JP2016533579A - Sustained batch order fulfillment - Google Patents

Abstract

Methods, systems, and devices for implementing and managing an order fulfillment process are generally described. The order fulfillment system can include an order management device configured to manage order information associated with a plurality of orders having one or more unit orders for the order fulfillment system. The system can also include an order procurement device configured to receive order management information from the order management device and implement order fulfillment. The order procurement device can send completed order information to the order management device. The order management device can assign the order to the order procurement device in response to receiving an indication that the order procurement device has completed the order. Orders can be assigned based on various order assignment factors, such as travel costs, order ranking, unit characteristics, customer characteristics, or the like. [Selection figure] None

Description

  This application claims the benefit of US Provisional Application No. 61 / 863,406, filed Aug. 7, 2013. This application is a continuation application of International Application No. PCT / US2013 / 024308 filed on Feb. 1, 2013. The contents of each of these applications are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety as if fully set forth herein.

  Many industries rely on warehouses and distribution centers to store products and fulfill consumer orders. One example is the direct-to-consumer (DTC) market, where consumers issue individual purchases to vendors, such as e-commerce website operators, where e-commerce website operators It then relies on the distribution center for order fulfillment by direct shipment to the consumer. At a distribution center, an operator (“picker”) locates products ordered from a storage system (“pick line”), such as a series of shelves, boxes, containers, or the like. ("Pick") and the product can be placed in the cart. The product is then packaged, labeled and shipped directly to the consumer.

  Batch picking generally involves picking multiple orders at once. For example, the picker can push a mobile cart through the warehouse to pick products related to multiple orders. Mobile carts can include certain automated features such as wireless radio frequency (RF) communication elements that can instruct the picker where to go and what to pick in a logical walking sequence. Multiple ("N") orders can be assigned to the cart. Each order may be assigned a specified location on the cart based on, for example, the size of the ordered product or other characteristics. A controller (e.g., processor, computer, or the like) can combine orders together into one large order or "batch".

  The cart is assigned “N” orders as a batch, and the picker can walk the pickline from the start point to the end point while picking items pointed to by the cart in a walking sequence. After the pickline length is complete, "N" orders are completed. The picker can then empty the cart, which can be reloaded with “N” new orders, and the picking process can be repeated.

  In conventional order fulfillment systems, a picker or cart is assigned a finite set of orders that can be received at once (eg, a cart may only be able to hold three orders). For example, the picker may be assigned a first, second, and third order (ie, N = 3), where each order includes multiple units to be picked. The picker starts at the start point of the pick line and picks units in the set of orders as it moves along the pick path towards the end point of the pick path. When the first, second, and third orders are complete, the picker returns to the start, unloads the order, and repeats the process again, for example, for the fourth, fifth, and sixth orders be able to. At the end of the two completion cycles of picking, Picker completed six orders after walking twice around the pickline.

  One limitation of such systems is that the system becomes progressively less efficient as more orders are completed. For example, if the picker starts with “N” orders, proceeds along the route, and finally completes one of the orders, the batch is now a batch of only N−1 orders. become. This drop in picker efficiency continues and eventually the batch has only one order with the remaining units of the order being picked. Thus, at the end of one walk through the pick path, Picker only picked up to “N” orders.

  The efficiency of the picking process can be improved by locating warehouse items based on their pick volume. For example, placing the most commonly picked item near the beginning of the pickline will result in "N" orders being completed before walking the entire pick path, thereby starting the picker It may improve the possibility of allowing the point to return earlier. However, the process of locating large items at the front of the pickline is time consuming and labor intensive, and warehouse managers require inventory to be moved around to maintain a compliant product placement arrangement. Is done.

  Thus, a system configured to effectively and efficiently manage the time and effort required to complete a dynamic set of orders would be very beneficial.

  The present disclosure is not limited to the particular systems, devices, and methods described because they may vary. The terminology used in the description is for the purpose of describing particular versions or embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope thereof.

  As used in this document, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. Nothing in this disclosure should be construed as an admission that the embodiments described in this disclosure are not entitled to antedate such disclosure by virtue of prior art. As used in this document, the term “comprising” means “including, but not limited to”.

  In one embodiment, a computer-implemented method for fulfilling a batch order is to receive order information related to a plurality of orders by a processor and to receive order completion information from an order procurement device in response to completion of the order. And assigning a new order from a plurality of orders to the order procurement component in response to receiving the order completion information.

