Abstract:
The present disclosure provides an inventory management system that offers significant improvement over existing systems by automating requests to restock inventory. The present disclosure details an inventory management system that provides real time visibility to stock levels and streamlines materials management activities, while addressing the issues of human resource misallocations, inaccurate inventory data management and related out of stock conditions. Moreover, the system of the present disclosure promotes a high level of confidence in inventory data that enables on-hand inventory levels to be reduced, thereby reducing costs and waste.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a 371 National Stage of International Application No. PCT/US2012/024078, filed on Feb. 7, 2012, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/440,156, filed on Feb. 7, 2011. The entire disclosures of the foregoing applications are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates generally to the field of materials management and, more particularly, to inventory management and control systems, including inventory storage apparatus, and methods for inventory data management and process control. 
     BACKGROUND 
     This section provides background information related to the present disclosure which is not necessarily prior art. 
     Materials management in healthcare facilities, like hospitals, is an important mechanism to help ensure that healthcare professionals have ready access to the supplies, medications and other materials that are required to serve the needs of their patients. In addition, such systems monitor inventories of supplies to help reduce waste and control supply costs. 
     Many hospitals and other healthcare facilities manage their inventory of supplies, medications and other materials using a “par-level” inventory control method (PAR). PAR inventory controls require stocking a predetermined quantity for each item in inventory, referred to as the ‘par level.” The par level may, for example, be based on an average usage of the item over a specific time period (e.g., 2-3 days), thus providing the quantity of items that is desired to be maintained on-hand. As the items are used, the number of items is replenished on a regular basis by taking a physical inventory of the items and then restocking the items to bring the on-hand inventory quantities “up to par.” A PAR inventory control system seeks to avoid an out of stock condition by maintaining close control over inventory quantities. 
     Another method of inventory control used by hospitals and healthcare facilities is a Kanban system. As in a PAR inventory control system, a Kanban system establishes a target quantity for items to be maintained in on-hand inventory. However, instead of taking physical inventory and restocking item quantities on a regular basis over time to bring the quantities “up to par,” a Kanban system establishes a fixed quantity of inventory depletion that triggers the restocking function. For example, in a “two-bin”-type Kanban system, two identical quantities of the inventory item are stocked in on-hand inventory, each quantity of items, however, is contained in a separate storage “bin.” The on-hand inventory items are taken, as needed, from a first storage bin until that bin&#39;s inventory has been depleted. The depletion of inventory from the first storage bin, however, acts as a trigger for initiating the restocking of the on-hand inventory. As the first storage bin is restocked, then, the quantity of inventory items in a second storage bin satisfies the demand for that item. This cycle then repeats. Two-bin Kanban systems, therefore, offer simplicity and efficiency in managing the inventory of low cost supplies. And, unlike a PAR system, no physical inventory or counting of on-hand items is necessary. 
     In order to operate as intended and maintain the integrity of the inventory management system, however, both the PAR and Kanban methods described require significant user involvement, such as manually conducting regular physical inventories, manual data collection and recording activities, and manually placing of inventory restocking orders. Oftentimes, the operating protocols for these methods become unduly burdensome and time consuming to their users, whose primary work tasks involve the delivery of healthcare services and not inventory management. As such, these methods can foster an undesirable misallocation of human resources. Moreover, the amount of user involvement required by these systems provides opportunities for human error at any of several user interfaces to the systems which can negatively impact their function and efficiency. Other negative features associated with existing PAR and Kanban systems include the inability to ensure that the inventory is deplete in a “first in, first out” manner. 
     Prior efforts to automate aspects of the inventory management systems in an effort to alleviate some of the burdens placed on the systems&#39; users, such as “weight-based systems” or “push-to-take systems” have proved ineffective and/or have manifested other undesirable features. For example, weight-based systems, which attempt to monitor on-hand inventory levels of stock items by employing scales to measure the weight of the bins containing the items, have high capital costs and require significant materials management operational capabilities. In addition, the reliability of such systems has proved less than desirable since there are many factors which can contribute to a false understanding of the inventory level, including calibration of the scales and variances in packaging for the same products which contribute to different weights for the same products. Push-to-take systems also exhibit noteworthy shortcomings. Push-to-take systems require that the user make a data entry (for example, by pushing a button on the storage bin) each and every time an item is removed from inventory. Consequently, such inventory management systems tend to have low user compliance rates which directly results in low data integrity for the system. 
     SUMMARY 
     This section provides a general summary of the disclosure, and is not a comprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of its features. 
     The present disclosure provides an improved two-bin inventory management system that automates the restocking trigger resulting in significant improvement over existing two-bin systems by eliminating the necessity for healthcare professionals or materials management staff to initiate a request to restock inventory. 
     In one aspect of the present disclosure there is described an inventory management system comprising a storage module and a data reader module. In another aspect of the disclosure an inventory management system also comprises an inventory data management module. In yet another aspect of the present disclosure is described an inventory management protocol. 
