TW202145092A - Computerized systems and computerimplemented methods for package delivery - Google Patents

Abstract

Embodiments of the present disclosure include computer-implemented systems and methods for package delivery. The method may comprise receiving a customer order, generating an order identifier, associating each item of the customer order with the order identifier, and determining an intended delivery destination for each item. The method may further comprise causing the user-device to display a first indication to sort each item based on the storage space associated with the intended delivery destination, display a second indication to sort the sorted each item based on the delivery route, display a third indication to place the sorted each item into a container, without regard to a status of the other items of the customer order, and display a fourth indication to deliver the placed items of the plurality of items to the intended delivery destination, without regard to the status of the other items of the customer order.

Description

Package delivery computerized system and method

The present disclosure generally relates to computerized systems and methods for package delivery to fulfill customer orders. In particular, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to inventive and non-conventional computerized systems, methods, and user interfaces for efficiently fulfilling customers with reduced cycle times Order and deliver packages while maintaining high worker efficiency at multiple zones within the fulfillment center.

Fulfillment centers (FCs) enable e-commerce merchants to outsource warehousing and shipping. Inventory management in FC is a necessary part of fostering the best customer experience for online shoppers. Inventory management may include several steps within the scope of receiving merchandise from sellers, stowage of received merchandise for easy picking access, packing items, validating orders, and package delivery. Although currently existing FCs and systems for inventory management in FCs are configured to handle large volumes of incoming and outgoing merchandise, the efficiency and timeliness of fulfillment of customer orders may be limited, in part due to Inefficient practices when fulfilling orders. Delays in package delivery can lead to unhappy customers and, in some cases, can impact a business's costs and profitability.

With the development and widespread acceptance of e-commerce, Internet shopping provides a one-stop shop for all shopping needs including food, furniture, electronics, clothes, books, and more. Each online order typically includes a combination of items of widely varying categories. Although in current existing order fulfillment practices, systems can be employed to obtain each individual item in an order in an efficient manner, the overall efficiency of order delivery is limited by the ability to obtain each individual item. For example, items are often stored in various parts of the FC based on category, and packers may have to wait for a picker to pick all items of an order before they can be packed. This can lead to delays in subsequent steps in the packaging and delivery of the package to the customer, which delays the throughput of the system and the efficiency of the computerized systems that control the shipping process.

In addition, the overall efficiency and throughput of the FC may be affected because, although items are picked individually, they are simultaneously packed into one container before being loaded on a delivery truck as a package. Anticipated or unexpected delays in packaging may affect picking efficiency if the storage space in which the picked items are stored is inaccessible. The process of storing and shipping packages out of the FC involves several steps, such as receiving, stowage, picking, sorting, packing, loading, delivering, and verifying order accuracy at each of the steps. For overall high efficiency, the individual step efficiency must also be high. For example, if the process consists of 10 steps, and the efficiency of each step is higher than 90%, the overall efficiency is only 83.9%.

Additionally, the current existing FC employs a team of workers to ensure smooth 24 hour operation. One of the technical challenges in a warehouse may be quickly communicating information to workers on the ground, such as urgent customer orders, priority shipping, and the like. Current existing logistics and inventory management systems lack the ability to efficiently account for expected or unexpected urgency in customer orders, potentially resulting in customer dissatisfaction and higher associated inventory costs.

Accordingly, there is a need to implement improved methods and systems for efficient package delivery through singulation to reduce cycle time and committed delivery time while maintaining high overall throughput and efficient utilization of resources.

One aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a computer-implemented method of package delivery. The method may include: receiving a customer order; generating an order identifier based on the customer order; associating each item of a plurality of items of the customer order with the order identifier; and identifying based on the order to determine the intended delivery destination of each item, the storage space associated with the intended delivery destination, and the delivery route. The method may further include sending a first indication to a user to sort each of the plurality of items based on the storage space associated with the intended delivery destination using a first sorting process device for display; receiving a first input from at least one user device relating to the state of the first sorting process; regardless of the state of the first sorting process, a second The sorting process is sent to at least one user device for display, based on the delivery route configured to include the intended delivery destination, a second indication of sorting each sorted item; from the at least one user the device receives a second input related to the state of the second sorting process; sends a third indication to at least one user to place each item of the sorting into a container associated with the delivery route device for display without regard to the state of the second sorting process; and sending a fourth instruction to deliver the placed item of the plurality of items to the intended delivery destination to at least one user device for display without regard to the status of other items of the plurality of items of the customer order.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a computer-implemented method of package delivery. The method may include: receiving a customer order; generating an order identifier based on the customer order; associating each item of a plurality of items of the customer order with the order identifier; and identifying based on the order to determine the intended delivery destination of each item, the storage space associated with the intended delivery destination, and the delivery route. The method may further include sending a first indication to a user to sort each of the plurality of items based on the storage space associated with the intended delivery destination using a first sorting process device for display; receiving a first input from at least one user device relating to a state of the first sorting process; using a second sorting process based on the sending a second indication of the route to sort each sorted item to at least one user device for display regardless of the state of the first sorting process; receiving from the at least one user device and a second input related to the status of the second sorting process; a third indication to place each item of the sorting into a container associated with the delivery route is sent to at least one user device to for display without regard to the state of the second sorting process; receiving a third input from at least one user device including information associated with a container identifier for the container; placing the plurality of objects a fourth indication of delivery of the placed item in to the intended delivery destination is sent to at least one user device for display without regard to the status of other items of the plurality of items of the customer order; since at least a user device receiving a fourth input including information associated with a delivery schedule for the placed item of the plurality of items; and combining the first input, the second input, the The third input and the fourth input are stored in a database associated with the computer-implemented system.

Yet another aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a computer-implemented system for package delivery. The system may include: memory storing instructions; and at least one processor configured to execute the instructions to: receive a customer order; generate an order identifier based on the customer order; Each of the items is associated with the order identifier; and an intended delivery destination for each item, a storage space associated with the intended delivery destination, and a delivery route are determined. The processor may execute the instructions to: use a first sorting process to sort a first indication of each item of the plurality of items based on the storage space associated with the intended delivery destination sending to a user device for display; receiving a first input from at least one user device relating to the state of the first sorting process; using a second sorting process based on being configured to include the intended delivery purpose sending a second indication of each sorted item to at least one user device for display regardless of the state of the first sorting process; from at least one use the user device receives a second input related to the status of the second sorting process; sends a third indication to place each item of the sorting into a container associated with the delivery route to at least one a user device for display without regard to the state of the second sorting process; and sending a fourth instruction to deliver the placed item of the plurality of items to the intended delivery destination to at least one user device for display without regard to the status of other items of the plurality of items of the customer order.

Yet another aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a computer-implemented method for package delivery, the method comprising: receiving, by a computer-implemented system, a customer order; using the computer-implemented system to generate an order identifier based on the customer order; associating a plurality of items of the customer order with the order identifier; determining an expected delivery destination and expected delivery time for each item based on the order identifier; The expected delivery time to determine the delivery node and delivery wave for each item, a first container associated with the delivery node, and one or more second containers associated with the delivery node and the delivery wave sending a first indication to a first user device to sort each of the plurality of items at a first location using a first sorting process based on the associated distribution node; from the first user the device receives a first input related to the state of the first sorting process; placing the first sorted item at the first location to the said delivery node associated with the A second indication in the first container is sent to the first user device without regard to the status of other items of the plurality of items of the customer order; received from the first user device with the a second input related to the placement status of each item in the first container; a third indication to sort each item in the first container at the second location using a second sorting process is sent to the two user devices; and sending a fourth instruction to deliver the second sorted item in the second container to the intended delivery destination at a time associated with the delivery wave to the second user device regardless of the status of other items of the plurality of items of the customer order.

Yet another aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a computerized system for package delivery, comprising: memory storage for storing computer-executable instructions; and one or more processors configured to execute the stored instructions to: receive a customer order; generate an order identifier based on the customer order; associate each item of a plurality of items of the customer order with the order identifier; based on the order The identifier determines the expected delivery destination and expected delivery time of each item; based on the expected destination and the expected delivery time of each item, the delivery node and delivery wave of each item are respectively determined, and the delivery node An associated first container and one or more second containers associated with the distribution node and the distribution wave; the selected containers will be sorted at the first location based on the distribution node using a first sorting process sending a first indication of each item of the plurality of items to a first user device without regard to the status of other items of the plurality of items of the customer order; received from the first user device a first input related to the state of the first sorting process; a second indication to place the first sorted item into the first container at the first location is sent to the first user device; receiving a second input from the first user device relating to the placement status of each item in the first container; to use a second sorting process at the second location sending a third indication to a second user device to sort each item in the first container associated with the dispatch wave; and sending the first container at a time associated with the dispatch wave A fourth indication that the second sorted item in the second container is to be delivered to the intended delivery destination is sent to the second user device regardless of the number of items in the customer order state of other objects.

Yet another aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a computerized system for package delivery, comprising: memory storage for storing computer-executable instructions; and one or more processors configured to execute the stored instructions to: receive a customer order; generate an order identifier based on the customer order; associate each item of a plurality of items of the customer order with the order identifier; based on the order The identifier determines the expected delivery destination and expected delivery time of each item; based on the expected destination and the expected delivery time of each item, the delivery node and delivery wave of each item are respectively determined, and the delivery node An associated first container and one or more second containers associated with the distribution node and the distribution wave; the selected containers will be sorted at the first location based on the distribution node using a first sorting process sending a first indication of each of the plurality of objects to a first user device; receiving a first input from the first user device relating to the state of the first sorting process; Sending a second instruction to the first user device to place the first sorted object into the first container at the first position; receiving and communicating with the first user device from the first user device a second input related to the placement status of each item in the first container; causing the first container to be transferred from the first location to the second location; will use a second sorting process at the second location a third indication to sort each item in the first container associated with the dispatch wave is sent to a second user device; the second sorting process will be based on the second sorting process sending a fourth indication to the second user device that the selected item was placed in the second container; and the transit in the second container will be sent to the second user device at a time associated with the dispatch wave A fifth indication that the second sorted item is delivered to the intended delivery destination is sent to the second user device without regard to the status of other items of the plurality of items of the customer order.

Other systems, methods, and computer-readable media are also discussed herein.

The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers are used in the drawings and the following description to refer to the same or similar parts. Although several illustrative embodiments are described herein, modifications, adaptations, and other implementations are possible. For example, components and steps shown in the figures may be replaced, added, or modified, and the description described herein may be modified by substituting, reordering, removing steps, or adding steps to the disclosed methods Illustrative method. Accordingly, the following detailed description is not limited to the disclosed embodiments and examples. Rather, the proper scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims.

Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to reducing cycle time and increasing the efficiency of package delivery by shipping items of the same order individually without waiting for remaining items, thereby avoiding slowing down computerized systems and processes system and method.

Referring to FIG. 1A, depicted is a schematic block diagram 100 illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a network including a computerized system for implementing communications for shipping, transportation, and logistics operations. As shown in FIG. 1A, system 100 may include various systems, each of which may be connected to each other via one or more networks. The depicted system includes shipping authority technology (SAT) system 101, external front end system 103, internal front end system 105, shipping system 107, mobile device 107A, mobile device 107B, and mobile device 107C, seller portal 109, shipping and Order tracking (shipment and order tracking; SOT) system 111, fulfillment optimization (fulfillment optimization; FO) system 113, fulfillment messaging gateway (FMG) 115, supply chain management (supply chain management; SCM) system 117, warehouse management system 119, mobile device 119A, mobile device 119B, and mobile device 119C (depicted as being located inside fulfillment center (FC) 200), 3rd party fulfillment system 121A, 3rd party fulfillment system 121B, and 3rd party fulfillment system 121A 3-party fulfillment system 121C, fulfillment center authorization (FC Auth) system 123 , and labor management system (LMS) 125 .