  In one embodiment, the batch order fulfillment system can comprise a processor and a non-transitory computer readable storage medium in operable communication with the processor. The computer-readable storage medium can include one or more programming instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to receive order information associated with the plurality of orders, In response to completion, order completion information is received from the order procurement component, and in response to receiving the order completion information, a new order from the plurality of orders is assigned to the order procurement component.

  In one embodiment, the order procurement device can comprise a processor and a non-transitory computer readable storage medium in operative communication with the processor. The computer-readable storage medium can include one or more programming instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to place an order associated with the plurality of orders assigned to the order procurement device. In response to receiving the information from the order management device and completing one order from the plurality of orders, the order completion information is transmitted to the order management device to receive a new order from the order management device.

  In one embodiment, the computer readable storage medium may have computer readable program code configured to implement an order fulfillment process. The computer readable program code receives order information related to a plurality of orders, receives order completion information from the order procurement component in response to order completion, and receives a plurality of order completion information in response to receiving the order completion information. Computer readable program code configured to assign a new order from the order to the order procurement component may be included.

FIG. 6 illustrates a method for batch order fulfillment according to some embodiments. FIG. 6 illustrates a method for batch order fulfillment according to some embodiments. FIG. 6 illustrates a method for batch order fulfillment according to some embodiments. FIG. 6 illustrates a method for batch order fulfillment according to some embodiments. FIG. 6 illustrates a method for batch order fulfillment according to some embodiments. FIG. 6 illustrates various embodiments of a computing device for implementing various methods and processes described herein.

  The present disclosure is not limited to the particular systems, devices, and methods described because they may vary. The terminology used in the description is for the purpose of describing particular versions or embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope.

  As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. Nothing in this disclosure should be construed as an admission that the embodiments described in this disclosure are not entitled to antedate such disclosure by virtue of prior invention. As used in this document, the term “comprising” means “including but not limited to”.

  1A-1E illustrate an exemplary order fulfillment system according to some embodiments. As shown in FIG. 1A, an order fulfillment system (“system”) is configured to manage order information associated with multiple orders having one or more unit orders for the order fulfillment system. Device 10 may be included. The system may also include, for example, an order procurement device or pick order device 20 that is configured to receive order management information from the order management device 10. For example, the order may include an order for a media product unit such as a book, DVD, or the like. In another example, an order can include a garment unit such as a shirt. Embodiments are not limited to any particular order and / or unit, as any type of product, unit, and / or order that can operate according to some embodiments is contemplated herein.

  In one embodiment, order management device 10 and / or order procurement device or pick order device 20 may include a processor, programming instructions, non-transitory memory or other for storing data or information relating to one or more applications. Storage device and, for example, central processing unit (CPU) 205, read only memory (ROM) 210, random access memory 215, communication port 240, controller 220 shown in FIG. 2 and described below with reference to FIG. , And / or logical devices that can generally include other hardware including memory device 225. The order management device 10 and / or pick ordering device 20 may be, without limitation, a server computing device, a personal computer (PC), a kiosk computing device, a wall-mounted computing device, a laptop computer, a smartphone, a personal digital assistant. (PDA), tablet computing devices, or mobile computing devices such as any other logic and / or computing devices currently known or developed in the future. Although order management device 10 and pick ordering device 20 are described herein as separate devices, embodiments are not so limited. For example, in some embodiments, order management device 10 and pick ordering device 20 may be a single device, such as a single computing device. In such embodiments, order management device 10 and pick ordering device 20 may include separate elements and / or single device hardware / software functions. In another example, order management device 10 may be a computing device that is installed in or otherwise connected to pick ordering device 20.

  The order management device 10 and / or order procurement device or pick order device 20 (hereinafter referred to as “pick order device”) may be configured to communicate using various communication protocols known to those skilled in the art. it can. Illustrative and non-limiting examples of communication protocols include wired and wireless communication protocols, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, infrared, Bluetooth, universal serial bus (USB), local area network (LAN), wide area Includes a network (WAN) and / or the Internet.

  In one embodiment, order management device 10 may execute an order management application configured to generate order information associated with orders received by the system. The order management application may be configured to assign an order to the pick ordering device 20 and receive status information from the pick ordering device 20 such as which units and / or orders were picked by the pick ordering device. Order management applications include: minimum stock management unit (SKU), radio-frequency identification (RFID) information, barcode information, position, number, distance between different unit locations, or the like Can be configured to access unit or order information associated with units or orders (eg, products) available in the system. Thus, the order management application can be configured to assign orders to the pick ordering device 20 based on the order information. For example, the order management application may assign an order to the pick ordering device 20 to minimize the distance that the pick ordering device must travel to complete the order based on the current order assigned to the pick ordering device. Can do.