     In another aspect of the disclosure a system for managing an inventory of stock items includes a storage bin adapted to contain a plurality of a stock item that are segregated into a first quantity of the stock item and a second quantity of the stock item, the first quantity of the stock item being located at a first position in the storage bin and the second quantity being located at a second position in the storage bin; and a sleeve received within an interior space of the storage bin, the sleeve comprising a control portion and a containment portion; the control portion including a trigger that is movable between a first position and a second position, the control portion being operable to broadcast a radio frequency (RF) signal containing information relating to the identity or condition of the storage module; the containment portion comprising a wall-like perimeter structure without a bottom enclosure, the containment portion defining an interior volume and adapted to segregate the second quantity of the stock item from the first quantity of the stock item within the storage bin; and wherein the inventory storage module broadcasts a restocking request upon movement of the trigger; and an inventory data management module comprising a user interface, the inventory data management module facilitating the administration of the stock items in the inventory based upon the restocking request. 
     In another aspect of the disclosure a system for managing an inventory of stock items includes an inventory storage module comprising a storage bin adapted to contain a plurality of a stock item that are segregated into a first quantity of the stock item and a second quantity of the stock item, the first quantity of the stock item being located at a first position in the storage bin and the second quantity being located at a second position in the storage bin; and a sleeve received within an interior space of the storage bin, the sleeve comprising a containment portion comprising a wall-like perimeter structure without a bottom enclosure, the containment portion defining an interior volume and adapted to segregate the second quantity of the stock item from the first quantity of the stock item within the storage bin; and an inventory data management module comprising a user interface, the inventory data management module facilitating the administration of the stock items in the inventory. 
     In another aspect of the disclosure a system for managing an inventory of stock items includes an inventory storage module having a divider member attached directly to a shelf of a storage device that is adapted to hold a plurality of a stock item that are segregated into a first quantity of the stock item and a second quantity of the stock item, the first quantity of the stock item being located at a first position on the storage device and the second quantity being located at a second position on the storage device; the divider member comprising a base portion and a trigger device, the trigger device being pivotable between a first position where the trigger device obscures one of the first or second quantities of the stock item, and a second position; the base portion being operable to detect movement of the trigger and to broadcast a radio frequency (RF) signal containing information relating to the identity or condition of the storage module; and an inventory data management module comprising a user interface, the inventory data management module facilitating the administration of the stock items in the inventory based upon the identity or condition of the storage module. 
     In another aspect of the disclosure a system for managing an inventory of stock items includes an inventory storage module includes a storage bin adapted to contain a plurality of a stock item that are segregated into a first quantity of the stock item and a second quantity of the stock item, the first quantity of the stock item being located at a first position in the storage bin and the second quantity being located at a second position in the storage bin; a divider member received within an interior space of the storage bin, the divider member separating the first quantity of the stock item from the second quantity of the stock item, the divider member comprising a base portion and a partition portion, the partition portion comprising a trigger that is movable between a first position and a second position, the base portion being operable to detect movement of the trigger and to broadcast a radio frequency (RF) signal containing information relating to the identity or condition of the storage module; and an inventory data management module comprising a user interface, the inventory data management module facilitating the administration of the stock items in the inventory based upon the identity or condition of the storage module. 
     A method for operating a system for managing an inventory of stock items provides yet another aspect of the disclosure and includes associating a stock item with a specific storage location in a managed environment; dividing a plurality of a stock item into a first quantity and a second quantity; placing the first quantity of the stock item in a first position at the storage location; placing the second quantity of the stock item in a second position at the storage location; placing a restocking trigger in an initial position; removing items from the first quantity until the first quantity of the stock item is depleted; moving the restocking trigger toward a deployed position; moving the second quantity of the stock item to the first position; broadcasting a restocking request; and restocking the storage location by placing a third quantity of the stock item in the second position at the storage location. 
     Still another aspect of the disclosure relates to a method for operating a system for managing an inventory of stock items that includes associating a stock item with a specific storage location in a managed environment; dividing a plurality of a stock item into a first quantity and a second quantity; placing the first quantity of the stock item in a first position at the storage location; placing the second quantity of the stock item in a second position at the storage location; providing a visual indication that the quantity of stock is in an initial condition; removing items from the first quantity until the first quantity of the stock item is depleted; moving the second quantity of the stock item to the first position; providing a visual indication that the quantity of stock is in a restocking condition; and restocking the storage location by placing a third quantity of the stock item in the second position at the storage location. 
     A further another aspect of the disclosure relates to a method for operating a system for managing an inventory of stock items that includes associating a stock item with a specific storage location in a managed environment; dividing a plurality of a stock item into a first quantity and a second quantity; placing the first quantity of the stock item in a first storage module at a first position of the storage location, the first storage module comprising a first RFID tag; placing the second quantity of the stock item in a second storage module at a second position of the storage location, the second storage module comprising a second RFID tag; removing items from the first storage module until the first quantity of the stock item is depleted; moving the first storage module to a third position at the storage location associated with a RFID reader/antenna; reading the first RFID by the RFID reader/antenna; broadcasting a restocking request for the stock item; moving the second storage module to the first position; removing items from the second storage module until the second quantity of the stock item is depleted; placing a third quantity of the stock item in the first storage module; and placing the first storage module in the second position at the storage location. 