In some embodiments, the SAT system 101 may be implemented as a computer system that monitors order status and delivery status. For example, the SAT system 101 can determine whether an order is past its Promised Delivery Date (PDD) and can take appropriate action, including placing a new order, re-shipping items in an undelivered order, canceling an undelivered order, initiating and ordering Customer's contact, or the like. The SAT system 101 may also monitor other data, including outputs (such as the number of packages shipped during a particular time period) and inputs (such as the number of empty cartons received for shipping). SAT system 101 may also act as a gateway between different devices in system 100, enabling communication between devices such as external front end system 103 and FO system 113 (eg, using store-and-forward or other techniques).

In some embodiments, external front-end system 103 may be implemented as a computer system that enables external users to interact with one or more systems in network 100 . For example, in embodiments where network 100 enables the presentation of a system to allow users to place orders for items, external front end system 103 may be implemented as a web server that receives search requests, renders item pages, and requests payment information. For example, the external front end system 103 may be implemented as a computer or computer running software, such as an Apache HTTP server, Microsoft Internet Information Service (IIS), NGINX, or the like. In other embodiments, the external front-end system 103 may operate designed to receive and process requests from external devices (not depicted), obtain information from databases and other data repositories based on their requests, and store information based on the obtained information. Customized web server software that responds to requests received.

In some embodiments, the external front end system 103 may include one or more of a web cache system, a database, a search system, or a payment system. In one aspect, external front-end system 103 may include one or more of these systems, while in another aspect, external front-end system 103 may include an interface to one or more of these systems (eg, , server-to-server, database-to-database, or other network connection).

Some operations of the external front-end system 103 will be facilitated by the illustrative set of steps shown in FIGS. 1B , 1C, 1D, and 1E. External front-end systems 103 may receive information from systems or devices in network 100 for presentation and/or display. For example, the external front-end system 103 may host or provide one or more web pages, including a search results page (SRP) (eg, FIG. 1B ), a single detail page (SDP) (eg, FIG. 1C ), A shopping cart page (eg, Figure 1D), or an order page (eg, Figure 1E). A user device (eg, using mobile device 102A or computer 102B) can navigate to external front-end system 103 and request a search by entering information into a search box. External front-end systems 103 may request information from one or more systems in network 100 . For example, the external front end system 103 may request the FO system 113 for results that satisfy the search request. The external front end system 103 may also request and receive (from the FO system 113) a Promised Delivery Date or "PDD" for each product returned in the search results. In some embodiments, the PDD represents an estimate of when the package will arrive at the user's desired location if ordered within a certain time period (eg, before the end of the day (11:59 PM)). (The PDD will be discussed further below with respect to the FO system 113).

The external front-end system 103 may prepare the SRP based on the information (eg, FIG. 1B ). The SRP may contain information to satisfy the search request. For example, this may include images of products that satisfy the search request. The SRP may also contain individual prices for each product, or information related to enhanced delivery options, PDDs, weights, sizes, quotes, discounts, or the like for each product. The external front end system 103 may deliver the SRP (eg, via a network) to the requesting user device.

The user device may then select a product from the SRP, eg, by clicking or tapping the user interface or using another input device, to select the product represented on the SRP. The user device may formulate a request for information about the selected product and send it to the external front end system 103 . In response, the external front end system 103 may request information related to the selected product. For example, the information may include additional information in addition to the information presented for the products on the respective SRP. This may include, for example, shelf life, country of origin, weight, size, number of items in the package, disposal instructions, or other information about the product. Information may also include recommendations of similar products (based on, for example, vast amounts of data and/or machine learning analysis of customers who purchased this product and at least one other product), answers to frequently asked questions, reviews from customers, manufacturer information, image, or similar.

The external front-end system 103 may prepare an SDP (Single Detail Page) based on the received product information (eg, Figure 1C). The SDP may also contain other interactive elements, such as a "buy now" button, an "add to cart" button, a quantity bar, an image of the item, or the like. The external front end system 103 may deliver (eg, via a network) the SDP to the requesting user device.

The requesting user device may receive an SDP listing product information. After receiving the SDP, the user device may then interact with the SDP. For example, a user of the requesting user device may click or otherwise interact with a "put in cart" button on the SDP. This adds the product to the shopping cart associated with the user. The user device may transmit this request to add a product to the shopping cart to the external front end system 103 .

The external front end system 103 may generate a shopping cart page (eg, Figure ID). In some embodiments, the shopping cart page lists products that the user has added to a virtual "shopping cart." A user device may request a shopping cart page by clicking on or otherwise interacting with an icon on an SRP, SDP, or other page. In some embodiments, the shopping cart page may list all the products that the user has added to the shopping cart, along with information about the products in the shopping cart (such as the quantity of each product, the price per item per product, each product price based on the associated quantity), information about the PDD, delivery method, shipping cost, user interface elements for modifying products in the shopping cart (for example, deleting or modifying quantities), for ordering additional products or setting up products , an option to set up interest payments, a user interface element to advance to a purchase, or the like. A user at the user device may click on or otherwise interact with a user interface element (eg, a button that says "Buy Now") to initiate a purchase of the products in the shopping cart. Buy. After doing so, the user device may transmit this request to initiate a purchase to the external front end system 103 .

External front end system 103 may generate an order page (eg, FIG. 1E ) in response to receiving a request to initiate a purchase. In some embodiments, the order page relists items from the shopping cart and requests the entry of payment and shipping information. For example, an order page may include requesting information about the purchaser of the items in the shopping cart (eg, name, address, email address, phone number), information about the recipient (eg, name, address, phone number, delivery information), shipping information (e.g., speed/method of delivery and/or picking), payment information (e.g., credit card, bank transfer, check, stored points), requests for cash receipts (e.g., for tax purposes) User interface elements, or similar sections. The external front end system 103 may send the order page to the user device.

The user device may enter information about the order page and click or otherwise interact with user interface elements that send the information to the external front end system 103 . From here, the external front end system 103 can send information to various systems in the network 100 to enable new orders to be created and processed with the products in the shopping cart.

In some embodiments, the external front-end system 103 may be further configured to enable sellers to transmit and receive order-related information.

In some embodiments, internal front end system 105 may be implemented as a computer system that enables internal users (eg, employees of an organization that owns, operates, or leases network 100 ) to interact with one or more systems in network 100 . For example, in an embodiment where the network 101 enables the presentation of the system to allow a user to place an order for an item, the internal front end system 105 may be implemented to enable the user to view diagnostic and statistical information about the order, modify item information, or review Web server for order-related statistics. For example, the internal front end system 105 may be implemented as a computer or computer running software such as an Apache HTTP server, Microsoft Internet Information Services (IIS), NGINX, or the like. In other embodiments, the internal front end system 105 may operate designed to receive and process requests from the devices depicted in the network 100 (as well as other devices not depicted), from databases and other data repositories based on their requests Customized web server software that obtains information and provides responses to received requests based on the obtained information.

In some embodiments, the internal front end system 105 may include one or more of a web cache system, a database, a search system, a payment system, an analytics system, an order monitoring system, or the like. In one aspect, internal front end system 105 may include one or more of these systems, while in another aspect, internal front end system 105 may include an interface to one or more of these systems (eg, , server-to-server, database-to-database, or other network connection).

In some embodiments, the transportation system 107 may be implemented as a computer system that enables communication between the devices in the network 100 and the mobile devices 107A to 107C. In some embodiments, the transportation system 107 may receive information from one or more mobile devices 107A to 107C (eg, mobile phones, smartphones, PDAs, or the like). For example, in some embodiments, mobile devices 107A-107C may comprise devices operated by delivery workers. Delivery workers, who may be permanent, temporary, or shift employees, may utilize mobile devices 107A-107C to effect delivery of user-ordered packages. For example, to deliver a package, a delivery worker may receive a notification on a mobile device indicating which package to deliver and where to deliver the package. Upon arrival at the delivery location, the delivery worker may locate the package (eg, in the back of a truck or in the package's crate), scan or otherwise capture an identifier (eg, a barcode) on the package with a mobile device , images, text strings, RFID tags, or the like) and deliver the package (for example, by leaving it at the front door, leaving it to a guard, giving it to the recipient, or the like) . In some embodiments, the delivery worker may take a photo of the package and/or may obtain a signature. The mobile device may send communications to the transportation system 107 including information about the delivery including, for example, time, date, GPS location, photo, identifier associated with the delivery worker, identifier associated with the mobile device, or similar. Transport system 107 may store this data in a database (not depicted) for access by other systems in network 100 . In some embodiments, the shipping system 107 may use this information to prepare and send tracking data to other systems, indicating the location of a particular package.

In some embodiments, some users may use one type of mobile device (eg, permanent workers may use specialized PDAs with customized hardware such as barcode scanners, styluses, and other devices), while others use Alternatively, other types of mobile devices may be used (eg, off-the-shelf mobile phones and/or smartphones may be utilized by temporary workers or shift workers).

In some embodiments, the transportation system 107 may associate a user with each device. For example, the transportation system 107 may store users (represented by, for example, user identifiers, employee identifiers, or telephone numbers) and mobile devices (represented by, for example, International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI), International Mobile Equipment Identifier (International Mobile Subscription Identifier; IMSI), phone number, Universal Unique Identifier (UUID) or Globally Unique Identifier (Globally Unique Identifier; GUID) representation). The transportation system 107 may use this relationship in conjunction with the data received at the time of delivery to analyze the data stored in the database to determine, among other things, the location of the worker, the efficiency of the worker, or the speed of the worker.

In some embodiments, seller portal 109 may be implemented as a computer system that enables sellers or other external entities to electronically communicate with other aspects of information about an order. For example, a seller may utilize a computer system (not depicted) to upload or provide product information, order information, contact information, or the like for products the seller wishes to sell via system 100 .

In some embodiments, shipping and order tracking system 111 may be implemented as a computerized system that receives, stores, and forwards information about the location of packages ordered by customers (eg, by users using device 102A to device 102B). In some embodiments, the shipping and order tracking system 111 may request or store information from a web server (not depicted) operated by the shipping company that delivers the package ordered by the customer.

In some embodiments, shipping and order tracking system 111 may request and store information from the systems depicted in network 100 . For example, shipping and order tracking system 111 may request information from shipping system 107 . As discussed above, the transportation system 107 may be from one or more mobile devices 107A to mobile devices 107C (eg, a delivery truck) associated with one or more of a user (eg, a delivery worker) or a vehicle (eg, a delivery truck). , mobile phone, smartphone, PDA or similar) to receive information. In some embodiments, shipping and order tracking system 111 may also request information from warehouse management system (WMS) 119 to determine the location of individual packages within a fulfillment center (eg, fulfillment center 200 ). Shipping and order tracking system 111 may request data from one or more of shipping system 107 or WMS 119, process the data upon request, and present the data to devices (eg, user device 102A and user device 102B).

In some embodiments, fulfillment optimization (FO) system 113 may be implemented as a computerized system that stores information on customer orders from other systems (eg, external front-end system 103 and/or shipping and order tracking system 111 ). The FO system 113 may also store information describing where particular objects are kept or stored. For example, some items ordered by a customer may be stored in only one fulfillment center, while other items may be stored in multiple fulfillment centers. In still other embodiments, certain fulfillment centers may be designed to store only certain collections of items (eg, fresh produce or frozen products). The FO system 113 stores this information and associated information (eg, quantity, size, date of receipt, date of expiration, etc.).

The FO system 113 may also calculate a promised delivery date (PDD) for each product. In some embodiments, the PDD may be based on one or more factors. For example, the FO system 113 may calculate the PDD for a product based on past demand for the product (eg, how many times the product has been ordered over a period of time), expected demand for the product (eg, forecasted how many customers will order the product during the upcoming period), network-wide past demand indicating how many products have been ordered during the period, network-wide expected demand indicating how many products are expected to be ordered during the upcoming period, One or more counts of products stored in each fulfillment center 200, which fulfillment center stores each product, expected or current orders for the product, or the like.