  The order management application can include, without limitation, travel distance and / or time (“travel cost”), random assignment, order ranking (eg, which orders need to be completed first), First-in, first-out, unit characteristics (eg, general SKU number), order characteristics (eg, larger orders last, single order first, or similar), consumer characteristics (eg, large volume consumers first Various factors ("orders", including the longest shipping distance first or similar), any other factors that may have an impact on selecting an order, and / or any combination thereof An order can be assigned to the pick ordering device 20 based on the “assignment factor”). In some embodiments, the order assignment factor may include a hand full level of pick ordering device 20. For example, if the order procurement device is full or substantially full (eg, cannot hold more units or a threshold number of units), the order is adjacent to the path of the completed order sequence and / or Can be assigned along that path.

  In some embodiments, the order management application can be configured to assign weights or priorities to order assignment factors. In some embodiments, the order management application may consider each order or new order based on an order assignment factor and any weighting or prioritization of the order assignment factor, eg, taking into account the current set of orders and / or batches. Batches can be configured to dynamically evaluate and assign orders accordingly.

  In some embodiments, the pick ordering device 20 can include a device used by the picker as the picker walks around the pick line 25 to complete the order. For example, the pick ordering device 20 can include a mobile computing device configured to display order information on a display component. In some embodiments, the pick ordering device 20 can include an automated device configured to move about a pick line 25 over a track, conveyor, wheel, or the like. In some embodiments, the pick ordering device 20 is configured to automatically move through the pickline 25 and access units for assigned orders with or without employee assistance. Automated carts or other devices ("automated pick ordering device" or "automated order procurement device") In some embodiments, the pick ordering device 20 includes a display device for displaying orders. In some embodiments, the pick ordering device 20 places the unit in the cart or makes the unit accessible to the operator. Various elements configured to reach the unit and hold the unit In some embodiments, the pick ordering device 20 can include various containers, bins, or the like for storing units associated with the order. The pick ordering device 20 according to configuration may be limited to storing a finite number of orders at a time.

  The pick order device 20 may be configured to execute an order picking application configured to receive order information associated with a plurality of orders, for example, from the order management device 10. In some embodiments, the order picking application may be a client application, module, routine, or other component of the order management application. In one embodiment, the order picking application may be configured to display order information such as units related to the order, a sequence of orders tied to other orders, order identification information, or the like. In another embodiment, the order picking application is configured to move or otherwise operate the order picking device 20 to locate and / or place the unit for storage by the order picking device. be able to.

  As shown in FIG. 1A, the pick ordering device 20 can be assigned a first order 40, a second order 45, and a third order 50. Each order 40, 45, 50 is a bin 11, 12, 13, 21, 22, 23, 31, 32, 33, 41, 42, 43, 51, 52, 53, 61, 62 located in the pick line 25. , 63 can be included. From the start point 30 to the end point 35, the pick ordering device 20 is picked by moving along the pick path 80, for example, automatically or with the assistance of an operator, until one of the orders is completed. Units can be located. In this case, the third order 50 can be completed when the item is picked from the bin 53. Although the pickline 25 is shown as having a start point 30 and an end point 35, embodiments are not so limited because the pickline may not include a start point and an end point.

  According to some embodiments, completed orders can be deposited in a completed order queue 15, which can be located at various locations in the system. The completed order queue 15 includes conveyor belts, containers, platforms, or other components that can receive and / or process units for shipping, labeling, processing, inspection, packaging, or the like. . Thus, completed orders can be deposited on the completed order queue 15 as the pick ordering device 20 moves around the system. In one embodiment, the completed order queue 15 is, without limitation, the location of the end of each path of the pickline 25, the start of the pickline, the end of the pickline, the center of the pickline, or any combination thereof. Can be accessible from various locations within the system.

  As shown in FIG. 1B, the pick ordering device 20 may receive order information that assigns a new order, eg, a fourth order 65, to the pick ordering device. The order picking application may be configured to communicate order completion information to the order management device 10. For example, the pick ordering device 20 can include a button that can be selected by an operator to indicate that the unit and / or order has been located and / or completed, or can be presented on a display component. . For example, the operator enters any information needed when a unit is selected or an order is completed, and an “order complete” or “unit complete” button Can be selected. In another example, the pick ordering device 20 can be configured to automatically detect and / or send order completion information to the order management device 10. For example, the pick ordering device 20 can include a component configured to receive information regarding orders manually and / or automatically, such as a barcode scanner, RFID reader, or the like. The order completion information can include an order identifier, unit identifier, location information (eg, the location of the pick ordering device 20), or the like. The order management application may use the order completion information to determine that the pick order device 20 can accept a new order and assign a new order based on the order information and / or order completion information. it can.