     In another aspect of the disclosure a system for managing an inventory of stock items includes a plurality of individual inventory storage modules that are arranged on a storage shelf, each storage module comprising a storage bin for containing inventory stock items and a passive RFID tag containing identifying information relating to the storage module; a RFID antenna/reader located on the storage platform at a location separate from the storage modules, the RFID antenna/reader operable to read the RFID tag information of a storage module when the storage module is placed in proximity to the RFID antenna/reader; and wherein the storage modules are configured in a two-dimensional array on the shelf, wherein a first row of the array comprises a plurality of first storage modules and a second row of the array comprises a plurality of second storage modules; wherein the storage modules in each column of the array contain the same stock item; and wherein the identifying information contained in the RFID tag for each of the storage modules in a particular column of the array is serialized with the other storage modules in that column of the array. 
     Still another aspect of the disclosure a system for managing an inventory of stock items includes a first storage module comprising a first storage bin containing a first quantity of a stock item, and a first RFID tag being associated with the first storage module and containing unique identifying information relating to the first storage module, the first storage module being located at a first position of a storage location; a second storage module comprising a second storage bin containing a second quantity of the stock item, and a second RFID tag being associated with the second storage module and containing unique identifying information relating to the second storage module, the second storage module being located a second position of a storage location; a RFID reader/antenna being located at a third position of storage location, the RFID reader/antenna being operable to read the identifying information associated with one of the first and second storage modules and broadcast a restocking request for the stock item when one of the first and second storage modules is placed in proximity to the third location; and one of a data reader module and a data management module that is operable to receive the restocking request. 
     The present disclosure details an inventory management system that provides real time visibility to stock levels and streamlines materials management activities, while addressing the issues of human resource misallocations, inaccurate inventory data management, first-in, first-out (FIFO) compliance, and related out-of-stock conditions. Moreover, the system promotes a high level of confidence in inventory data which enables on-hand inventory levels to be reduced, thereby reducing costs and waste. 
     Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. The description and specific examples in this summary are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. 
    
    
     
       DRAWINGS 
       The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic block diagram illustrating an inventory management system according to the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  is a schematic block diagram showing an exemplary protocol for the inventory management system of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 3  shows an exemplary embodiment of an inventory storage module for the inventory management system of the present disclosure 
         FIG. 4A  shows the inventory storage module of  FIG. 3  in an initial or reset condition; 
         FIG. 4B  shows the inventory storage module of  FIG. 3  in a triggered, restocking condition; 
         FIG. 5  shows additional exemplary embodiments of inventory storage modules for the inventory management system of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 6  illustrates several exemplary embodiments of yet another alternative inventory storage module for the inventory management system of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 7A  shows the inventory storage module of  FIG. 6  in an initial or reset condition; 
         FIG. 7B  shows the inventory storage module of  FIG. 6  in a triggered, restocking condition; 
         FIG. 8  shows a divider member of the inventory storage module of  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 9  shows the divider member of  FIG. 8  in a triggered condition; 
         FIG. 10  illustrates a panel of the divider member of  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 11  illustrates a base of the divider member of  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 12  is a schematic block diagram of a computer module; 
         FIG. 13  illustrates an exemplary protocol for using the inventory storage module of  FIG. 6  according to the inventory management system of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 14A  and  FIG. 14B  show an alternative exemplary embodiment of the divider member adapted for use with a storage shelf; 
         FIG. 15  illustrates another alternative exemplary embodiment of the divider member; 
         FIGS. 16A ,  16 B and  16 C all show still further alternative exemplary embodiments of the divider member and partition portion. 
         FIG. 17A  shows yet another exemplary embodiment of an inventory storage module for the inventory management system of the present disclosure; 
         FIGS. 17B and 17C  illustrate an exemplary protocol for using the inventory storage module of  FIG. 17A  according to the inventory management system of the present disclosure; 
         FIGS. 18A and 18B  show additional exemplary embodiments of inventory storage modules for the inventory management system of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 19A  shows another exemplary embodiment of an inventory storage module for the inventory management system of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 19B  illustrates an exemplary protocol for using the inventory storage module of  FIG. 19A  according to the inventory management system of the present disclosure; 
         FIGS. 20A and 20B  depict an exemplary data reader module for the inventory management system of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 21  is a schematic block diagram of the data reader module for the inventory management system of the present disclosure; 
         FIGS. 22-29  relate to and show various aspects of an exemplary inventory data management module the inventory management system of the present disclosure; 
         FIGS. 30A and 30B  illustrate still additional exemplary embodiments of inventory storage modules for the inventory management system of the present disclosure; and 
         FIGS. 31A and 31B  show further exemplary embodiments of an inventory management system of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Example embodiments of the inventory management system of the present disclosure will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. These example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope to those who are skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as with examples of specific components, devices, and methods, are intended to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art, however, that specific details need not be employed, that example embodiments may be embodied in many different forms and that neither should be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure. In some example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail. 
     With overall reference to the figures, and particularly to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the inventory management system  10  of the present disclosure can generally include an inventory storage module  12 , a data reader module  14 , and an inventory data management module  16  that cooperate and interact generally according to an inventory management protocol  18  for the inventory management system. 
