Patent ID: 6795823
Filing Date: 2004-09-21
Classification: G06Q,Y10S

Abstract:
A computer-implemented centralized system for optimally routing and tracking articles comprising:a global computer server accessible through an electronic communications network, said global server comprising: a global database containing a record of routing and tracking information for each article handled by the system; an optimizer for calculating, and periodically recalculating, an optimal route for each article handled by said system and for updating said global database with changes to said routing and tracking information; a database of route optimization factors accessible by said optimizer for use in said calculation and recalculation of said optimal route; a tracker enabling users of said system to review said tracking and routing information and to modify said route optimization factor database, a plurality of processing stations arrayed throughout a delivery area for said system, at each such processing station, a local computer server capable of periodically receiving from said global computer server identification, handling and routing instructions for each article to be processed at said processing station and periodically transmitting to said global computer server information regarding all handling activities performed on articles processed at said processing station, at each such processing station, one or more scanning devices capable of receiving from said local computer server article identification information, handling instructions and routing information, and also being capable of collecting identification and handling activity information for each article received at each said processing station and transmitting said identification and handling activity information to said local computer server, and transportation means capable of transporting articles between and among said processing stations, article origination points and article destination points.