  The pick ordering device 20 can continue to move along the pick path 80 while picking the first order 40, the second order 45, and the fourth order 55. References herein to pick ordering device 20 generally refer to pick ordering devices (such as carts or other mobile equipment) that move (automatically or manually) or picks (such as mobile computing devices) through the system. Refers to an operator associated with the ordering device who is moving within the system based on information provided by the pick ordering device and may be transporting the pick ordering device it can. In this case, the first order 40 can be completed when the item is picked from the bin 63. Referring now to FIG. 1C, the picker 20 can be assigned another new order, a fifth order 70. Picker 20 may continue to move along pick path 80 while picking second order 45, fourth order 55, and fifth order 60 until one of the orders is completed. The second order 45 can be completed when the item is picked from the bin 62. As shown in FIG. 1D, the picker 20 can be assigned a sixth order 65 and a fourth order 55, a fifth order 60, and a sixth order until one of the orders is completed. Can continue to move along the pick path 80 while picking the next order 65. The fourth order 55 can be completed when an item is picked from the bin 12. Picker 20 may be assigned a seventh order 70 in response to completion of fourth order 55 as shown in FIG. 1E. Picker 20 may continue to move along pick path 80 while picking fifth order 60, sixth order 65, and seventh order 70. At the end of two completion cycles through the pickline 25 according to some embodiments shown in FIGS. 1A-1E, the picker 20 will walk at least seven orders 40, 45, 50 after walking twice around the pick path. , 55, 60, 65, 70 may be completed.

  According to some embodiments, the units can be selected by the pick ordering device 20 in any sequence, such as a sequence that minimizes the travel costs associated with picking orders. For example, the pick ordering device 20 can operate on one order at a time before picking units for one order and excluding units for other orders, ie, moving to the next order. In another example, the pick ordering device 20 can be configured to select the next available unit regardless of order.

  The order management application may include order information (eg, the location of each unit), order information (eg, which units are present in each order, which orders are assigned to the pick order device 20), and / or pick orders. The device location can be used to determine which orders are assigned to the pick ordering device 20. The order management application can dynamically calculate the travel cost for each order at any given time based on the order information, the order information, and the position of the pick ordering device 20. In some embodiments, the order management application may assign a new order based on the next available order that has the lowest travel cost (eg, the shortest travel distance and / or travel time). In some embodiments, the order management application can allocate a new order based on a minimum travel cost and an order allocation factor.

  In one embodiment, the order management application may receive information related to the load of the pick ordering device 20, including any single unit compartment described below having a finite number of storage locations for the unit. it can. In such embodiments, the order management application and / or order picking application can monitor the load of the pick ordering device 20. Thus, the order management application can assign orders based on the pick order device 20 in proximity to the completed order queue 15. Thus, the order management application can assign an order such that the order picking device 20 moves towards a unit on the way to the completed order queue 15 and unloads the completed order. In one embodiment, the order management application can handle orders where the number of units for the order is greater than the number of available compartments for the order picking device 20. In such embodiments, the order picking device can configure the order so that the order picking device 20 is close to the completed order queue 15 when the available compartment is full of units. 20 can handle orders efficiently.

  The “perpetual batch” system shown in FIGS. 1A-1E enables order completion and assignment of new orders at various points along the pickline 25, thereby enabling the pick ordering device 20 and the overall ordering. The fulfillment process maintains efficiency as orders are completed. Thus, a pick ordering device 20 or an operator with a pick ordering device can complete more orders than conventional systems while traveling the same distance. Further, a pick ordering device 20 or an operator having a pick ordering device may be able to move through the system with a continuous supply of orders.

  The method described above is an embodiment, and the batch order fulfillment system and method described herein may include variations and additional features from the above description, some of which are described below. Will be understood.

  The system shown in FIGS. 1A-1E has bins 11, 12, 13, 21, 22, 23, 31, 32, 33, 42, 42, 43, 51 arranged in a passage having a start point 30 and an end point 35. , 52, 53, 61, 62, 63 are shown, but embodiments are not so limited. This is because any other type of arrangement that can operate in accordance with some embodiments is contemplated herein. In some embodiments, the physical pickline 20 consisting of aisles can be conceptualized as other types of configurations, such as circles, squares, or the like, by an order picking application and / or an order management application. In some embodiments, the pickline 20 may not have a designated start point 30 and / or end point 35.