     In general, several inventory management system solutions are provided in the present disclosure and operate according to a similar protocol. A storage module  12  contains a predetermined total quantity of a stock item that is made available to users from the inventory of a storage location in a managed operation. A unique identifier for the storage module  12  is synchronized to, and recognized in, an inventory data management module  16 . Detailed information about the storage module  12  and the stock item are associated in the data management module  16 . The storage module and data management module are intermediately coupled or networked to a data reader module according to well-known communication protocols. The data reader module is typically located remotely from both the storage module and the data management module. Alternatively, and depending upon the configuration, size or other features of a particular managed operation, the functionality of the data reader module may be encompassed within the capabilities of the data management module, and a separate data reader module may be omitted. The predetermined total quantity of the stock item is subdivided into a first (e.g., primary) quantity and a second (e.g., secondary) quantity, with the first quantity being located at a readily accessible (e.g., a front) first section of the storage module and the second quantity being located at a generally less accessible (e.g., rear) second section of the storage module. Regular user demands for the stock item, such as during the normal workflow at the storage location, are satisfied by items from the first (primary) quantity. When the first (primary) quantity of the stock item is depleted from the storage module, necessitating the user to access the second (secondary) quantity in order to satisfy demand for the item, a trigger on the storage module is activated to initiate a request to restock the storage module, placing the storage module in a restocking condition. 
     In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the storage module broadcasts a radio frequency signal representing the storage module&#39;s restocking request. Demand for the stock item in the continued normal workflow of the managed operation is subsequently satisfied from the secondary quantity of the stock items still remaining in the storage module, which can be moved from the second section to the first section of the storage module to thereby become the primary quantity of stock. The restocking request signal is received and/or recorded at the data reader module, and is subsequently rebroadcast, retransmitted, or otherwise redirected by the data reader module to the data management module. The restocking request signal is received at the data management module. Upon receipt of the restocking request, materials management personnel administering the inventory management system are tasked to resupply the storage module with the stock item. At the same time, detailed information concerning item usage at the particular storage location is recorded in the data management module. As such, the inventory management system enables detailed, real-time inventory tracking and analysis to performance criteria that may be defined, for example, by administrators of the managed operation. As part of the restocking activity, materials management personnel reset the trigger on the storage module, thereby placing the storage module in a reset condition and resetting that storage location within the inventory management system. The (primary) stock items remaining in the storage module are kept at the first portion of the storage module. The resupplied (secondary) stock items are then located at the rear section of the storage module. The protocol is thereby readily repeatable. 
     It should be understood that the protocol for the inventory management system of the present disclosure promotes a “first in, first out” consumption of stock. In this manner, waste and stock loss due to expiry are minimized. Moreover, since the same fixed quantity of an item may be supplied in each restocking event, restocking operations are simplified as compared with PAR systems. 
     Several inventory storage modules that are suitable for use in the inventory management system  10  of the present disclosure are shown in the figures. Referring to  FIGS. 3 ,  4 A, and  4 B, one exemplary inventory storage module  20  comprises a storage bin  22  and a nested sleeve  24 . The sleeve  24  is received within the interior space  26  of the storage bin  22 . The sleeve  24  is sized to selected dimensions of the interior of the storage bin  22 , such as by approximating the width (W) dimension(s) of the storage bin  22  as shown in the exemplary embodiment in  FIGS. 3 ,  4 A and  4 B. Another dimension (L) of the sleeve  24  varies relatively significantly from a corresponding dimension of the storage bin  22 . For example, in the exemplary embodiment, the overall length (L) of the sleeve  24  is about half of the length of the interior space of the storage bin  22 . Consequently, the sleeve  24  is moveable within the interior space  26  of the storage bin  22 . In the arrangement shown, the sleeve  24  is moveable between front  28  and rear  30  sections of the storage bin  22  without having to remove the sleeve  24  from the interior space  26  of the storage bin  22 . For example, the sleeve  24  is slidable inside of the storage bin  22 . Of course, depending upon the configuration of the storage bin  22 , the sleeve  24  can be modified to accommodate any of a variety of storage volumes or interior dimensions. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 3 ,  4 A and  4 B, a front section of the sleeve  24  comprises a control portion  32  and a rear section of the sleeve  24  comprises a containment portion  34 . The containment portion  34  generally defines a perimeter of an interior volume within the storage bin  22  which, in the exemplary embodiment shown in the figures, occupies about one-half of the interior volume of the storage bin  22 . One embodiment of a containment portion  34  is best shown in  FIG. 3  and comprises a rectangular, wall-like perimeter structure that has no bottom enclosure. Of course, the containment portion  34  may take the form or comprise structure having any other suitable geometric configuration, depending on the size and shape of the corresponding storage bin  22  in which it may be used. In use, the containment portion  34  of the sleeve  24  captures the second quantity of stock items within the storage bin  22 , which may be half or about half of the predetermined quantity of stock items that are desired to be available on-hand. In this regard, the containment portion  34  segregates the second quantity of stock items from the first quantity of stock items in the storage bin  22 . 
