Patent ID: 7243001
Filing Date: 2007-07-10
Classification: G06Q

Abstract:
1. In a computer system, a method for generating a map establishing relative locations in a distribution warehouse configured for storing items for customer orders, the method comprising: defining locations in the distribution warehouse, wherein the defining includes assigning an identity to each location in the distribution warehouse, so that each location in the distribution warehouse is uniquely identifiable; tracking movement times between the locations in the distribution warehouse such that, for each pair of the locations, the tracking comprises: generating a map of the distribution warehouse, wherein the map comprises a collection of temporal relationships between a substantial portion of the uniquely identifiable locations in the distribution warehouse, and wherein the temporal relationships are based on either actual movement times obtained from the tracking or, where an actual movement time for a pair of locations is not available, on estimated movement times derived from the actual movement times; and using the generated map to schedule future picks to occur at the distribution warehouse.