In some embodiments, the FO system 113 may periodically (eg, hourly) determine the PDD for each product and store it in a database for retrieval or sending to other systems (eg, external front-end system 103 , SAT system 101 ) , Shipping and Order Tracking System 111). In other embodiments, FO system 113 may receive electronic requests from one or more systems (eg, external front end system 103, SAT system 101, shipping and order tracking system 111) and compute PDDs on demand.

In some embodiments, the fulfillment communication gateway (FMG) 115 may be implemented to receive communications from one or more systems in the network 100 (such as the FO system 113 ), convert the material in the communications to another format and forward the data in the converted format to computer systems in other systems (such as WMS 119 or 3rd party fulfillment system 121A, 3rd party fulfillment system 121B or 3rd party fulfillment system 121C) and vice versa.

In some embodiments, the supply chain management (SCM) system 117 may be implemented as a computerized system that performs forecasting functions. For example, the SCM system 117 may determine the predicted level of demand for a particular product based on, for example, past demand for the product, expected demand for the product, network-wide past demand, network-wide expected demand, storage on each A count of products in a fulfillment center 200, expected or current orders for each product, or the like. In response to this determined forecast level and the volume of each product in all fulfillment centers, the SCM system 117 may generate one or more purchase orders to meet anticipated demand for a particular product.

In some embodiments, the warehouse management system (WMS) 119 may be implemented as a computer system that monitors workflow. For example, WMS 119 may receive event data indicative of discrete events from individual devices (eg, device 107A-device 107C or device 119A-device 119C). For example, WMS 119 may receive event data indicating the use of one of these devices to scan the package. As discussed below with respect to fulfillment center 200 and FIG. 2, during the fulfillment process, machines (eg, automated or hand-held barcode scanners, RFID readers, high-speed cameras, such as tablet computers 119A) may be utilized at certain stages of the fulfillment process. , mobile device/PDA 119B, computer 119C device, or the like) to scan or read package identifiers (eg, barcode or RFID tag data). The WMS 119 may store each event indicative of a scan or reading of the package identifier, along with the package identifier, time, date, location, user identifier, or other information, in a corresponding database (not depicted), and may The information is provided to other systems (eg, shipping and order tracking system 111).

In some embodiments, WMS 119 may store data that associates one or more devices (eg, device 107A-device 107C or device 119A-device 119C) with one or more users (the one or more users and the network 100 associated) associated information. For example, in some cases a user (such as a part-time employee or a full-time employee) may be associated with a mobile device because the user owns the mobile device (eg, the mobile device is a smartphone). In other cases, the user may be associated with the mobile device because the user temporarily holds the mobile device (eg, the user gets the mobile device at the beginning of the day, will use the mobile device during the day, and will Return the mobile device at the end of the day).

In some embodiments, WMS 119 may maintain a work log for each user associated with network 100 . For example, the WMS 119 may store information associated with each employee, including any specified process (eg, unloading from trucks, picking items from pick areas, rebin wall work, packing items), use of person identifier, location (eg, floor or zone in fulfillment center 200), number of units moved through the system by employees (eg, number of items picked, number of items packed), and device (eg, device 119A to 119C) associated identifiers, or the like. In some embodiments, WMS 119 may receive registration and logout information from a timing system, such as a timing system operating on devices 119A-119C.

In some embodiments, the third party fulfillment (3 ^rd party fulfillment; 3PL) 121A system to third party fulfillment system and the third-party provider 121C represents the product stream and associated computer systems. For example, while some products are stored in fulfillment center 200 (as discussed below with respect to FIG. 2 ), other products may be stored off-site, may be produced on demand, or may not be otherwise available for storage in fulfillment center 200 . 3PL systems 121A-3PL systems 121C may be configured to receive orders from FO system 113 (eg, via FMG 115 ) and may provide products and/or services (eg, delivery or installation) directly to customers.

In some embodiments, the fulfillment center Auth system (FC Auth) 123 may be implemented as a computer system with various functions. For example, in some embodiments, FC Auth 123 may serve as a single-sign on (SSO) service for one or more other systems in network 100 . For example, FC Auth 123 may enable the user to log in via the internal front end system 105, determine that the user has similar privileges to access resources at the shipping and order tracking system 111, and enable the user to log in without the need for a second login process obtain their privileges. In other embodiments, FC Auth 123 may enable a user (eg, an employee) to associate himself/herself with a particular task. For example, some employees may not have electronic devices (such as devices 119A-119C) and may actually move from task to task and from zone to zone within fulfillment center 200 during the course of the day. FC Auth 123 can be configured to enable their employees to indicate what tasks they are working on and where they are located at different times of the day.

In some embodiments, labor management system (LMS) 125 may be implemented as a computer system that stores attendance and overtime information for employees, including full-time and part-time employees. For example, LMS 125 may receive information from FC Auth 123, WMA 119, device 119A-device 119C, transportation system 107, and/or device 107A-device 107C.

The particular configuration depicted in Figure 1A is merely an example. For example, although FIG. 1A depicts FC Auth system 123 connected to FO system 113 via FMG 115, not all embodiments require this particular configuration. Indeed, in some embodiments, the systems in network 100 may be connected to each other via one or more public or private networks, including the Internet, an intranet, a Wide-Area Network; WAN), Metropolitan-Area Network (MAN), IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n compliant wireless network, leased line, or the like. In some embodiments, one or more of the systems in network 100 may be implemented as one or more virtual servers implemented at a data center, server farm, or the like.

FIG. 2 depicts fulfillment center 200 . Fulfillment center 200 is an example of a physical location that stores items for shipping to customers at the time of ordering. Fulfillment center (FC) 200 may be divided into multiple zones, each of which is depicted in FIG. 2 . In some embodiments, these "zones" can be thought of as virtual divisions between the different stages of the process of receiving, storing, retrieving, and shipping items. Thus, although "zones" are depicted in Figure 2, other zone divisions are possible, and in some embodiments zones in Figure 2 may be omitted, duplicated, or modified.

The inbound area 203 represents the area of the FC 200 that receives items from sellers who wish to sell products using the network 100 of FIG. 1 . For example, a seller may use truck 201 to deliver item 202A and item 202B. Item 202A may represent a single item large enough to occupy its own shipping pallet, while item 202B may represent a collection of items stacked together on the same pallet to save space.

Workers will receive the item in the inbound area 203 and can use a computer system (not depicted) to check the item for damage and correctness as appropriate. For example, a worker may use a computer system to compare the quantity of items 202A and 202B with the ordered quantity of items. If the quantities do not match, the worker may reject one or more of item 202A or item 202B. If the quantities do match, the worker can move those items to the buffer zone 205 (using, for example, a trolley, walker, forklift, or manually). The buffer area 205 may be a temporary storage area for items that currently do not need to be in the pick area (eg, due to the presence of a high enough number of items in the pick area to meet forecast demand). In some embodiments, forklift 206 operates to move items around buffer zone 205 and between inbound area 203 and unload area 207 . If item 202A or item 202B in the pick area is required (eg, due to forecast demand), a forklift may move item 202A or item 202B to unload area 207 .

The unloading area 207 may be an area of the FC 200 where items are stored prior to being moved to the picking area 209 . Workers assigned to picking tasks ("pickers") can approach items 202A and 202B in the picking area, use a mobile device (eg, device 119B) to scan the barcodes in the picking area, and scan with item 202A and the barcode associated with item 202B. The picker may then take the item to the picking area 209 (eg, by placing the item on a cart or carrying the item).

Picking area 209 may be an area of FC 200 where items 208 are stored on storage unit 210 . In some embodiments, storage unit 210 may include one or more of physical shelves, bookshelves, boxes, totes, refrigerators, freezers, cold storage areas, or the like. In some embodiments, the picking area 209 may be organized into multiple floors. In some embodiments, workers or machines can move items into the picking area 209 in a variety of ways, including, for example, forklifts, elevators, conveyors, carts, walkers, carts, automated robots or devices, or manually . For example, a picker may place items 202A and 202B on a trolley or cart in unloading area 207 and walk items 202A and 202B to picking area 209 .

Pickers may receive instructions to place (or "stow") items at specific points in pick area 209 , such as specific spaces on storage unit 210 . For example, a picker may scan item 202A using a mobile device (eg, device 119B). The device may indicate to the picker where the item 202A should be stowed, eg, using a system of indicating aisles, racks, and locations. The device may then prompt the picker to scan the barcode at the location prior to stowage of the item 202A at that location. The device may send data (eg, via a wireless network) to a computer system, such as WMS 119 in FIG. 1, indicating that item 202A has been stowed at that location by a user using device 119B.

Once the user places an order, the picker may receive instructions on device 119B to retrieve one or more items 208 from storage unit 210 . The picker may retrieve the item 208 , scan the barcode on the item 208 , and place the item 208 on the transport mechanism 214 . Although the transport mechanism 214 is shown as a slide, in some embodiments the transport mechanism may be implemented as one or more of a conveyor belt, elevator, cart, forklift, walker, dolly, cart, or the like. Object 208 may then arrive at packing area 211 .

The packing area 211 may be the area of the FC 200 that receives items from the picking area 209 and packs the items into boxes or bags for eventual shipping to customers. In the packing area 211, the worker assigned to receive the item ("confluent worker") will receive the item 208 from the picking area 209 and determine which order the item 208 corresponds to. For example, a confluence worker may use a device such as computer 119C to scan the barcode on item 208. Computer 119C can visually indicate to which order item 208 is associated. This may include, for example, spaces or "cells" on the wall 216 that correspond to orders. Once the order is complete (eg, because the cell contains all the items for that order), the confluence worker can instruct the packer (or "packer") that the order is complete. A packer can retrieve items from the cell and place the items in boxes or bags for shipping. The packer may then send the box or package to the hub zone 213, eg, via a forklift, cart, dolly, cart, conveyor, manually or otherwise.

The hub area 213 may be the area of the FC 200 that receives all boxes or packets (“packages”) from the packaging area 211 . Workers and/or machines in the hub zone 213 may retrieve the packages 218 and determine which portion of the delivery area each package is expected to go to, and deliver the packages to the appropriate camp zone 215 . For example, if the delivery area has two smaller sub-areas, the package will go to one of the two camp areas 215. In some embodiments, a worker or machine may scan the package (eg, using one of devices 119A-119C) to determine its final destination. Delivering the package to the camp area 215 may include, for example (eg, based on a zip code) determining a portion of the geographic area to which the package is destined, and determining the camp area 215 associated with the portion of the geographic area.

In some embodiments, camp area 215 may include one or more buildings, one or more physical spaces, or one or more areas in which packages are received from hub area 213 for sorting to routes and/or sub-routes middle. In some embodiments, camp area 215 is physically separate from FC 200 , while in other embodiments, camp area 215 may form part of FC 200 .

Workers and/or machines in camp area 215 may determine which route and/or sub-route the package 220 should be associated with, for example, based on a comparison of the destination to existing routes and/or sub-routes, a comparison of each Calculations of workload for the route and/or sub-routes, timing, shipping method, cost of shipping the package 220, PDDs associated with the items in the package 220, or the like. In some embodiments, a worker or machine may scan the package (eg, using one of devices 119A-119C) to determine its final destination. Once a package 220 is assigned to a particular route and/or sub-route, workers and/or machines can move the package 220 to be shipped. In exemplary FIG. 2, camp area 215 includes trucks 222, cars 226, and delivery workers 224A and 224B. In some embodiments, truck 222 may be driven by delivery worker 224A, which is a full-time employee delivering packages for FC 200 , and truck 222 is owned, leased, or operated by the same company that owns, leases, or operates FC 200 . In some embodiments, car 226 may be driven by delivery worker 224B, which is a "flexible" or temporary worker delivering on an as-needed basis (eg, seasonally). Car 226 may be owned, rented or operated by delivery worker 224B.