     The control portion  32  of the sleeve  24  is attached to the front of the containment portion  34 . The control portion  32  generally includes a trigger device  36 , such as a “flag” or the like, that is movably attached at an upper end of a body structure  38 . The body structure  38 , in turn, houses a computer module  40 , such as a microprocessor, for example, a sensor unit  42 , and a battery/power supply  43  (see  FIG. 12 ). 
     The computer module  40  can comprise a programmable or programmed device and memory  44 , and maintains an identification code that uniquely identifies the particular storage module  20  to the inventory management system  10 . The computer module  40  may comprise and/or be coupled to a transceiver  46  and an antenna  48  that are operable to generate, receive and/or broadcast a radio frequency (RF) signal containing the storage module&#39;s  20  identification code and/or other specific information about the identity and/or condition of the storage module  20  and/or the stock items contained therein. Any of a variety of readily available, off-the-shelf microprocessors, such as may be purchase from Texas Instruments, are suitable for use in the computer module  40  of the disclosure. 
     As shown, for example, in  FIG. 28 , when a stock item is included within the inventory management system  10 , a variety of data are associated with the storage module  12  by the data management module  16 . In this respect, each of the hundreds or thousands of individual storage modules  12  that may be associated with the inventory management system  10  throughout the managed environment is individually identified and synchronized to the data management module  16 . 
     The sensor unit  44  of the storage module  20  is operable to detect the movement and/or position of the trigger device  36 , for example, relative to the body structure  38 . A suitable device for the sensor unit  44  includes a Hall effect sensor. When the sensor unit  44  detects operation of the trigger device  36 , the computer module  40  generates and broadcasts the radio frequency signal that represents a restocking request by a user of the system  10 . 
     Referring to the exemplary embodiment of  FIGS. 4A and 4B , the trigger device  36  can take the form of a “flag” that pivots between a raised position ( FIG. 4A ) and a lowered position ( FIG. 4B ) as controlled by a manual input from a user. When the “flag” is in the raised position, as shown in  FIG. 4A , the storage module  20  is in an initial or reset condition. In this condition, the storage module  20  contains the first and second quantities of stock items and the sleeve  24  is located at a rear section  30  of the storage bin  22 . As generally described above, when the first quantity of stock items has been depleted from the storage bin  22 , the user actuates the trigger device  36  thereby initiating the restocking request. In this regard, the user can use the “flag” as a handle with which to grasp the sleeve  24  in order to slide it from the rear section  30  of the storage bin  22  to the front section  28  of the storage bin  22 . As the sleeve  24  moves to the front section  28  of the storage bin  22 , the second quantity of stock items is brought with it. After the storage module  20  and stock items are positioned at the front section  28  of the storage bin  22 , the “flag” can be rotated toward the front the storage bin  22  to the lowered position, where it can come to rest against a front ledge  50  of the storage bin  22  as shown in  FIG. 4B . The movement of the “flag” toward the lowered position is sensed by the sensor unit  44 , which causes the computer module  40  to broadcast the request to restock the storage bin  22 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 4A and 4B , the storage bin  22  includes an identification label  52 , such as the label disposed on its front ledge  50  in  FIG. 4A . A corresponding identical identification label  54  is located on a front surface of the control portion  32 . The labels  52 ,  54  are created in the data management module  16  when the storage module  20  and/or stock item is synchronized and/or entered into the system  10  as discussed further below. When the trigger device  36  “flag” is placed in the lowered position, it covers the label  52  on the storage bin, so that only the label  54  on the control portion  32  is visible to a user. 
     Additional features of the control portion  32  can include an LED  56  or other indicia that can visually indicate a status condition of the storage module  20 , such as being in one of the reset or restocking conditions. Other status indicators, such as visible or audible indicators, may also be employed. 
     The storage bins  22 , body structures  38  and trigger devices  36  of the control portions  32 , and the containment portions  34 , can be manufactured from any of a variety of suitable materials providing for their economical manufacture and durability, including many kinds of plastics and lightweight metals. 
     With additional reference to  FIG. 2 , an embodiment of the inventory management system  10  of the present disclosure can operate according to the following exemplary protocol:
         A stock item is added to the inventory management system and associated with a specific location in the managed environment.   Identical storage bin and sleeve labels are generated and affixed to the storage bin and its associated sleeve of an inventory storage module.   The sleeve is placed in a rear section of its associated storage bin.   The stock item is placed in the inventory storage module, divided into two equal quantities: a first quantity of the item is located in the front section of the storage bin; and a second quantity of the item is located in the rear section of the storage bin and within the confines of the containment portion of the sleeve.   The restocking trigger or “flag” is placed in a raised position placing the storage module in an initial condition.   Upon demand for a stock item, a user depletes the first quantity of items from the front section of the storage bin.   When demand results in the user retrieving the last item from the first quantity of items (or in a subsequent user retrieving the first item from the second quantity of items), the user moves the sleeve (together with the second quantity of stock items) from the back section of the storage bin to the front section of the storage bin (e.g., by sliding it within the storage bin).   The user moves the “flag” to a deployed position by rotating the flag toward a position over the front ledge of the storage bin.   The storage module broadcasts a RF signal indicative of a restocking request.   The restocking request signal is received at a data reader module and transmitted by the data reader to the data management module.   The restocking request signal is received and interpreted at the data management module.   Materials management personnel are notified of the restocking request.   Metrics relating to the stock item and storage module are recorded in the data management module.   During restocking of the storage bin by materials management personnel, the sleeve is removed from the front section of the storage bin (e.g., it is lifted out) while maintaining the remaining portion of the second quantity of the stock item at the front section of the storage bin (e.g., aided by the fact that the containment portion of the sleeve has no bottom). The sleeve is replaced at the back section of the storage bin and a first quantity of the stock item is placed within the confines of the sleeve&#39;s containment portion.   The “flag” is placed in the raised position and the storage module is reset to a reset condition.   The protocol is repeated as required.       

