, directly to the third automated warehouse 30.

Here, a specific example of emergency replenishment of low-ranked products will be described. Product A, which is a low-ranked product, is replaced from one case to two containers. In the replenishment point replenishment amount setting in the second automated warehouse 20, it is assumed that the replenishment point of product A is two containers, the replenishment amount is three containers, and the storage amount is three containers. The required number (shipping amount) of product A in the third automated warehouse 30 is seven containers, but the remaining number (storage amount) from the previous batch is only one container. In this case, the controller 5 supplies three containers from the second automated warehouse 20 to the third automated warehouse 30, but three containers are still insufficient. Therefore, the controller 5 causes two cases to be removed from the first automated warehouse 1, container conversion is performed in the conversion station 10, and three containers are urgently replenished to the third automated warehouse 30. The controller 5 also supplies the remaining one container to the second automated warehouse 20.

The amount of product A stored in the second automated warehouse 20 is one container, which is below the replenishment point in this case, so the controller 5 issues one case from the first automated warehouse 1 as regular replenishment for the next large batch, and container conversion is performed at the conversion station 10, supplying two containers to the third automated warehouse 30. Note that here it is assumed that the amount of replenishment in regular replenishment is two containers, but if the product is replaced from one case to three containers, the controller 5 only needs to replenish three containers in the minimum case unit.

In this way, the controller 5 judges whether the supply of low-ranked products will catch up based on the inventory levels in each automated warehouse at the time the previous large batch was completed. Emergency replenishment takes about half the time required for each picking unit (automated warehouse unit) in the third automated warehouse 30 to work on a small batch. During emergency replenishment, priority is given to picking orders for which there is no allocation of that product (above product A). Regular replenishment is carried out sequentially in anticipation of the remaining number to be picked while each small batch is being shipped out.

As described above, for the current large batch, shipping from the second automated warehouse 20, shipping from the third automated warehouse 30, regular replenishment, and emergency replenishment are performed. The controller 5 further performs control to increase the free space in the third automated warehouse 30 by utilizing the storage capacity of the second automated warehouse 20. The controller 5 executes this type of control for both high-ranked and low-ranked products.

The controller 5 grasps the orders included in the next large batch scheduled after the current large batch. Then, while the current batch is being executed, the controller 5 moves high-ranking items that are not included in the next batch from the automated warehouse units 31-36 to the second automated warehouse 20. When the controller 5 determines that the high-ranking items are necessary for the next batch, it moves (returns) the high-ranking items to the third automated warehouse 30 for storage.

Alternatively, the controller 5 moves low-ranked items stored in the automated warehouse units 31-36, etc., during the execution of the current batch and that are not included in the next batch, from the third automated warehouse 30 to the second automated warehouse 20.

The flow of goods in the picking system S in which the above movement control has been performed will be described with reference to FIG. 2. In FIG. 2, the flow of goods is represented by the number of containers moved per hour. Note that the quantities shown here are merely an example. In the movement path T3a, bulk replenishment of high-ranked goods is performed (1,000 pieces/hour). Here, the minimum number of cases of pieces used in the picking units of the third automated warehouse 30 is converted into containers and supplied to the third automated warehouse 30. In the movement path T3b, low-ranked goods for picking are supplied (12,000 pieces/hour). Here, inventory containers of low-ranked goods are supplied in batches to each picking unit. In the movement path T4, inventory is returned to the storage inventory (10,000 pieces/hour). Here, inventory containers that are not allocated in each picking unit in the next large batch are returned to the second automated warehouse 20 (the automated warehouse in the storage area). Note that there is a high probability of allocation for high-ranked goods, so basically there is no need to return them. At the end of the day, high-ranking products that are not scheduled for allocation in the first large batch of the next day may be returned to the second automated warehouse 20.

On movement path T5, a quantity of containers equivalent to the number of picking tasks is moved to picking station ST (25,000 containers/hour). On movement path T6, from that number of containers, a quantity of containers equivalent to the number of containers consumed is moved to the third automated warehouse 30 (20,000 containers/hour).

According to the picking system S of this embodiment described above, multiple automated warehouses are combined by the controller 5, and the flow of goods is managed according to picking frequency. High-ranked goods (first goods) are moved directly from the conversion station 10 to the third automated warehouse 30 via the movement path T3a, while low-ranked goods (second goods) are temporarily stored in the second automated warehouse 20 and then moved to the third automated warehouse 30 via the movement path T3b based on the order. This makes it possible to increase the shipping quantity to the picking station ST even for large orders consisting of a wide variety of goods.

The controller 5 grasps the shipping quantity of the low-ranked items included in the order and the number of low-ranked items stored in the second automated warehouse 20, and when it is determined that the shipping quantity of the low-ranked items is large compared to the number of items stored, it moves the low-ranked items stored in the first automated warehouse 1 in case units to the conversion station 10. More specifically, when it is determined that the absolute number of the shipping quantity of the low-ranked items is large compared to the absolute number of the stored items, the controller 5 moves the low-ranked items stored in the first automated warehouse 1 to the conversion station 10. Alternatively, when it is determined that the ratio of the shipping quantity to the number of items stored is large, the controller 5 may move the low-ranked items stored in the first automated warehouse 1 to the conversion station 10. After that, the controller 5 moves the low-ranked items that have been transferred to the container directly to the third automated warehouse 30 (urgent replenishment of low-ranked items). This control of movement between the automated warehouses makes it possible to respond to emergency release of low-ranked items. For example, by moving low-ranked items included in the next batch of orders directly from the conversion station 10, the time required to collect low-ranked items in the next batch in the third automated warehouse 30 can be shortened.