FIG. 3 shows an exemplary schematic diagram of a computer-implemented system 300 for unitary package delivery. In some embodiments, the system 300 may include a confluence worker 301, a picked item 208 with an order identifier 305 (eg, barcode, tag, label), a user interface device 302 (eg, a mobile device/PDA 119B). The system 300 may further include: a first storage location 320 (eg, packing area 211 ) including storage cells 324 (eg, storage cell 324_1 , storage cell 324_2 ), a camp 340 (eg, camp area 215), and delivery truck 201. The first storage location 320 and the campsite 340 may sort items based on different information related to the final destination. As one example, at first storage location 320, items (eg, item 208) may be sorted based on the geographic area to which the package is destined (eg, based on zip code), and at campsite 340, may be based on delivery routes or subdivisions Routes (eg, based on route numbers) to sort objects. (Other sorting methods are also possible). Delivery routes or sub-routes may be predetermined by one or more computer-implemented systems of system 100 . In some embodiments, one or more systems of computer-implemented system 100 (eg, SAT 101 , WMS 119 , SCM 117 ) may be configured to communicate with user interface device 302 to indicate the sorting of objects.

FIG. 3 shows an exemplary unitary package delivery system. As used herein, the term "singularization" refers to a single shipment of items of a customer order that includes multiple items without waiting for the customer order to be fully fulfilled before shipping. Delivery by a single package can have numerous advantages over existing systems for package delivery. Delivery by a single package may have some or all of the advantages discussed herein, as well as other advantages. i. Improved Packing Efficiency - In current existing package delivery systems, a confluence worker can wait to pack all items of an order in a single package, and the package can be placed on the confluence wall space associated with a particular order for further Handling, including sorting or shipping. In contrast, in the unitary package delivery system 300, a packer can individually sort items into storage cells (eg, storage cells) without waiting for other items of the order to arrive at a packer station or packing area. 324_1), thereby reducing the packer's free time. Reducing the idle time of each packer allows for an overall increase in packing efficiency. ii. Increased picking density - In current existing package delivery systems, pickers can pick items sequentially to fulfill customer orders. For example, a picker may pick all items of order 1 before picking items of order 2. This sequential approach to picking results in time and efficiency losses as pickers spend more time transitioning than picking items. In contrast, the unitary package delivery system 300 may allow for increased pick density since pickers may be tasked with picking items based on their location and not based on customer orders. For example, a picker may be tasked with picking items that are located near his current physical location but may be associated with other customer orders. This parallel approach to picking can increase pick density by reducing the time spent by the picker in transition. iii. Improved Traceability - As shown in FIG. 3, in a unitary package delivery system 300, a worker (eg, worker 301 ) can scan and 208) the associated barcode (eg, order identifier 305 and/or location identifier). Additionally, the barcode can be scanned periodically during the process or upon receipt of a prompt. Information recorded, eg, by scanning, may be stored in the database of the system 100, allowing the package to be tracked as it undergoes processing. The barcode of the container or tote can also be scanned to provide information associated with the location of the items contained in the container during the process of picking, sorting, packaging, shipping, etc., allowing container and package traceability. iv. Faster sorting - After items at camp (eg, camp area 215) are received from the packing area, items can be sorted based on sub-routes or delivery routes without waiting for other items of the order to arrive at the camp. Since the items are sorted based on sub-routes and not based on the customer order to which they belong, the shelf life of the items can be reduced, thereby improving the sorting rate. This also enables better space utilization, improved worker efficiency, reduced cycle times, and an enriched customer experience. v. Reduced Shelf Time - The singulation of items may allow for a reduction in the duration that items sit on shelves waiting to be picked, packed, sorted or shipped, as they can be processed without regard to the status of the other items of the order the object. The reduction in storage time of items may reduce the associated costs associated with inventory management and reduce the risk of mishandling and misplacement of items. vi. Reduction in "load-ready" time - In existing package delivery and delivery systems, employees such as workers, drivers, loaders, janitors, floor inspectors, etc. may spend a significant amount of their time at the beginning of a shift or work period For example, make sure to load all the items that belong to the order. Such a system may be inefficient in utilizing resources such as manpower and time, both of which may increase operating costs and affect throughput. The singulation of items can reduce load preparation time as employees load containers or container carriers, such as handbags, cages, etc., into delivery trucks based on planned delivery areas and delivery routes. vii. Improved Loading and Delivery Efficiency - Delivery trucks can be loaded more efficiently as items are placed in large standardized totes or containers based on the delivery route. Additionally, items remain in standardized containers until delivery, minimizing damage or misplacement due to disposal. A large standardized tote or container allows the loader to follow easy instructions to load the truck, and allows the driver to easily understand what is on the map and deliver the order more efficiently.

In some embodiments, the system 100 may be configured to receive customer orders. A customer order can include multiple items. In some embodiments, each customer order may include multiple sub-orders, each of which may include multiple items. For example, a customer order may include three sub-orders. The first sub-order may be a rush order for toothpaste, toothbrush, and mouthwash, the second sub-order may include regular deliveries of cheese, crackers, and potato chips, and the third sub-order may include delayed deliveries of beverages. System 100 can receive customer orders and generate order identifiers 305 associated with each of the ordered items. In some embodiments, system 100 may generate a unique sub-order identifier associated with each sub-order (eg, sub-order identifier 305A for the first sub-order, sub-order identifier 305A for the second sub-order 305B, and a sub-order identifier 305C for the third sub-order).

In some embodiments, the order identifier 305 and sub-order identifier (eg, sub-order identifier 305A, sub-order identifier 305B, or sub-order identifier 305C) may include information including, but not limited to, the number of items ordered, The urgency of the item to be delivered, the destination of the item to be delivered. In some embodiments, the order identifier 305 may also contain information about several sub-orders within a single order. System 100 may send an indication to user interface device 302 to indicate that the order includes a number of sub-orders, and the urgency associated with each sub-order. Pickers can fulfill orders or sub-orders accordingly.

In some embodiments, one or more pickers may receive indications related to the urgency of sub-orders when retrieving items from other customer orders. The picker may retrieve items of the urgent sub-order based on their current location within the picking area 209 and forward the items to the packing area 211 . For example, if the urgent sub-order includes a toothbrush and a pair of socks, a picker in or near the oral hygiene section can retrieve the toothbrush and a picker in or near the apparel section A clerk can retrieve the pair of socks, resulting in improved pick density. Once the container or tote is full, the item can be transported to the packing area 211 . This approach can improve picking efficiency by picking items based on the picker's location and not based on customer orders, thereby reducing cycle time and improving overall delivery efficiency.

In some embodiments, system 100 may send an instruction to a user device (eg, smartphone 119B, or computer 119C) such that the device instructs the picker to print order identifier 305 . In some embodiments, the user device may comprise a handheld device, such as a PDA, configured to print indicia. Alternatively, system 100 may include a printing device (not depicted) such as an indicia printer, ink jet printer, or laser printer. The printing device may be configured to receive instructions to print indicia, instructions, memos, or the like from one of the computer-implemented systems of system 100 . The instructions may further include requesting the picker to associate the printed order identifier 305 with the item of the customer order, such as by affixing the printed order identifier 305 to the picked item 208 . In some embodiments, the system 100 may be configured to electronically associate the order identifier 305 with the items of the customer order. For example, the system 100 can update a database that includes information related to all incoming customer orders.

Confluence worker 301 may receive picked item 208 in packing area 211 . In some embodiments, confluence worker 301 may receive information associated with customer orders from system 100 using user interface device 302 (eg, smartphone 119B). User interface devices 302 may include, but are not limited to, handheld display devices (eg, tablet 119A), smart phones (eg, mobile/PDA 119B), computers (eg, computer 119C), body mounted displays, head mounted display etc. User interface device 302 may be substantially similar to a mobile device, such as, for example, computer 119C of FIG. 1A . User interface device 302 may communicate and exchange information with, for example, WMS 119 .

In some embodiments, user interface device 302 may be configured to display information on a user interface display (not shown in FIG. 3 ). The user interface display may include information including information related to the customer order, such as the number of items ordered, the urgency of delivery of the ordered items, the destination location of the items to be delivered, and the like. In some embodiments, the user interface display may be a visual display or an audiovisual display. For example, if the order is "urgent," user interface device 302 may receive an audiovisual message indicating a request to expedite fulfillment of the order. In some embodiments, the user interface device 302 may be configured to receive user input and provide feedback to the user via one or more interactive elements of the user interface display. For example, the user interface device 302 may provide an audio, visual, or tactile notification to the user via one or more interactive elements of the user interface display and indicate a request to acknowledge receipt of the notification. In some embodiments, user interface device 302 may include data recording capabilities (such as barcode scanning, optical character readers, etc.) to record order identifier 305 information. User interface device 302 may be configured to temporarily store recorded information and later upload to a database of one of the computer-implemented systems of system 100 . In some embodiments, the user interface device 302 may automatically upload the logged information to the database.

In some embodiments, the user interface device 302 may receive an instruction to review the order identifier 305 associated with the picked item 208 via an interactive element of the user interface display. For example, one of the computer-implemented systems of system 100 (eg, WMS 119 , SCM 117 , or SAT 101 ) may generate a display to user interface device 302 indicating to the user to begin reviewing the order identifier associated with object 208 305 instructions. Reviewing the order identifier 305 may include determining the final destination of the delivery of the item 208 by, for example, scanning or reading the order identifier 305 . For example, scanning an order identifier (eg, a barcode) using a barcode scanning device can display information associated with the order identifier, such as the final destination of the items in the order, the urgency of delivery, the number and description of the items ordered Wait. In some embodiments, a customer order may include several sub-orders and each sub-order may further include several items. It should be appreciated that item 208 may include a package containing one or more items of a customer order.

After determining the final destination for the delivery of the item 208, the merge worker 301 may place the item 208 in the first storage location 320 based on the determined final destination. The first storage location 320 may include storage cells 324 . Each storage cell 324 of the first storage location 320 may be associated with a sorting location. In some embodiments, the first storage location 320 may include a merging wall, a storage unit, a storage rack with cells, or a cabinet. Other tissue storage means may also be used.

In some embodiments, the item 208 may be sorted into the storage cells 324 of the first storage location 320 based on the destination of the item 208 without regard to the status of the order or other items of the order that may be associated with the item . In current existing systems, a confluence worker can wait to pick all items of an order before sorting the order for delivery. In contrast, in the disclosed embodiments, each item may be treated as an individual order and sorted based on destination without regard to the status of the other items of the order. This reduces idle time for confluent workers, thereby increasing packaging efficiency. In some embodiments, the packaging efficiency as disclosed herein may be referred to as the number of items packaged in a particular time period. For example, packaging efficiency can be expressed in units per hour (UPH). Other efficiency measures may also be used. The singulation of items can also reduce the shelf life of an item (defined herein as the duration of time an item sits on a shelf before it is picked, packed, sorted or shipped), thereby reducing the linkages associated with inventory management cost and reduce the risk of mishandling and misplacement of objects.

In some embodiments, each storage cell 324 may be associated with a camp 340 . In some embodiments, camp 340 may be an on-site storage or sorting facility within the premises of FC 200 . In some embodiments, camp 340 may be an off-site storage or sorting facility at a remote location. The camp identifier may be used to identify the association of each storage cell 324 (eg, storage cell 324_1 or storage cell 324_2 ) with the corresponding camp. Camp identifiers may include, but are not limited to, markings, barcodes, numbers, or labels. Although only a limited number of storage cells 324 are shown, it should be appreciated that the first storage location 320 may include any number of storage cells 324 .