  For example, the pickline 20 shown in FIGS. 1A-1E can be conceptualized as a virtual “circle”. The pickline 20 shows a pick path 80 that ends where the pickline 20 begins, and therefore the pickline may be developed to a theoretical circle. Each pick position on the pick line can be indicated on the circumference C in degrees or radians. Here, “C” indicates the distance required to move the entire pick path. Each position can indicate a specific angle on this circle. The distance between pick positions can then be indicated by the difference between the current position angle on the circle and the angle of the pick position (s).

  When no order is assigned to the batch, the system reviews all orders in the pending order queue through the order management device 10 and determines the distance factor based on the current position of the pick order device 20. can do. The distance factor can indicate the distance along the pick path 20 that is required to complete the order from the current position of the pick ordering device 20 on the pick path. According to some embodiments, orders with minimal distance factors can be added to the batch.

  For a pick ordering device 20 that is configured to handle “N” orders and has no orders at all, “N” orders with the smallest distance factor are ranked, for example, from shortest to longest. Can be added to the batch based on Thus, the first order 40 will be the order that has the shortest distance to move from the current location, and thus will be the first order that is completed. Accordingly, the third order 50 will not be completed before the first order as described in the description of FIGS. 1A-1E above. In one embodiment, the direction of movement around the pick circle may be the same direction. In such an embodiment, the order is selected such that the pick ordering device 20 does not go back on the pickline 25. In another embodiment, the pick ordering device 20 may move in more than one direction around the pick circle.

  In one embodiment where the system includes a start point 30 and / or an end point 35, the pick ordering device 20 is configured or commanded to move forward from the start point toward the end point (eg, by an order picking application). Can. In one embodiment, when the pick ordering device 20 reaches the end point 35 or the last unit in the pickline 25 before the end point, the pick ordering device reverses direction and heads toward the start point 30. Can be moved to. In such embodiments, the start point 30 and end point 35 are effectively switched for each path through the pickline 25. In another embodiment, when the pick ordering device 20 reaches the end point 35 or the last unit in the pickline 25 before the end point, the pick ordering device returns to the start point and is directed toward the end point. You can cross the pickline again.

  The order management application can be configured to assign an order to the pick ordering device 20 and minimize travel costs based on the travel pattern of the pick ordering device through the pickline, such as the two travel patterns described above. . Referring to FIG. 1A, if the pick ordering device 20 reaches the end point 35, the order management application is configured or commanded so that the pick ordering device returns to the start point 30 and moves in the direction toward the end point. , An order having units in bin 11 can be assigned. In contrast, if the pick ordering device is configured or commanded to move in the direction from the end point 35 to the start point 30, the order management application is configured to assign an order with units to the bin 51. Can do.

  If the pick order device 20 is in operation and a new order is assigned to the batch, the newly added order may be completed before the old order. According to some embodiments, the set of assigned orders changes dynamically based on the orders received from the consumer throughout the day, thus the pending order pool is dynamic, It is not a fixed order queue.

  According to some embodiments, the pick ordering device 20 can be configured as a radio frequency (RF) device and / or a cart ("RF cart"). In one embodiment, the RF cart may be a paperless order fulfillment system that utilizes hardware installed on the mobile cart. The RF cart can provide a way to pick multiple orders at once on a single pass through the warehouse, making the order picker more accurate and productive. The RF cart is computer controlled and can communicate with a centralized computer system such as order management device 10 that provides real-time responses and reports over an RF network. The system can be configured to instruct the picker to head to the warehouse pick position on the most efficient route, minimizing walking distance while fulfilling multiple orders at once. However, as described above, the embodiment is not limited to the RF cart. The reason for this is that any type of pick ordering device configured to operate according to some embodiments, including an RF terminal, a voice recognition system, or a pick sled moving on a truck or conveyor system is used herein. Because it is intended.

  The pick ordering device 20 may operate as a guidance system that directs the picker to reach the unit in a logical movement sequence that generally minimizes the travel time and / or distance of the pick ordering device 20. The guidance system may include a system for directing, for example, audibly or visually to a pick ordering device 20 or an operator having a pick ordering device. In one embodiment, the pick ordering device 20 can include a system for controlling movement of a vehicle or cart associated with the pick ordering device, or an operator associated with the pick ordering device can move the pick ordering device. Can be controlled.

  In one embodiment, the order management application can control the picking process to generate a batch of orders for the pick ordering device 20. In one embodiment, orders can be assigned randomly or by using a commonality algorithm. In another embodiment, orders are allocated based on, among other things, an increase in travel time due to assigning a new order to the picker, a minimum travel distance and / or time from the current point on the pick path, or a combination thereof. Can be done. Thus, the order management application may place an order on the pick order device 20 based on finding an order that may be completed by a minimum amount of movement from the current pick order device position or from the last picked item position. Can be assigned.