     Additionally, the inventory storage module  12  can comprise various storage configurations. As best seen in  FIG. 5 , a variety of storage bin sizes and types are contemplated within the present disclosure, and various shapes can also be employed. The present system  10  and its components therefore offer considerable flexibility and provide a host of storage solutions for many different configurations using alternative shelving devices, and the like. 
     Alternative embodiments of an inventory storage module are illustrated in  FIG. 5 . In these alternative configurations, the storage modules  58 ,  60  do not include a storage bin, as previously described. Instead, the storage modules  58 ,  60  are associated directly with individual shelves  62  of a storage rack device  64 , or the like. This form of storage module  58 ,  60  is particularly well-suited for association with inventory stock items that are too large or bulky to be contained in storage bins. The storage module  58 ,  60  of this type includes only a control portion  66  as generally described in the prior discussion. The trigger device  68  for this storage module is much larger than the other and serves a dual function. In addition to initiating the events resulting in a restocking request, the much larger “flag” of the alternate storage module  58 ,  60  serves as a barrier or divider to shield the second quantity of stock items, providing a visual indicator to the user as to the order in which the shelved stock items should be depleted. 
     To describe one example of the alternate storage module  58  in better detail, reference is made to  FIG. 5 . In  FIG. 5 , large stock items  70  are contained on shelves  62  of a conventional rack device  64 , shelving unit or other storage device. The storage module  58  is attached directly to the shelf  62  containing its associated stock items  70 . The “flag” of the trigger device  68  is a panel that is pivotally attached to the body structure  72  of the control portion  66 . The pivot axis X 1  of the “flag” extends vertically upward and generally orthogonal to the shelf  62 . Thereby, a face of the “flag” is operable to obscure a portion (e.g., the second quantity) of the stock items  70  contained on the shelf. Configured in this manner, the storage module  58  provides a visual indicator to a user that directs the user to the stock items  70  that should be removed from the shelf to satisfy a demand for the item. When the first quantity of stock items  70  is depleted, the user rotates the “flag”  68  about the vertical pivot axis X 1  about 180 degrees from its prior position to provide easy access the second quantity of items. This can be commonly understood as a “side-to-side”-type storage module. Moving the “flag,” of course, initiates the restocking request as already described. 
     Another example of an alternate storage module  60  is also shown in  FIG. 5 . The principle for this further alternative is the same as just described, however the “flag” is configured to move between positions so as to obscure one of two quantities of stock items located on one of two adjacent shelves of a conventional shelving unit, instead of one of two quantities of stock items located adjacently on a single shelf. In this respect, the pivot axis Y 1  of the “flag” extends horizontally and generally parallel to the shelf. As such, a face of the “flag” is operable to obscure the portion of the stock items contained on one of the adjacent shelves. This type of storage module can be commonly understood as an “over/under”-type storage module. 
     Additional embodiments of storage modules for the inventory management system according to the disclosure can be understood with reference to  FIGS. 6-16 . As shown in  FIGS. 6-12 , the storage module  74  of the inventory management system  10  includes a storage bin  76  and a divider member  78  received within the interior space  80  of the storage bin  76 . The divider member  78  generally separates the interior volume  80  of the storage bin  76  into two sections, such as a more readily accessible front, first section  82  and less accessible rear, second section  84 . The divider member  78  generally includes a base portion  86  and a partition portion  88 . 
     The base portion  86  comprises a very low power, battery operated device that can broadcast a restocking request when the inventory level of its associated storage bin  76  is low. Referring particularly to  FIGS. 9 ,  11  and  12 , the base portion  86  comprises a body structure  90  including a base cover  92  and a base plate  93 . The base portion  86  of the divider member  78  can be securely attached to a surface of the storage bin  76 , such as by standard fastening devices and methods, adhesives, and the like, so that its position within the storage bin  76  is fixed. The body structure  90  houses a computer module  40 , such as a microprocessor, a sensor unit  42 , and a battery/power supply  43 . As discussed previously, the computer module  40  can comprise a programmable or programmed device having memory  44 , and maintains an identification code that uniquely identifies the particular storage module to the inventory management system  10 . In addition, the computer module  40  may comprise and/or be coupled to a transceiver  46  and antenna  48  that are operable to generate, receive and/or broadcast a radio frequency (RF) signal, including a RF signal containing the storage module&#39;s identification code and/or other information about the identity and/or condition of the storage module and/or the stock items contained therein. 