In some embodiments, the user interface device 302 may notify the confluence worker 301 via an instruction to place the object 208 in the corresponding storage cell 324 based on determining the destination location of the object 208 . For example, based on the customer order, one of the computer-implemented systems of system 100 (eg, WMS 119, SCM 117, or SAT 101) may determine the camp to which item 208 is likely to be directed. Confluence worker 301 may place object 208 in corresponding storage cell 324 .

In some embodiments, the merge worker 301 may receive, via the user interface device 302, instructions to associate the object 208 with the corresponding storage cell 324 in which the object 208 is placed. For example, confluence worker 301 may be requested to scan order identifier 305 and camp identifier to establish an association between item 208 and the camp for sorting. Information related to the order identifiers of the placed items and the camp identifiers of the storage cells in which the items are placed can be automatically updated to a database that includes information related to customer orders and delivery schedules for customer orders.

In some embodiments, if camp 340 is an on-site facility, the items may be transported using transportation means such as, for example, conveyor belts, forklifts, pallets, dollies, or in handbags. For off-site facilities, delivery trucks or similar may be used to transport items.

In some embodiments, storage unit 324 may contain one or more items to be transported to the corresponding camp. In some embodiments, the camp may be referred to as a storage location. For example, camp 340 may be associated with storage cell 324_1 , indicating that an object (eg, object 208 ) placed in storage cell 324_1 may be directed to camp 340 .

In some embodiments, campsite 340 may include one or more storage spaces 342 . Storage space 342 may include, but is not limited to, walls with storage cells, storage cells, storage shelves with cells, or cabinets. Other tissue storage means may also be used. For example, storage space 342 may include a wall with storage cells 344 . Each storage cell 344 may be associated with a sub-route for delivery of the item 208 .

Workers at camp 340 may receive one or more items 208 from storage location 320 . A worker (eg, a sorter) may review the order identifier 305 associated with the picked item 208 . In some embodiments, the worker may receive a notification on the user interface device 302 to review the order identifier 305 . For example, one of the computer-implemented systems of system 100 (eg, WMS 119 , SCM 117 , or SAT 101 ) may generate a start review order associated with object 208 to the worker to be displayed on user interface device 302 An indication of the identifier 305 . Reviewing the order identifier 305 may include determining the final destination of the item 208 .

After determining the final destination for the delivery of item 208 , the worker may place the item (eg, item 208 ) in storage cell 344 based on the determined sub-route for the final destination of item 208 . Each storage cell 344 of camp 340 may be associated with a sub-route.

In some embodiments, the user interface device 302 may notify the worker via instructions to place the object 208 in the corresponding storage cell 344 based on the determined final destination of the object 208 . For example, based on the customer order, one of the computer-implemented systems of system 100 (eg, WMS 119, SCM 117, or SAT 101) may determine the storage cell 344 to which object 208 is likely to lead. The worker may place the object 208 in the corresponding storage cell 324 based on the instructions from the user interface device 302 .

The sub-route identifier can be used to identify the association of each storage cell 344 with the corresponding sub-route. Sub-route identifiers may include, but are not limited to, markings, barcodes, numbers, or labels. Although only a limited number of storage cells 344 are shown, it should be understood that camp 340 may include any number of storage cells 344 .

In some embodiments, items may be sorted into storage cells 344 based on the determined sub-route of the final destination for delivery without regard to the status of the order or other items of the order that may be associated with the item middle. In current existing delivery systems, a sorter may wait to receive all items of an order before preparing the order for delivery. In contrast, in the disclosed embodiments, each item may be treated as an individual order and sorted based on the determined sub-route for delivery without regard to the status of the other items of the order . This may reduce the idle time of the sorters in the camp area, thereby increasing sorting efficiency and overall package delivery efficiency.

In some embodiments, the user interface device 302 may be configured to display instructions for associating the object 208 and the corresponding storage cell 344 in which the object 208 is placed. For example, the instruction may include a request to scan the order identifier 305 and the sub-route identifier to establish an association between the item 208 and the sub-route for delivery. The information related to the order identifier 305 of the placed item and the sub-route identifier of the storage cell 344 in which the item was placed may be automatically updated to data including information related to the customer order and the delivery schedule of the customer order library.

In some embodiments, each storage cell 344 may be associated with a container 350 (eg, a handbag). All items of storage cell 344 (eg, item 208 ) may be placed in container 350 . In some embodiments, container 350 may be identified using container identifier 355 . The container identifier 355 may include information associated with the sub-route that includes the sub-route identifier. In some embodiments, the container identifier 355 may contain information related to camps and sub-routes. For example, the container identifier may include the indicia CS3_SR1, where CS indicates the starting camp and SR indicates the designated sub-route for delivering the items in the container. The container identifier 355 may include, but is not limited to, a mark, barcode, number, or label.

In some embodiments, the user interface device 302 may be configured to display a notification or indication to place the object 208 in the corresponding container 350 based on the determined final destination of the object 208 . For example, based on the customer order, one of the computer-implemented systems of system 100 (eg, WMS 119, SCM 117, or SAT 101) may determine a container 350 in which item 208 may be placed. The worker may place the object 208 in the corresponding container 350 based on the instructions from the user interface device 302 .

In some embodiments, the user interface device 302 may be configured to display, via one or more interactive elements of the user interface display, instructions for associating the object 208 and the corresponding container 350 in which the object 208 is placed. For example, an instruction may include a request to scan order identifier 305 and container identifier 355 to establish an association between item 208 and container 350 for package delivery. Information related to the order identifier 305 of the placed item 208 and the container identifier 355 of the container 350 in which the item is placed may be automatically updated to a database that includes information related to customer orders and delivery schedules for customer orders .

In some embodiments, one or more containers 350 may be loaded on a delivery vehicle (eg, delivery truck 201 ) for delivery to a customer. Containers 350 may be deployed in delivery truck 201 based on sub-routes. For example, a package or item to be delivered at a destination closer to the start of the sub-route (eg, item 208 ) may be placed closer to the entry door, so the delivery worker has direct access to the package. In some embodiments, the container 350 containing the rush order may be placed closer to the access door to enable quick access to the package. In some embodiments, sub-routes may be adjusted based on the type and urgency or PDD of the order. In some embodiments, both the sub-route and the configuration of the containers in the delivery truck 201 may be adjusted based on customer orders and PDDs.

The container 350 may be placed on the container carrier 360 prior to being loaded into the delivery truck 201 . The container carrier 360 may include a cart, dolly, cage, basket, or the like. In some embodiments, the container carrier 360 may include an identifier, such as a barcode, label, or label. In some embodiments, the user interface device 302 may notify the delivery worker or truck loader via instructions to place the container 350 on the delivery truck 201 based on a predetermined configuration. For example, based on the PDD, one of the computer-implemented systems of system 100 (eg, transportation system 107 ) may determine the configuration of container 350 on container carrier 360 or the configuration of one or more container carriers 360 on delivery truck 201 . A delivery worker or truck loader may place the container 350 or container carrier 360 in the delivery truck 201 based on a determination made by one of the computer-implemented systems of the system 100 (eg, the transport system 107 ). The user interface device 302 may indicate to the delivery worker or truck loader the configuration of the container 350 within the container carrier 360 and/or a representation of the configuration of the container carrier 360 in the delivery truck 201 .

In some embodiments, the user interface device 302 may be configured to display a representation of the configured container 350 and one or more container carriers 360 in the delivery truck 201 . The format of the presentation may include one of visual, tabular, audio, audiovisual, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the user interface display may include a representation of the configured container 350 and the container carrier 360 in the delivery truck 201 of the delivery worker.

In some embodiments, the delivery worker may receive an instruction to begin driving on the sub-route generated by one of the computer-implemented systems of the system 100, such as the transportation system 107, after the delivery truck 201 has been loaded. Delivery workers may receive instructions via a user interface display on user interface device 302 .

Referring now to FIG. 4, an illustrative flow diagram of a process 400 for unitary package delivery is shown, consistent with disclosed embodiments. The process may include: receiving a customer order; generating an order identifier based on the customer order; determining an expected final destination of items of the customer order; picking at least some of the items of the customer order; sorting the picked items based on a two-step sorting process pick up the item; load the picked item of the customer order onto a delivery truck without waiting for the remaining items of the customer order; and deliver the picked item to the customer.

Overall package delivery efficiency is a measure that depends on the efficiency of each step in the process of package delivery. Shipping a package from an FC to a customer to fulfill an order typically involves multiple steps, and most of these steps must be performed in a linear sequential order. For example, picking may be prior to receiving an order and generating an order identifier, sorting may be prior to picking, packaging may be prior to sorting, loading items onto a delivery truck may be prior to packaging, and the like. In other words, each step of the process is initiated by the completion of the previous step. In such a process flow, the overall efficiency of the process is determined by the efficiency at each step. The overall efficiency can be improved by increasing the efficiency of each step or by increasing the efficiency of at least one step while maintaining the efficiency of the other steps. As discussed above, "singularization" herein refers to a single shipment of an item of a customer order that includes multiple items without waiting for the customer order to be fully fulfilled prior to shipment, which can be achieved by reducing cycle time and reducing in-process The spare time of the employees involved in improving the efficiency of package delivery. In some embodiments, one or more steps of process 400 may be performed by one or more user interface devices (eg, each user interface device operated by a user in a different area of FC 200).

In step 410, one or more computer-implemented systems of system 100 (eg, WMS 119, SCM 117, SAT system 101) may receive customer orders. A customer order can include multiple items. In some embodiments, a customer order may include multiple sub-orders and each sub-order may include multiple items. One or more computer-implemented systems of system 100 may be configured to review customer orders and identifying information, such as the total number of items ordered, a description of each of the items ordered, the time of delivery requested, the final destination etc. In some embodiments, one or more computer-implemented systems of system 100 may determine a promised delivery date or promised delivery time for a customer order based at least on the requested delivery time. For example, for a rush order request from a customer, the system can determine a promised delivery time of several hours or delivery to the intended final destination within 24 hours. In some embodiments, the system may be configured to individually determine the promised delivery date and time for each of the items of the customer order. For example, a customer order may include some items for urgent delivery and remaining items for normal delivery. The system may be configured to determine the promised delivery time based on the type of delivery requested.

In some embodiments, one or more computer-implemented systems of system 100 (eg, WMS 119, SCM 117, SAT system 101) may receive multiple customer orders. Each of the customer orders may include multiple items. One or more computer-implemented systems of system 100 may be configured to review and identify common items between multiple customer orders. The user interface device may be configured to display an indication of the common object, thereby requesting input from the user, such as receipt of confirmation. The instruction may include information related to a description of the item, the quantity of the item ordered, and the like. For example, WMS 119 may receive 100 customer orders and determine that 50 of the 100 customer orders contain a common item, such as a bottle of water. A worker (eg, a picker) may receive an instruction via the user interface device that 50 bottles of water need to be picked. The implementation of this approach can improve picking efficiency and the overall efficiency of the process.

In step 420, one or more computer-implemented systems of system 100 may generate an order identifier (eg, order identifier 305) based on the received customer order. Order identifiers may include barcodes, labels, labels, alphanumeric codes, quick response (QR) codes, or the like. The order identifier may be a machine-readable optical indicia containing information about the customer's order. The information contained in the order identifier may include, but is not limited to, the final destination of the order, the total number of items in the customer's order, the type of delivery requested, customer information, promised delivery date and promised delivery time, and the like. In some embodiments, the system that generates the order identifier may determine the storage location (eg, camp area 215, hub area 213) and delivery route to which items in the customer order may belong based on the final destination information of the customer order. For example, based on the postal code of the final destination, the system may determine the storage location of the item in the customer order, and based on the street or district identified in the final destination, the system may determine for delivery of the item in the customer order route.

After scanning or reading the order identifier, eg, using a user interface device (eg, user interface device 302) equipped with barcode scanning capabilities, the user interface device may display information associated with the order identifier. For example, after scanning or reading the order identifier, the user interface device may display the number of items picked, the number of items remaining to be picked, the promised delivery time, and the time remaining to fulfill the order.

