Patent ID: 8116905
Filing Date: 2012-02-14
Classification: B65G,G06Q

Abstract:
1. A method of receiving, conveying, storing and shipping products within a distribution center, the method comprising the steps of: receiving a product arrival signal at a central computer indicating that products to be received have arrived; transmitting from the central computer a first conveying signal for conveying the products to a check-in workstation for automatically conveying and storing the products in the distribution center; receiving object identifier information originating from an object identifier located on the products from at least one of a bed scanner, a handheld scanner, a keyboard and a touch-screen monitor; storing the object identifier information in a database associated with the central computer; generating at the central computer a second conveying signal for conveying the products to at least one subsequent location within the distribution center, the subsequent location determined by parameters uploaded into the database, wherein the parameters comprise characteristics of the products and guidelines stored in the database which are at least in part based on the characteristics of products; transmitting the second conveying signal for conveying the products to the at least one subsequent location; receiving a second product arrival signal at the central computer indicating when the products have arrived at the at least one subsequent location; generating at the central computer a first set of instructions for use in instructing a user to perform at least one task related to the products, the first set of instructions determined by parameters inputted and stored in the database relating to the at least one task; transmitting the first set of instructions to the at least one subsequent location, for displaying the first set of instructions on a second touch-screen monitor in communication with the central computer; receiving a first completion signal at the central computer indicating that the user has completed the first set of instructions; transmitting a third conveying signal for conveying the products from the at least one subsequent location; receiving at the central computer from a store, an order for products; storing the order in the database associated with the central computer; generating a list of requested products to compile to fulfill the order; transmitting the list of requested products to a remote device; receiving at the central computer a confirmation signal indicating that the requested products have been compiled to fulfill the order; generating at the central computer a second set of instructions to transmit to a portable scanning device, the second set of instructions comprising a proper method, order and orientation for manually loading the requested products in a truck, based on information stored in the database; and, receiving at the central computer a order fulfilled signal indicating that the requested products have been loaded on the truck in compliance with the second set of instructions.