Patent ID: 8121876
Filing Date: 2012-02-21
Classification: G06Q

Abstract:
1. A computer-implemented method for determining how to fulfill an order to reduce costs of fulfilling future orders, the method comprising: receiving an indication of an order; for each of multiple distribution centers, automatically determining a cost that is associated with that distribution center fulfilling the indicated order, the determined cost including an estimated future cost for that distribution center of fulfilling at least one future order, the estimated future cost including at least one of a cost of a future correction of an imbalance between an actual amount and a desired amount of work at that distribution center and a cost of a future correction of an imbalance between an actual amount and a desired amount of inventory at that distribution center, the automatic determining being performed by one or more configured computing system processors; and selecting one of the distribution centers to fulfill the indicated order based on the selected distribution center having a lowest determined associated cost.