In step 430, one or more computer-implemented systems of system 100 may instruct the user interface device to display instructions for associating each item of the customer order with an order identifier. The user interface device may be configured to display indications or alerts regarding received customer orders, requesting input from the user, such as confirmation of receipt. After receiving input from the user, the user interface device may display some or all of the customer order and information associated with the customer order. A worker (eg, a picker) may pick one or more items of a customer order and have each picked item be compared with one or more computers, for example by scanning the order identifier and barcode on the item associated with the order identifier received by the system. In some embodiments, associating the items of the customer order with the order identifier may include using an indicia printer or a barcode printer to physically print the order identifier. A printed indicia or barcode may be attached or affixed to the item, for example, to allow all employees to easily access information associated with the order and delivery schedule. For example, a worker who did not receive or have no access to the original order identifier may be able to scan the order identifier printed and affixed to the item.

In step 440, one or more computer-implemented systems of system 100 may determine the intended final delivery destination for each of the items of the customer order. As an example, a customer might order a bouquet of flowers to be delivered to a friend's house by 8 pm and a pack of batteries to be delivered to their parents' house within 24 hours. One or more computer-implemented systems of system 100 may generate two separate order identifiers representing the two orders. Each of the items may be directed to a storage location and sorted into a delivery route at the storage location based on the intended final destination.

In some embodiments, one or more computer-implemented systems of system 100 may determine the intended delivery destination, the storage space associated with the intended delivery destination (eg, in storage cell 324/storage cell 344), and A delivery route for an item of a customer order to be delivered at the intended delivery destination.

In some embodiments, the sorting process may be a two-step sorting process. The first step may include sorting the picked item based on the camp to which the item may be directed. The camp can be determined based on, for example, the postal code of the intended final delivery destination of the item in the customer order. The second step may include sorting the picked items in the camp based on the delivery routes to which the items can be sent for delivery. Delivery routes may be determined based on, for example, districts or streets within an area represented by zip codes.

In step 450, one or more computer-implemented systems of system 100 may display an instruction or alert to sort the picked item of the customer order based on a pre-designated storage space (eg, storage cell 324 of storage location 320). The command is sent to the user interface device, and the pre-designated storage space is determined by one or more computers of the system 100 . A pre-designated storage space may represent a camp to which an item may be directed for further sorting. In some embodiments, one or more storage spaces may be assigned to a camp. For example, storage space 1 to storage space 12 may be designated as camp 1 represented by storage cell 324_1, and storage space 13 to storage space 23 may be designated as camp 2 represented by storage cell 324_2, and the Storage space 24 is designated as camp 3 represented by storage cell 324 .

Each of the sorted items can be transported to the corresponding camp. In some embodiments, the camp may be an on-site storage facility (eg, camp area 215 ) within the premises of FC 200 . The sorted items may be transported to the camp area 215 using transport means such as, for example, conveyor belts, forklifts, dollys, dollys, carts. In some embodiments, the camp may be an off-site storage facility, such as a warehouse or a storage unit separate from the FC 200 . The sorted items may be transported to an off-site storage facility using, for example, a delivery truck. Sorted items belonging to customer orders can be transported to camp to reduce idle time without waiting for the rest of the customer order.

In step 460, one or more computer-implemented systems of system 100 may send instructions to the user interface device displaying instructions or alerts to sort the picked items in the camp based on the delivery route. Delivery routes may be predetermined by one or more computer-implemented systems of system 100 based on the final delivery destination in the customer order. Workers may sort picked items in a camp by placing the items in a storage cell (eg, storage cell 344 ) based on the delivery route. Workers can obtain delivery route information by, for example, scanning an order identifier on an item. Each of the storage cells 344 may be identified by a route identifier or a sub-route identifier.

In step 470, one or more computer-implemented systems of system 100 may send instructions to the user that display instructions or alerts to place the sorted objects from storage cell 344 into a container (eg, container 350). interface device. Each storage cell 344 may be associated with a container that is configured to hold the items stored in the corresponding storage cell. In some embodiments, each container may be identified with a container identifier that includes information identifying camps and storage cells. Picked items belonging to a customer order can be placed in the container without waiting for the rest of the same customer order to reduce idle time.

Containers 350 or container carriers 360 may be loaded on a delivery vehicle (eg, delivery truck 201 ) configured to accommodate containers, totes, wheeled cages, carts, dollys, and the like. Containers may be loaded in a manner that reduces unloading time during item delivery based on, for example, the configuration of the delivery route. The configuration of the containers on the delivery truck may also be based on factors including, but not limited to, the urgency of the delivery, the promised delivery time, whether the item is a perishable food, and the like. In some embodiments, the storage compartment of the delivery truck may contain built-in storage space, such as cabinets, cells, shelves, racks, cages, or wheeled cages. Each container carrier in the delivery truck can be identified by a container carrier identifier (eg, a barcode). The container carrier identifier may contain information associated with the location of the container carrier within the storage compartment of the delivery truck. For example, four container carriers 360 may be arranged against the rear wall of the storage compartment, labeled 360_1 to 360_4 from left to right. Thus, the container carrier located in the rear left corner of the storage compartment of the delivery truck may be identified as container carrier 360_1 and the container carrier located in the rear right corner of the storage compartment of the delivery truck may be identified as container carrier 360_4. For example, a visual or tabular representation of the configuration of container carrier 360 may be generated by one or more computer-implemented systems of system 100, such as transport system 107.

In some embodiments, the loading configuration of the containers on the container carrier 360 may be recorded to generate a representation of the delivery truck loading configuration. For example, the shipping system 107 may send an instruction to the user interface device that displays an instruction to scan the container identifiers (eg, barcodes) of all containers placed in the container carrier and scan the instructions corresponding to the container carrier identifiers. The system may generate a representation of the load configuration based on the scanned information. In some embodiments, the loading configuration may be presented to the user in a tabular or visual format. The loading configuration can be printed on a piece of paper, displayed on a user interface device, or presented to the user before starting its delivery round.

In step 480, one or more computer-implemented systems of system 100, such as transportation system 107, may, for example, send instructions to a user interface device (eg, to deliver instructions to deliver items stored in containers loaded on delivery trucks). , one of mobile device 107A to mobile device 107C). The user interface device may display an indication requesting input from a user (eg, a delivery worker or loader) to verify completion of the loading process prior to setting off to deliver the item. The user interface device may receive input from the user and store the received input in a database associated with the system 100 .

In some embodiments, one or more computer-implemented systems of system 100 may send an instruction to the user interface device to display an instruction to record information associated with the order identifier, for example, by scanning the order identifier. The user interface device may, after the item has been picked, after sorting the picked item based on the storage location in the first step of the sorting process, before transporting the sorted item to the camp, after arriving at the camp, Displaying record order identifier information after sorting the picked items based on the delivery route in the second step of the sorting process, after placing the sorted items in the container, after loading the container on the delivery truck instruction. Information recorded at all steps of the process may be stored and updated in a database associated with system 100 (eg, associated with or connected to WMS 119 or transportation system 107 ).

In some embodiments, the system 100 may generate a status update notification message based on updated information stored in a database in response to a query from a customer regarding the status of an order. In some embodiments, the system 100 may preemptively generate status update notification messages for clients based on updated information stored in the database.

Referring now to FIG. 5, an illustrative flow diagram of a process 500 for generating a visual representation of a loading configuration of a delivery vehicle is shown, consistent with disclosed embodiments. It is understood that the flowcharts are an exemplary order of steps of a process and that steps may be performed in other orders. Additionally, steps may be added, omitted, skipped, repeated or modified based on application and user needs.

In step 510, one or more computer-implemented systems of system 100 may identify a delivery vehicle (eg, delivery truck 201) that includes storage space. In some embodiments, the transportation system 107 of the system 100 may identify delivery vehicles based on, for example, storage space requirements, delivery route characteristics, delivery truck worker experience or classification, or other data. For example, the transportation system 107 may identify small delivery vehicles for delivery routes with narrow roads, and an on-duty delivery truck worker (eg, a truck driver) may only have a valid driver's license for the small transportation vehicle. In some embodiments, the transportation system 107 may identify delivery vehicles based on storage space requirements. For example, if there are 20 containers full of items to be delivered on a delivery route or sub-route, the system 100 may recommend a larger delivery vehicle that includes more storage space.

In step 520, one or more computer-implemented systems of system 100, such as transportation system 107, may send instructions to a user interface device that display instructions to determine the configuration of the storage space within the delivery truck. In some embodiments, delivery trucks may include built-in storage spaces in storage compartments, such as cabinets, racks, shelves, cages, and the like. For example, delivery trucks may include storage compartments to accommodate transportable storage units such as wheeled cages.

In some embodiments, each storage space in a delivery truck may be identified using a storage space identifier or a container carrier identifier. Container carrier identifiers may include barcodes, labels, labels or QR codes. The container carrier identifier may contain information associated with the location of the container carrier 360 within the storage compartment of the delivery truck. For example, four container carriers 360 may be arranged against the rear wall of the storage compartment, labeled 360_1 to 360_4 from left to right (not shown in FIG. 3 ). Thus, the container carrier located in the rear left corner of the storage compartment of the delivery truck may be identified as container carrier 360_1 and the container carrier located in the rear right corner of the storage compartment of the delivery truck may be identified as container carrier 360_4. In some embodiments, the delivery truck may include built-in storage spaces, each storage space having a storage space identifier.

In some embodiments, a delivery truck worker (eg, driver or loader) may record the configuration of the built-in storage space in the delivery truck, eg, by scanning the storage space identifier. In some embodiments, the database of the system 100 may include information associated with the configuration of storage space in the delivery truck. For example, the database may include information associated with the configuration of the 24 storage spaces in the delivery truck 14 .

In step 530, one or more computer-implemented systems of system 100, such as shipping system 107, may generate a container identifier for each container. Container identifiers may include barcodes, labels, labels or QR codes. The container identifier may include information associated with at least the camp and a delivery route for the items contained in the container. In some embodiments, one or more containers may be assigned to a delivery route based on the number of items to be delivered along the route. The container identifier may serve as a quick reference or indication of the final intended delivery destination of the item in the container.

In step 540, one or more computer-implemented systems of system 100, such as transport system 107, may send instructions to a user interface device that display instructions to load the container into the storage space of the delivery truck. Containers can be loaded onto a delivery truck in an unloaded manner that enables quick access to the item during delivery.

In step 550, one or more computer-implemented systems of system 100, such as transport system 107, may send instructions to a user interface device that display instructions to associate each container with the storage space in which it is placed. For example, the shipping system 107 may send an instruction to the user interface device that displays an instruction to scan the container identifiers (eg, barcodes) of all containers placed in the storage space and scan an indication corresponding to the storage space identifier. In some embodiments, the instructions may include step-to-step instructions for associating the container with the storage space and uploading the information to the database of the system 100 .

In step 560 , one or more computer-implemented systems of system 100 , such as transport system 107 , may generate a visual representation of the loading configuration of the container and storage space based on the associations established in step 550 . In some embodiments, the loading configuration may be presented to a user (eg, a delivery truck driver) in a tabular or visual format. The loading configuration can be printed on paper, displayed on a user interface device, or presented to the user before starting its delivery round.

In some embodiments, the loading configuration of the delivery truck may be displayed on a user interface display of the delivery vehicle, such as a graphical user interface display screen of the delivery truck. In some embodiments, the visual representation of the loading configuration may be updated upon completion of delivery. For example, when a delivery truck driver delivers an item to a customer and the container is empty, a display in the loading configuration may indicate that the item placed in the container in the storage space has been delivered. This information can be updated in the database, allowing the transportation system 107 and/or the system 100 to determine whether the promised delivery date and time are met.