     The partition portion  88  of the divider member  78  serves as a quasi wall-like structure that promotes the separation of the two sections  82 ,  84  of the interior space  80  of the storage bin  76 . As shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10 , for example, the partition portion  88  can include a panel  93  and a pedestal  94 . The panel  93  can take any of a variety of forms, such as a generally rectangular panel, and can be appropriately dimensioned to accommodate various sized storage bins  76 . Optionally, the panel  93  can include slots or apertures  96  that enable a user to see through the panel  93 , or the panel  93  can be transparent. In use, the partition portion  88  is adapted to be received on top of the base portion  86  and it is readily visible in the storage bin to a user of the system, as illustrated in  FIG. 6 . In this regard, the pedestal  94  is received in a receptacle  98  of the base portion  86 . In addition, as best seen in  FIG. 9 , a magnet  100  is included in the pedestal  94  and cooperates with a metal catch member  102  housed in the receptacle  98  to help attach the partition portion  88  to the base portion  86 . 
     The sensor unit  42  of the storage module  74  is operable to detect the movement and/or position of the partition portion  88  relative to the base portion  86 . In this respect, the partition portion  88  serves as a trigger device for the storage module  74 . The trigger function of the partition portion  88  is initiated by a user removing or dislodging the partition portion  88  from the base portion  86 , such as shown in  FIGS. 7B and 9 . For example, in a well-known manner, a Hall Effect sensor is operable to detect a change of state in a magnetic field that occurs when the magnet  100  in the partition portion  88  is separated or disassociated from the metal catch member  102  in the base portion. As previously described, when the sensor unit  42  detects operation of the trigger device, the computer module  40  generates and broadcasts the radio frequency signal that represents a restocking request by a user of the system  10 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 7A and 8 , when the partition portion  88  is positioned on the base portion  86 , the storage module  74  is in the initial or reset condition. In this condition, the storage module  74  is stocked with the first quantity of stock items located at a front section  82  of the storage bin  76  and second quantity of stock items located at a rear section  84  of the storage bin  76 . As generally described above, when the first quantity of stock items has been depleted from the storage bin  76 , the user actuates the trigger device  88  thereby initiating the restocking request. In this regard, the user can completely remove the partition portion  88  from the base portion  86  or, alternatively, tip over the partition portion  88  to a lowered position (see  FIGS. 7B and 9 ), such that the magnet  100  is separated or disassociated from the metal catch member  102  on the base portion  86 . In doing so, the removal or other movement of the partition portion is detected by the sensing unit  42 , and a request to restock the storage bin is subsequently generated and broadcast by the computer module  40 . 
     With continued reference to  FIGS. 7A ,  7 B and  13 , an inventory management system can operate according to the following exemplary protocol:
         A stock item is added to the inventory management system and associated with a specific location in the managed environment.   Storage bin and partition portion labels are generated and affixed to the storage bin and its associated divider member  78  of an inventory storage module.   A divider member  78  is secured in its associated storage bin  76 .   The stock item is placed in the inventory storage module  74 , divided into two equal quantities: a first quantity  104  of the item is located in the front section  82  of the storage bin  76 ; and a second quantity  106  of the item is located in the rear section  84  of the storage bin  76 , the divider member  78  separating the front section  82  of the storage bin  76  from the rear section  84  of the storage bin  76  and the first quantity of the stock item  104  from the second quantity  106  of the stock item.   The partition portion  88  is placed on the base portion  86  of the divider member  78 , placing the storage module  74  in an initial condition.   Upon demand for a stock item, a user depletes the first quantity  104  of items from the front section  82  of the storage bin  76 .   When demand results in the user retrieving the last item from the first quantity  104  of items (or in a subsequent user retrieving the first item from the second quantity  106  of items), the user removes or tips over the partition portion  88  placing the divider member  78  in a restocking condition.   The computer module  40  broadcasts a RF signal indicative of a restocking request.   The restocking request signal is received at a data reader module  14  and transmitted by the data reader module  14  to the data management module  16 .   The restocking request signal is received and interpreted at the data management module  16 .   Materials management personnel are notified of the restocking request.   Metrics relating to the stock item  104  and storage module  74  are analyzed and/or recorded in the data management module  16 .   During restocking of the storage bin  76  by materials management personnel, the second quantity of stock items  106  is moved from the back section  84  of the storage bin  76  to the front section  82  of the storage bin  76  and a “new” first quantity  104 ′ of the stock item is placed at the back section  84  of the storage bin  76 .   The partition portion  88  is returned to its initial position on the base portion  86  of the divider member  78 , placing the storage module in a reset condition (e.g., either before or after restocking occurs).   The protocol is repeated as required.       

     An alternative to the inventory storage module of  FIG. 6  is shown in  FIGS. 14A and 14B . This configuration of a storage module  108  does not include a storage bin, as previously described, and is comparable to the storage module configurations  58 ,  60  of  FIG. 5 . This form of storage module  108  is particularly well-suited for association with inventory stock items that are too large or bulky to be contained in storage bins. The storage module  108  of this type includes only a divider member  110  as generally described above. The divider member  110  is associated directly with individual shelves  112  of a storage rack device  114 , or the like. 