  In one embodiment, the pick line 25 may not include a dedicated start point 30 and / or end point 35. In such embodiments, multiple pick ordering devices 20 can be distributed at various locations throughout the pick line 25. The order management application can be configured to assign orders with the pick ordering devices 20 distributed in this manner, avoiding the collisions that are forced when multiple pickers cross the pickline at the same time, and pass requirements. For multiple pick ordering devices 20, at the beginning of the picking process, for each cart in the system, the order management application may “N” orders corresponding to the number of order positions on the cart and / or the shortest move “N” orders may be selected that may be completed in a distance or shortest travel time (“travel cost”). The pick ordering device 20 can procure units until the order is completed. The order is removed and placed in a completed order queue on the cart or on the conveyor that transports the order to the shipping area. (The order management application can then place all available orders. Can determine the order that may be completed with the shortest travel distance or the shortest travel time ("minimum travel cost order". The order with the minimum travel cost may be assigned to a vacant location and picking The process of replacing a completed order with a new order that may be picked at the minimum transfer cost can continue, for example, until all orders are completed, thus “M” picks. The ordering device 20 always picks “N” orders at a time.

  According to some embodiments, the system can be configured to handle “single unit orders”. In many direct-to-consumer (DTC) order fulfillment operations, the order volume is often a single unit. In one embodiment, the pick ordering device 20 and / or the cart, thread, or the like associated with the pick ordering device may be dedicated to receiving a single order. Any order in the system that is a single unit can be dynamically assigned to each individual batch if the item exists between the current position on the pickline 25 and the next batch pick position. it can. In one embodiment, a single unit order passes through any pick ordering device 20 and / or the pickline 25 location where the single unit is stored or within a threshold distance from that location. Can be added to carts, threads, or the like related to In one embodiment, a single unit order is removed when the single unit order position on the pick ordering device 20 and / or cart, thread, or the like associated with the pick ordering device is full. , Each item can be removed and sent to a secondary processing station that is dynamically assigned to the order. Since each of these orders is completed as a single unit, no order integrity is required until the order reaches the secondary processing (shipping) station.

  In one example of a single unit order shipment, a bin, box, or other storage medium containing a batch that picked up a single unit order is a pick order device 20 and / or a cart, thread, or associated with the pick order device. It can be removed from the same and sent to the shipping station. The station can include a computer, a monitor (often a touch screen), a bar code scanner, a label printer, and a scale. Since every item in the storage medium is unique and represents an individual order, each item is itself a shipment. The shipping station operator and / or automation equipment can remove the unit from the container, scan the unit with an identification bar code, place the unit in the shipping container or envelope, and place the item on the scale. A shipping application that can include or communicate with an order management application finds a pending (waiting) order from its database (e.g., based on SKU) that required only that item; Shipping costs can be calculated and both shipping labels and packaging slips for the order can be printed.

  As used herein, the terms “walking” and “walking” can generally refer to, for example, a picking action. The reason is that the picking action often involves a cart that is manually pushed through the pick line, and thus the picker walks. Embodiments are not limited to situations where a cart is used or where walking is required. The reason is that the embodiments apply to any situation that utilizes any form of batch picking, whether automatic or manual. Similarly, embodiments are not limited to the use of batch pick carts. The reason is that any other type of component or device, such as a conveyor, a self-guided vehicle, a transport sled, or other suitable transport device is used according to some embodiments provided herein. Because it can be done.

  According to some embodiments, the batch fulfillment system can include a loop sorter that includes components for moving the unit for placement within a set of boxes. In a conventional loop sorter, a box is removed from the loop sorting area in response to a threshold number of boxes being filled. Normally, the box is not removed until all of the box is filled. Thus, there is a transaction cost (when the number of available boxes decreases towards a threshold, and in many cases the system must stop or slow down to allow box removal. In a form, as each box and / or each set of boxes associated with an order is filled, a signal to remove the box is sent to the order management application, thus equal to or substantially equal to the number of boxes in the set. A “persistent” loop sorter can be constructed with a number of available boxes equal to.

  FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of exemplary internal hardware that can be used to include or implement the various computer processes and systems discussed above. Bus 200 serves as the main information highway that interconnects with other indicated components of the hardware. The CPU 205 is a central processing unit of the system, and performs calculations and logical operations necessary for executing a program. CPU 205 is an exemplary processing device, computing device, or processor, alone or in conjunction with other elements disclosed in FIG. 2, although such terms are used within this disclosure. Read only memory (ROM) 230 and random access memory (RAM) 235 constitute an exemplary memory device.