In some cases, a modified single delivery method may be utilized. For example, in fulfillment centers that can allow sufficient space, the singulation method can be further simplified. In some cases, once ordered items arrive at camp, items can be delivered in waves. A wave can be, for example, a delivery shift. There can be multiple delivery waves from the campsite, and one or more items in the order can be assigned to one of these waves. It may be desirable for items within a single order to be delivered separately in different waves, so that certain urgent items may arrive earlier than less urgent items. In some embodiments, when one or more items in an order may not be immediately available, the remaining items in the order may be delivered in one wave, and the missing items may be delivered in another after they become available. Delivered in one wave.

FIG. 6 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a unitary package delivery system that is based on waves of camps rather than delivery routes as discussed above with respect to, for example, FIG. 3 . According to some embodiments, there may be fulfillment centers with sufficient building areas to host two or more packaging areas. For example, FC 600 may contain a first packaging area 622 and a second packaging area 624 . The first packaging area 622 and the second packaging area 624 may be separated by a distance, or may be located close to each other. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the specific layout and spatial configuration of the FC 600 may be modified as dictated by the specific location and architectural or other considerations of the FC 600 . The first packaging area 622 may include a plurality of storage cells 622-n, such as storage cells 622-1, storage cells 622-2 . . . storage cells 622-n. Similarly, the second packaging area 624 may include a plurality of storage cells 622-n, such as storage cells 624-1, storage cells 624-2 . . . storage cells 624-n. There may be one or more workers 602 at both the first packaging area 622 and the second packaging area 624 to perform sorting and packaging of the items.

Each of the plurality of storage cells 622 - n may contain a handbag 612 . The handbag 612 may contain items that have been ordered by the customer. Worker 602 may sort order items through a first sorting process, and then package (ie, place) the order items in the appropriate tote 612 in one of storage cells 622-n. After the tote bag 612 is packaged, the tote bag 612 may be transferred to the second packaging area 624 . Each of the storage cells 622-n may correspond to one or more camps, so items destined for a particular camp will be sorted accordingly to the particular storage cell.

In some embodiments, the handbag 612 may be conveyed from the first packaging area to the second packaging area by means of a conveying device, such as conveying device 632 . Such conveyors may include conveyor belts, rollers, tracks, storage bin systems, or other suitable systems. In some embodiments, the tote 612 may be transported from the first packaging area 622 to the second packaging area 624 by means of a vehicle, forklift, electric cart, drone, robot, or any such mobile device. In some embodiments, the tote 612 may be transported from the first packaging area 622 to the second packaging area 624 by the worker 602 with or without the aid of tools such as carts, dollies, and/or pallet jacks.

In some embodiments, when the tote 612 reaches the second packaging area 624, the items contained in the tote 612 may be re-sorted based on the second sorting. After the second sorting, the article may be packaged (i.e., placement) to the bag 614, the bag 614 can be stored in the storage unit 624 _n in a cell who. Each storage cell 624 _n may correspond to a particular camp particular wave. For example, wave 1 of camp 1 may correspond to storage cell 624-1, wave 1 of camp 2 may correspond to storage cell 624-2, and so on. The second sorting places each item in the tote 612 into its appropriate camp and wave, and then packs it into the tote 614 .

Once packaged, the tote 614 can be dispatched for delivery. In some embodiments, handbag 614 may have a different design than handbag 612 . For example, handbag 614 may have a smaller size than handbag 612 . In some embodiments, the tote 614 can be transported to the corresponding camp and will not require further sorting.

Referring now to FIG. 7 , an alternate flow diagram of a singulated package delivery process 700 is shown based on waves of camps as discussed above with respect to, eg, FIG. 4 . In some embodiments, process 700 may correspond to the system disclosed in FIG. 6 .

Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the disclosed embodiments may increase the picking density of workers 602 . Pick density may refer to the amount of items processed for delivery per unit time, per work hour, per shift, or other such suitable time interval for measuring efficiency. For example, if worker 606 only picks items for a particular camp or a particular order, idle time may be created while worker 606 waits for the next item to be picked. Additionally, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that picking density can be further increased by having at least two sorting processes (such as steps 750 and 780 ) instead of only one sorting process. For example, picking density may be reduced if a single worker is simultaneously responsible for picking items for delivery to camp and sorting the picked items into waves for a particular camp. Having a second worker perform a more detailed specific sorting process (such as in step 780 ), which may be at a different location than the first worker, can maximize pick density, and therefore efficiency, execute.

In step 710, one or more computer-implemented systems of system 100 (eg, WMS 119, SCM 117, SAT system 101) may receive customer orders. A customer order can include multiple items. In some embodiments, a customer order may include multiple sub-orders and each sub-order may include multiple items. One or more computer-implemented systems of system 100 may be configured to review customer orders and identifying information, such as the total number of items ordered, a description of each of the items ordered, the time of delivery requested, the final destination etc. In some embodiments, one or more computer-implemented systems of system 100 may determine a promised delivery date or promised delivery time for a customer order based at least on the requested delivery time. For example, for a rush order request from a customer, the system can determine a promised delivery time of several hours or delivery to the intended final destination within 24 hours. In some embodiments, the system may be configured to individually determine the promised delivery date and time for each of the items of the customer order. For example, a customer order may include some items for urgent delivery and remaining items for normal delivery. The system may be configured to determine the promised delivery time based on the type of delivery requested.

In some embodiments, one or more computer-implemented systems of system 100 (eg, WMS 119, SCM 117, SAT system 101) may receive multiple customer orders. Each of the customer orders may include multiple items. One or more computer-implemented systems of system 100 may be configured to review and identify common items between multiple customer orders. The user interface device may be configured to display an indication of the common object, thereby requesting input from the user, such as receipt of confirmation. The instruction may include information related to a description of the item, the quantity of the item ordered, and the like. For example, WMS 119 may receive 100 customer orders and determine that 50 of the 100 customer orders contain a common item, such as a bottle of water. A worker (eg, a picker) may receive an instruction via the user interface device that 50 bottles of water need to be picked. The implementation of this approach can improve picking efficiency and the overall efficiency of the process.

In step 720, one or more computer-implemented systems of system 100 may generate an order identifier (eg, order identifier 616) based on the received customer order. Order identifiers may include barcodes, labels, labels, alphanumeric codes, quick response (QR) codes, or the like. The order identifier may be a machine-readable optical indicia containing information about the customer's order. The information contained in the order identifier may include, but is not limited to, the final destination of the order, the total number of items in the customer's order, the type of delivery requested, customer information, promised delivery date and promised delivery time, and the like. In some embodiments, the system that generates the order identifier may determine the storage location (eg, camp area 215, hub area 213) and delivery route to which items in the customer order may belong based on the final destination information of the customer order. For example, based on the postal code of the final destination, the system may determine the storage location of the item in the customer order, and based on the street or district identified in the final destination, the system may determine for delivery of the item in the customer order route.

After scanning or reading the order identifier, eg, using a user interface device 606 equipped with barcode scanning capabilities, the user interface device may display information associated with the order identifier. For example, after scanning or reading the order identifier, the user interface device may display the number of items picked, the number of items remaining to be picked, the promised delivery time, and the time remaining to fulfill the order.

In step 730, one or more computer-implemented systems of system 100 may instruct user interface device 606 to display instructions for associating each item of the customer order with an order identifier. The user interface device may be configured to display indications or alerts regarding received customer orders, requesting input from the user, such as confirmation of receipt. After receiving input from the user, the user interface device may display some or all of the customer order and information associated with the customer order. A worker 602 (eg, a picker) may pick one or more items of a customer order and associate each picked item with one or more computers, such as by scanning the order identifier and barcode on the item. The execution system is associated with the order identifier received. In some embodiments, associating the items of the customer order with the order identifier may include using an indicia printer or a barcode printer to physically print the order identifier. A printed indicia or barcode may be attached or affixed to the item, for example, to allow all employees to easily access information associated with the order and delivery schedule. For example, a worker who did not receive or have no access to the original order identifier may be able to scan the order identifier printed and affixed to the item.

In step 740, one or more computer-implemented systems of system 100 may determine the intended final delivery destination and time for each of the items of the customer order. As an example, a customer might order a bouquet of flowers to be delivered to a friend's house by 8 pm and a pack of batteries to be delivered to their parents' house within 24 hours. One or more computer-implemented systems of system 100 may generate two separate order identifiers representing the two orders. Based on the expected final destination and time, each of the items can be directed to a storage cell and sorted based on camp and delivery waves.

In some embodiments, the sorting process may be a two-step sorting process. The first step may include sorting the picked item based on one or more camps to which the item may be directed. The camp can be determined based on, for example, the postal code of the intended final delivery destination of the item in the customer order. The second step can include sorting the picked items in the camp based on the waves to which the items can be sent in delivery. The wave may be determined based on, for example, expected delivery time or committed delivery time.

In step 750 , the one or more computer-implemented systems of system 100 may send instructions to the user interface device to display the pre-designated storage space (eg, the first packaging location) based on the determination by the one or more computer-implemented systems of system 100 Storage cell 622-n) of 622 to sort an indication or alert of the picked item of the customer order. A pre-designated storage space can represent a camp to which an item can go for delivery. In some embodiments, one or more storage spaces may be assigned to a camp. In some embodiments, a single storage unit may be assigned to multiple camps. For example, storage cell 622-1 may be assigned to camp 1 to camp 3, storage cell 622-2 may be assigned to camp 4 to camp 6, and so on. If this first sorting is complete, worker 602 may provide an indication to system 100 via user interface device 606 . For example, a first sorting may be considered complete if storage cells corresponding to one or more camps are full.

In step 760, each of the sorted items may be packaged into a container, such as handbag 612. In some embodiments, system 100 may send an instruction to a user interface device to display an instruction or alert to transfer all items in storage cells 622 - n to handbag 612 . In some embodiments, the packaging instructions may contain additional details, such as the order of packaging, in order to place all items in the handbag 612 most efficiently. Worker 602 may provide instructions to system 100 via user interface device 606 to pack handbag 612 . In some embodiments, the handbag 612 may include a handbag identifier 612a, which may be a barcode, label, label, alphanumeric code, quick response (QR) code, or the like. The worker 602 may scan the handbag identifier 612a to associate the handbag identifier 612a with all items packaged in the handbag.

In step 770, the handbag 612 may be transferred from the first packaging area to the second packaging area. The handbag 612 can be delivered by the delivery device 632, by a vehicle, or by a worker. In some embodiments, after delivery, the delivery device 632 may provide an indication that the handbag 612 has reached the second packaging area 624 . In some embodiments, the worker 602 in the second packaging area 624 may scan the handbag identifier 612a to provide an indication to the system 100 that the handbag 612 has reached the second packaging area.

In step 780, one or more computer-implemented systems of system 100 may send instructions to user interface device 606 to display an indication or alert to sort items in bag 612 in the second sorting. For example, the worker 602 can receive the objects placed in the bag 612 to the storage unit 624 _n in a cell's instructions or warnings. 624 _n each may represent a particular wave particular camp. For example, storage cell 624-2 may be Camp 1 Wave 1, storage cell 624-2 may be Camp 2 Wave 1, and so on. In some embodiments, worker 602 may scan each item in handbag 612 and receive an indication of which camp/wave the scanned item is assigned to. Worker 602 may provide via user interface device 606 an indication that the second sorting is complete. In some embodiments, the second sorting is complete when each item in the handbag 612 has been scanned and sorted. In some other embodiments, the second sorting may be completed when one or more of the storage cells 624-n are full.