The controller 5 moves high-ranking items that are not included in the next batch from the automated warehouse units 31-36 to the second automated warehouse 20 while the current batch is being executed. This movement control between the automated warehouses allows even high-ranking items to be moved to the second automated warehouse 20 if they will not be shipped out in the next batch. As a result, the free space in the third automated warehouse 30 can be increased, increasing the margin for handling a wide variety of products. Also, inventory optimization is achieved.

The controller 5 moves low-ranked items that are stored in the automated warehouse units 31-36, etc., and that are not included in the next batch, from the third automated warehouse 30 to the second automated warehouse 20 while the current batch is being executed. This movement control between the automated warehouses moves low-ranked items to the second automated warehouse 20 if they will not be shipped out of that automated warehouse unit in the next batch. As a result, the free space in the third automated warehouse 30 can be increased, and the margin for handling a wide variety of products can be increased. Inventory optimization is achieved.

The above describes the embodiments of the present disclosure, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. For example, the controller 5 moves low-ranked items stored in any of the automated warehouse units 31 to 36 during execution of the current batch and that will not be shipped in the next batch to another automated warehouse unit that can ship the low-ranked items in the next batch (or will ship the low-ranked items). By controlling the movement between the automated warehouse units in the third automated warehouse 30, the low-ranked items are not shipped from the automated warehouse unit in the next batch, but are moved to another automated warehouse unit that is closer to the scheduled picking station, for example. For example, if low-ranked items stored in the automated warehouse unit 31 are required in the next batch in the automated warehouse unit 32, they are moved to the automated warehouse unit 32 after picking in the automated warehouse unit 31 is completed. If the low-ranked items are also required in the next batch in the automated warehouse unit 33, the low-ranked items are shipped from the second automated warehouse 20 to replenish the automated warehouse unit 33. This type of replenishment control increases the efficiency of movement from the automated warehouses to the picking stations, optimizing inventory.

In the above embodiment, the controller 5 grasps the shipping quantity of low-ranked items included in an order and the number of low-ranked items stored in the second automated warehouse 20, and if it determines that the shipping quantity of the low-ranked items is large compared to the number stored, it moves the low-ranked items stored in the first automated warehouse 1 in case units to the conversion station 10. However, the controller 5 may also grasp the shipping quantity of low-ranked items included in an order and the number of low-ranked items stored in the second automated warehouse 20, and if it determines that the shipping quantity and the number stored of the low-ranked items are approximately the same number (within a difference threshold of 1 to 2 items), it may move the low-ranked items stored in the first automated warehouse 1 in case units to the conversion station 10. In this case, measures are taken to prevent errors in the inventory quantity (number stored).

This disclosure may also be applied to non-batch picking systems.

The first automated warehouse 1 may be a shuttle-type automated warehouse. Furthermore, the second automated warehouse 20 is not limited to a double-deep type automated warehouse. Furthermore, the second automated warehouse 20 is not limited to a shuttle-type automated warehouse. The second automated warehouse 20 may be, for example, a stacker crane type automated warehouse. Different types of automated warehouses may be combined in each of the first automated warehouse 1 and the second automated warehouse 20.

1...first automated warehouse, 5...controller, 10...conversion station, 20...second automated warehouse, 30...third automated warehouse, 31-36...automated warehouse units, PS1-PS8...order pick stations, S...picking system, ST...picking station.

Claims (5)

The first automated warehouse stores products in case units;
a conversion station connected to the first automated warehouse for transferring case-based inventory items into containers;
a second automated warehouse connected to the conversion station;
a third automated warehouse connected to each of the conversion station and the second automated warehouse;
a picking station connected to the third automated warehouse;
a controller for receiving orders and managing the movement of the goods;
The products include a first product having a high picking frequency and a second product having a lower picking frequency than the first product,
The controller:
moving the first product directly from the conversion station to the third automated warehouse for storage;
moving the second product from the conversion station to the second automated warehouse for storage;
A picking system that moves the second product from the second automated warehouse to the third automated warehouse based on an order, and continuously moves the first product and the second product included in the order from the third automated warehouse to the picking station. The controller:
Grasping the shipping quantity of the second product included in the order and the storage quantity of the second product in the second automated warehouse;
2. The picking system according to claim 1, wherein, when it is determined that the shipping quantity of the second product is large compared to the number stored, the second product stored in the first automated warehouse is moved in case units to the conversion station, and then the second product transferred to the container is moved directly to the third automated warehouse. The controller:
Execute multiple batches in sequence, and keep track of the orders in the next batch scheduled after the current batch.
3. The picking system according to claim 1, wherein the first product not included in the next batch is moved from the third automated warehouse to the second automated warehouse during execution of the current batch. The third automated warehouse is an automated warehouse group consisting of a plurality of automated warehouse units,
The controller:
Execute multiple batches in sequence, and keep track of the orders in the next batch scheduled after the current batch.
The picking system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second product stored in the automated warehouse unit and not included in the next batch is moved from the third automated warehouse to the second automated warehouse during execution of the current batch. The third automated warehouse is an automated warehouse group consisting of a plurality of automated warehouse units,
The controller:
Execute multiple batches in sequence, and keep track of the orders in the next batch scheduled after the current batch.
The picking system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein during execution of the current batch, the second product stored in the automated warehouse unit and which will not be delivered in the next batch is moved to another automated warehouse unit which can deliver the second product in the next batch.

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