  The controller 220 interfaces one or more optional memory devices 225 to the system bus 200. These memory devices 225 can include, for example, an external or internal DVD drive, CD ROM drive, hard drive, flash memory, USB drive, or the like. As indicated above, these various drives and controllers are optional devices. In addition, the memory device 225 may be any software module or instruction, individual files for storing auxiliary data, common files for storing results or auxiliary groups, as discussed above, or Can be configured to include one or more databases for storing result information, auxiliary data, and related information. For example, the memory device 225 can be configured to store a legal information source 215.

  Program instructions, software, or interactive modules for performing any of the functional steps associated with the steps, applications, or the like described above can be stored in ROM 230 and / or RAM 235. Optionally, the program instructions may be a tangible computer readable medium such as a compact disk, digital disk, flash memory, memory card, USB drive, Blu-ray (registered trademark) optical disk storage medium, and / or other recording medium. Can be stored on.

  An optional display interface 230 may allow information from the bus 200 to be displayed on the display 235 in audio, visual, graphic, or alphanumeric format. The information can include information related to the current work slip and related tasks. Communication with external devices can be performed using various communication ports 240. The exemplary communication port 240 can be attached to a communication network such as the Internet or a local area network.

  The hardware may also receive data from an input device such as keyboard 250 or other input device 255 such as a mouse, joystick, touch screen, remote control, pointing device, video input device, and / or audio input device. An interface 245 can be included.

  In the foregoing detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part of the present invention. In the drawings, similar symbols typically identify similar components, unless context dictates otherwise. The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description, drawings, and claims are not meant to be limiting. Other embodiments may be used and other changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented herein. Aspects of the present disclosure may be arranged, substituted, combined, separated, and designed in a variety of different configurations, as generally described herein and illustrated in the figures, It will be readily appreciated that all are explicitly contemplated herein.

  The present disclosure is not limited by the particular embodiments described in this application, which are intended as illustrations of various aspects. Many modifications and variations can be made without departing from its spirit and scope, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. In addition to those enumerated herein, functionally equivalent methods and apparatus within this disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing description. Such modifications and variations are intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims. The present disclosure is limited only by the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are applicable. It is understood that this disclosure is not limited to specific methods, reagents, compounds, compositions, or biological systems that can, of course, vary. It is also understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting.

  With respect to the use of substantially any plural and / or singular terms herein, those skilled in the art will recognize from the plural to the singular and / or from the singular as appropriate for the context and / or application. May convert to plural form. The various singular / plural permutations can be explicitly described herein for clarity.

  In general, terms used in this specification and specifically in the appended claims (eg, key portions of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (eg, terms The term “having” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to”, “having at least” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to”. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the term “includes” should be construed as “including but not limited to”. Although the various compositions, methods, and devices are described in terms of “comprising” (interpreted as meaning “including but not limited to”) various components or steps, , Compositions, methods, and devices can also be “consistently of” or “consistent of” various components or steps, and these terms are essentially It should be interpreted as defining a closed-member group. Where a specific number of introduced claim recitations are intended, such intent is explicitly stated in the claims, and in the absence of such description, it is further understood by those skilled in the art that such intent does not exist. Will be understood. For example, to aid understanding, the following appended claims use the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. can do. However, the use of such phrases means that the introduction of a claim statement by the indefinite article “a” or “an” means that the introductory phrase “one or more” or “at least one” is in the same claim. Any particular claim, including an introduced claim statement, is limited to an embodiment containing only one such statement, even when the single and indefinite articles "a" or "an" are included. Should not be construed to imply (eg, “a” and / or “an” should be construed to mean “at least one” or “one or more”) Is). The same is true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim statements. Further, those skilled in the art will understand that even if a specific number for an introduced claim statement is explicitly stated, such description should be construed to mean at least the stated number. (Eg, the mere description of “two descriptions” without any other modifiers means at least two descriptions or more than one description). Further, in cases where conventions similar to at least one such as “A, B, and C” are used, in general, such construction is intended in the sense that those skilled in the art will understand the conventions. (For example, “a system having at least one of A, B, and C” means that only A, only B, only C, both A and B, both A and C, and both B and C. And / or systems that have both A, B, and C, including but not limited to). Such syntax is intended in the sense that one skilled in the art will understand the convention (eg, “a system having at least one of A, B, and C” refers to only A, only B, and C Only systems that have both A and B, A and C, B and C, and / or A, B, and C together). Substantially any disjunctive word and / or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms may be in the description, in the claims, or in the drawings, It will be further understood by those skilled in the art that it is to be understood that the possibility of including one of the terms, either term, or both terms is contemplated. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B”.