In step 790, one or more computer-implemented systems of system 100 may send instructions to a user interface device to display an instruction or alert to place the selected object from cell 622-n into handbag 614, so The handbag 614 may be associated with a corresponding storage cell. In some embodiments, the tote 614 container may be identified by a tote identifier 614a, which includes information identifying the camp and wave. The handbag identifier 614a may be one of a barcode, label, label, alphanumeric code, quick response (QR) code, or the like. Packaged items belonging to a customer order can be placed in the handbag 614 to reduce idle time without waiting for the remaining items of the same customer order. Worker 602 may provide via user interface device 606 an indication that the second sorting is complete. In some embodiments, the tote 614 may be dispatched to its corresponding camp for delivery. In some embodiments, process 700 may proceed to step 560 of process 500 previously described. In some embodiments, handbag 612 may have the same design as handbag 614 . Alternatively, handbag 612 may have a different design than handbag 614 .

In some embodiments, in one or more steps of process 700, the status of each of the items in the order may be updated. The state of an object may be accessed, stored, updated, or modified in one or more databases connected to the system 100 . The status of an item may include its location (eg, the item is in the first packing area 622, the second packing area 624, the tote 612, the tote 614, and/or left for delivery) and its history (eg, picked, timestamp when the item was sorted and/or packaged). In some embodiments, the worker 602 can update the status of the time via the user interface device 606 .

Although the present disclosure has been shown and described with reference to specific embodiments of the present disclosure, it should be understood that the present disclosure may be practiced in other environments without modification. The foregoing description has been presented for purposes of illustration. The foregoing description is not exhaustive and is not limited to the precise forms or embodiments disclosed. Modifications and adaptations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art from consideration of this specification and practice of the disclosed embodiments. Additionally, although aspects of the disclosed embodiments are described as being stored in memory, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that aspects of the disclosed embodiments may also be stored on other types of computer-readable media, such as the following A secondary storage device such as a hard disk or CD ROM, or other forms of RAM or ROM, USB media, DVD, Blu-ray, or other optical drive media.

Computer programs based on written descriptions and disclosed methods are within the skill of experienced developers. Various programs or program modules may be created using any of the techniques known to those of ordinary skill in the art or may be designed in conjunction with existing software. For example, a program section or program module can be or by means of .Net Framework (.Net Framework), .Net Compact Framework (.Net Compact Framework) (and related languages such as Visual Basic, C, etc. ), Java, C++, Objective-C, HTML, HTML/AJAX combination, XML, or HTML with Java applets.

Furthermore, although illustrative embodiments have been described herein, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize equivalent elements, modifications, omissions, combinations (eg, of aspects in various embodiments) based on this disclosure , the scope of any and all embodiments of adaptation and/or modification. The limitations in the scope of claims should be construed broadly based on the language employed in the scope of claims, and are not limited to examples described in this specification or during the prosecution of this application. Instances shall be considered non-exclusive. Additionally, the steps of the disclosed methods may include modification in any manner by reordering the steps and/or inserting or deleting steps. Therefore, it is intended that the specification and examples be regarded as illustrative only, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims and their full scope of equivalents.

100, 300: System 101: Shipping Authorization Technical System 102A, 107A, 107B, 107C, 119A, 119B, 119C: Mobile Devices 102B: Computer 103: External Front-End Systems 105: Internal Front-End Systems 107: Transportation Systems 109: Seller Portal 111: Shipping and Order Tracking System 113: Execution optimization system 115: Fulfill the communication gateway 117: Supply Chain Management Systems 119: Warehouse Management System 121A, 121B, 121C: 3rd Party Fulfillment Systems 123: Fulfillment Center Authorization System 125: Labor Management System 200: Fulfillment Center 201, 222: Truck 202A, 202B, 208: Objects 203: Inbound area 205: Buffer 206: Forklift 207: Unloading area 209: Picking area 210: Storage Unit 211: Packaging area 213: Hub Area 214: Transport Agency 215: Camp Area 216: Wall 218, 220: Package 224A, 224B: Delivery workers 226: Car 301: Confluence Worker 302: User Interface Device 305: Order Identifier 320: first storage location 324, 324_1, 324_2, 344, 622-1, 622-2, 622-n, 624-1, 624-2, 624-n: storage cells 340: Camp Location 342: Storage space 350: Container 355: container identifier 360: Container Carrier 400, 500, 700: Process 410, 420, 430, 440, 450, 460, 470, 480, 510, 520, 530, 540, 550, 560, 710, 720, 730, 740, 750, 760, 770, 780, 790: steps 602, 606: Workers 612, 614: Handbag 612a, 614a: Handbag identifier 616: Order Identifier 622: First packing position 624: Second packing area 632: Teleporter

1A is a schematic block diagram showing an exemplary embodiment of a network including a computerized system for enabling communications for shipping, transportation, and logistics operations, consistent with the disclosed embodiments. 1B depicts a sample Search Result Page (SRP) including one or more search results and interactive user interface elements that satisfy a search request, consistent with disclosed embodiments. 1C depicts a sample Single Display Page (SDP) including a product and information about the product and interactive user interface elements, consistent with disclosed embodiments. 1D depicts a sample shopping cart page including items in a virtual shopping cart and interactive user interface elements, consistent with disclosed embodiments. 1E depicts a sample order page including items from a virtual shopping cart and information about purchase and shipping, and interactive user interface elements, consistent with disclosed embodiments. 2 is a diagrammatic illustration of an exemplary fulfillment center configured to utilize the disclosed computerized system, consistent with disclosed embodiments. 3 is a diagrammatic illustration of an exemplary computerized singulated package delivery system configured to utilize the disclosed computerized system, consistent with disclosed embodiments. 4 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary process flow for unitary package delivery, consistent with disclosed embodiments. 5 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary process flow for generating a representation of a loading configuration of a delivery vehicle, consistent with disclosed embodiments. 6 is a schematic illustration of an alternative embodiment of a computerized system for a unitary package delivery system consistent with the disclosed embodiments. 7 is a flow diagram illustrating an alternative flow of a computerized system for a single package delivery method consistent with disclosed embodiments.

700: Process

710, 720, 730, 740, 750, 760, 770, 780, 790: Steps

Claims (20)

A computer-implemented method for package delivery, the method comprising: Receive customer orders by a computer-implemented system; generating an order identifier based on the customer order using the computer-implemented system; associating a plurality of items of the customer order with the order identifier; Determining an expected delivery destination and expected delivery time for each item based on the order identifier; A dispatch node and dispatch wave for each item, the first container associated with the dispatch node, and the dispatch node and dispatch for each item are determined based on the intended destination and the intended delivery time for each item one or more second containers associated with the wave; sending a first indication to the first user device to sort each item of the plurality of items at the first location using the first sorting process based on the associated distribution node; receiving, from the first user device, a first input related to a state of the first sorting process; sending a second indication to the first user device to place a first sorted item into the first container associated with the distribution node at the first location regardless of the the state of other objects in multiple objects; receiving, from the first user device, a second input related to the placement status of each item in the first container; sending a third indication to a second user device to sort each item in the first container using a second sorting process at a second location; and sending a fourth indication to the second user device to deliver the second sorted item in the second container to the intended delivery destination at a time associated with the delivery wave, regardless of the status of other items of the plurality of items of the customer order. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: In response to receiving the customer order, at least one item of the plurality of items of the customer order is to be picked for the first sorting process and a second item of the picked at least one item is placed. Five indications are sent to the first user device without regard to the status of other objects in the plurality of objects. The method of claim 1, wherein the distribution node includes two or more sub-nodes, and the sub-nodes and the distribution wave are sorted in the second sorting process based on the sub-nodes and the distribution wave each item in the first container. The method of claim 3, wherein the second container is associated with one of the child node and the dispatch wave. The method of claim 1, further comprising transferring the first container from the first location to the second location. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: sending a sixth indication to the second user device to remove each item from the first container during the second sorting process; and A seventh indication to place the second sorted object into the second container based on the second sorting process is sent to the second user device. The method of claim 1, wherein the first device is associated with the first location and the second device is associated with the second location. The method of claim 1, further comprising displaying a visual representation of packaging instructions using at least one of the first user device or the second user device. The method of claim 1, further comprising updating a database of the computer-implemented system with a state of each of the plurality of objects associated with one of: the first sorting process, The second sorting process, placement in the first container and the second container, transfer from the first location to the second location or delivery. The method of claim 1, further comprising generating, by the computer-implemented system, a status update in response to a client query related to the status of each of the plurality of objects. A computerized system for package delivery, comprising memory storage for storing computer-executable instructions; and one or more processors configured to execute the stored instructions to: receive customer orders; generating an order identifier based on the customer order; associating each item of a plurality of items of the customer order with the order identifier; Determining an expected delivery destination and expected delivery time for each item based on the order identifier; The delivery node and delivery wave for each item, the first container associated with the delivery node, and the delivery node and the delivery are determined based on the expected destination and the expected delivery time for each item, respectively. one or more second containers associated with the wave; sending a first indication to a first user device to sort each of the plurality of items at a first location using a first sorting process based on the distribution node, regardless of the plurality of items the status of other objects in ; receiving, from the first user device, a first input related to a state of the first sorting process; sending a second indication to the first user device to place a first sorted item into the first container at the first location; receiving, from the first user device, a second input related to the placement status of each item in the first container; sending a third indication to a second user device to sort each item in the first container associated with the dispatch wave using a second sorting process at a second location; and sending a fourth indication to the second user device to deliver the second sorted item in the second container to the intended delivery destination at a time associated with the delivery wave, regardless of the status of other items of the plurality of items of the customer order. The system of claim 11, the processor further configured to: In response to receiving the customer order, at least one item of the plurality of items of the customer order is to be picked for the first sorting process and a second item of the picked at least one item is placed. Five indications are sent to the first user device without regard to the status of other objects in the plurality of objects. The system of claim 11, wherein the distribution node includes two or more sub-nodes, and the sub-nodes and the distribution wave are sorted in the second sorting process based on the sub-nodes and the distribution wave each item in the first container. The system of claim 13, wherein the second container is associated with one of the child node and the dispatch wave. The system of claim 11, the processor further configured to: The first container is caused to transfer from the first position to the second position. The system of claim 11, the processor further configured to: sending a sixth indication to the second user device to remove each item from the first container during the second sorting process; and A seventh indication to place a second sorted item into the second container based on the second sorting process is sent to the second user device. The system of claim 11, wherein the first device is associated with the first location and the second device is associated with the second location. The system of claim 11, the processor further configured to: A visual representation of packaging instructions is generated on at least one of the first user device or the second user device. The system of claim 11, the processor further configured to: updating the database of the computer-implemented system with the state of each of the plurality of objects associated with one of: the first sorting process, the second sorting process, placing in in the first container and the second container, transfer from the first location to the second location, and deliver; and Status updates are generated by the computer-implemented system in response to customer inquiries related to the status of the customer order. A computerized system for package delivery, comprising memory storage for storing computer-executable instructions; and one or more processors configured to execute the stored instructions to: receive customer orders; generating an order identifier based on the customer order; associating each item of a plurality of items of the customer order with the order identifier; Determining an expected delivery destination and expected delivery time for each item based on the order identifier; The delivery node and delivery wave for each item, the first container associated with the delivery node, and the delivery node and the delivery are determined based on the expected destination and the expected delivery time for each item, respectively. one or more second containers associated with the wave; sending a first indication to a first user device to sort each of the plurality of items at a first location using a first sorting process based on the distribution node, regardless of the plurality of items the status of other objects in ; receiving, from the first user device, a first input related to a state of the first sorting process; sending a second indication to the first user device to place a first sorted item into the first container at the first location; receiving, from the first user device, a second input related to the placement status of each item in the first container; causing the first container to be transferred from the first location to a second location; sending a third indication to a second user device to use a second sorting process at a second location to sort each item in the first container associated with the dispatch wave; sending a fourth indication to the second user device to place a second sorted item into the second container based on the second sorting process; and sending a fifth indication to the second user device to deliver the second sorted item in the second container to the intended delivery destination at a time associated with the delivery wave, and The status of other items in the plurality of items of the customer order is disregarded.

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