  Further, if a feature or aspect of the present disclosure is described by a Markush group, those skilled in the art will recognize that the present disclosure is similarly described by any individual member of the Markush group, or a subgroup of members. .

  As understood by those skilled in the art, for any and all purposes, such as by providing written descriptions, etc., all ranges disclosed herein are inclusive of any and all possible subranges and The subrange combinations are similarly included. Any ranges listed fully describe the same range subdivided into at least the same half, one third, one quarter, one fifth, one tenth, or similar value, and It can be easily recognized as enabling. As a non-limiting example, each range discussed in the specification can be easily subdivided into a lower third, middle third, and upper third. As will be similarly understood by those skilled in the art, all terms such as “up to”, “at least, and the like” include the recited numbers and are then subdivided into the sub-ranges discussed above. Finally, as will be understood by those skilled in the art, a range includes each individual member, so that, for example, a group having 1-3 cells is 1, 2, or Refers to a group having 3 cells, similarly, a group having 1 to 5 cells refers to a group having 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 cells, and so forth.

  Various previously discussed and other features and functions or alternatives thereof can be combined to become many other different systems or applications. Various alternatives, modifications, variations, or improvements thereof that are not currently foreseen or anticipated can subsequently be made by those skilled in the art, each of which is also dependent on the disclosed embodiments. Intended to be included.

Claims (20)

A computer-implemented method for fulfilling an order comprising:
Receiving order information related to multiple orders;
Receiving order completion information from the order procurement device in response to completion of the order; and
Allocating a new order from the plurality of orders to the order procurement component in response to receiving the order completion information.   The method of claim 1, wherein the new order is assigned based on at least one order assignment factor.   The method of claim 2, wherein the at least one order assignment factor includes at least one of travel cost, order ranking, first in first out order, unit characteristics, order characteristics, and customer characteristics.   The method of claim 2, wherein the at least one order assignment factor comprises a plurality of weighted order assignment factors.   The order information includes at least one of Minimum Inventory Control Unit (SKU), Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) information, barcode information, location information, order number, and distance between different orders. The method described in 1.   The method of claim 1, further comprising receiving location information associated with the order procurement component.   The method of claim 6, further comprising determining a travel cost for each of the plurality of orders based on the order information and the location information.   The method of claim 7, wherein assigning a new order includes assigning an order having a minimum transfer cost.   The method of claim 1, wherein the order procurement component comprises at least one of a cart or a thread.   The method of claim 1, wherein the order procurement component comprises an automated order procurement device. A batch order fulfillment system,
A processor;
A non-transitory computer readable storage medium in operative communication with the processor, the computer readable storage medium including one or more programming instructions, wherein the one or more programming instructions are executed Then, the processor
Receive order information related to multiple orders,
Receive order completion information from the order procurement component in response to order completion,
A system causing a new order from the plurality of orders to be assigned to the order procurement component in response to receiving the order completion information.   The system of claim 11, wherein the new order is assigned based on at least one order assignment factor.   The system of claim 12, wherein the at least one order assignment factor includes at least one of travel cost, order ranking, first in first out order, unit characteristics, order characteristics, and customer characteristics.   The system of claim 12, wherein the at least one order assignment factor comprises a plurality of weighted order assignment factors.   The order information includes at least one of Minimum Inventory Control Unit (SKU), Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) information, barcode information, location information, order number, and distance between different orders. The system described in.   The computer-readable storage medium further includes one or more programming instructions, such that when the one or more programming instructions are executed, the processor receives location information associated with the order procurement component. 12. The system of claim 11, wherein:   The computer readable storage medium further includes one or more programming instructions, and when the one or more programming instructions are executed, the processor is configured to execute the plurality of programming instructions based on the order information and the location information. The system of claim 16, wherein the system is configured to determine a travel cost for each of the orders.   The system of claim 17, wherein the new order is assigned based on a minimum travel cost. An order procurement device,
A processor;
A non-transitory computer readable storage medium in operative communication with the processor, the computer readable storage medium including one or more programming instructions, wherein the one or more programming instructions are executed Then, the processor
Receiving order information from the order management device related to multiple orders assigned to the order procurement device;
Responsive to completing one order from the plurality of orders, sending order completion information to the order management device;
A device that causes a new order to be received from the order management device.   20. The device of claim 19, wherein the order completion information includes at least one of order identifier, unit information, or order procurement device location information.

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