     In addition, as seen in  FIG. 14B , the body structure  116  of the base portion  118  can include a cleat or anchor  120  included at the underside of the base plate  122  that enables the base portion  118  of the divider member  110  to be securely affixed to the shelf  112  on which it is located. The cleat  120  includes hook portions  124  that can engage, for example, the shelving bars  126  of a storage rack  114  in an installed condition. To attach the base portion  118  to the shelf  112 , then, the cleat  120  is oriented to allow the hook portions  124  to pass through the shelving bars  126 . Thereafter, the base portion  118  is rotated such that the hook portions  124  engage the shelving bars  126  to secure the base portion  118  in place on the shelf  112 . 
     The partition portion  128  serves as the trigger device for this storage module  108  as already described. The size of the partition portion  128  can vary with the size of the stock items to be associated with the storage module  108  and will generally tend to be larger than the partition portions sized for operating within a storage bin. In addition to initiating the events resulting in a restocking request when triggered, the much larger partition portion also serves as a barrier or divider to shield the second quantity of stock items, providing a visual indicator to the user as to the order in which the shelved stock items should be depleted, as previously described. 
     One example of the alternate storage module can be described as follows. Large stock items are contained on a shelf of a conventional rack device or shelving unit. The storage module is attached directly to the shelf containing its associated stock items. The partition portion is placed on the base portion. Configured in this manner, the storage module provides a visual indicator to a user that directs the user to the stock items that should be removed from the shelf to satisfy a demand for the item. When the first quantity of stock items is depleted, the user removes or tips over the partition portion. The partition portion is separated or disassociated from the base portion, triggering a restocking request and providing access to the second quantity of stock items in a manner similar to that already described. 
     It can also be appreciated that the partition portion may take a variety of alternate forms, such as shown in  FIGS. 16A ,  16 B and  16 C, to accommodate stock items not easily situated in a storage bin or on the shelf of a storage rack. For example, a partition portion  130  can comprise a plurality of panel members  132  oriented or positioned in a plurality of planes (see  FIG. 16C ). The panel member(s) can also be jointed and/or pivotable relative to one another in order to better conform to the stock items. Further, the panel member(s)  132  can be integral or separable from the pedestal  134  of the partition portion, as shown in  FIG. 16B . As yet another alternative, a partition portion  136  can comprise a flexible strap or band. With particular reference to  FIG. 16A , a flexible strap  138  is attached to the pedestal  140  at one end and includes an attachment bracket  142  at the opposite end. The attachment bracket  142  can be operable to be secured to a shelf, bin or other platform with which the storage module is associated. 
     Yet another alternate configuration of a divider member and partition portion  144  is shown in  FIG. 15 . This partition portion  144  can be suitable for applications where the size, shape or weight of the stock items requires that the partition portion  144  provide an increased resistance to becoming dislodged from the base portion  146 . Securely attached to the pedestal  148  of the partition portion  144  is an oversized shoe-like member  150  that fits over and around the base portion  146 , such that the base portion  146  is nested within the shoe-like member  150 . A magnet (not shown) is located within the interior of the shoe-like member  150  and magnetically engages the metal catch member  152  in the base portion  146  as already described. In this manner, the partition portion  144  is provided a wider base and, hence, greater resistance against forces (like the weight of the stock items) that would otherwise tend to dislodge the partition portion  144  from the base portion  146  undesirably. In all other respects, the partition portion  144  functions in the manner previously discussed. 
     Still other exemplary embodiments of an inventory storage module of the present disclosure are shown in  FIGS. 17A-19B . In these configurations, the storage module does not include a control portion that automatically broadcasts a restocking request, as previously described. Instead, the need to restock the storage module arises from a visual indication to the users and/or materials management personnel provided by the position of the sleeve in the storage bin. When the sleeve is relocated from the rear section of the storage bin to the front section of the storage bin, the clear meaning to the users of the system is that the first quantity of stock items has been depleted and action is needed to restock the storage module. Similarly, when the sleeve is located at the rear portion of the storage bin, this visual indicia to the users of the system means that the storage module does not need to be restocked. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 17A-17C , the storage module  154  comprises a storage bin or tray  156  with a sliding sleeve  158  that segregates the two quantities of the stock item. When the first quantity  157  of stock is depleted, the user slides the sleeve  158  forward to access the second quantity  159  of stock. The position of the sleeve  158  visually signals to the user that restocking is required. During restocking, then, materials management personnel lifts and moves the sleeve  158 , e.g., back to the rear section  161  of the storage bin and restocks the storage module  154  by placing stock items within the sleeve  158 . In addition to the position of the sleeve  158 , other visual indicia, like colors and labels on the bins or trays  156  and/or sleeves  158  can also be used to convey the need for restocking the storage module  154 . 
     With particular reference to  FIG. 17C , exemplary storage modules  154  of the inventory management system  10  can comprise a plurality of individual bins or trays  156  that can be closely arranged adjacent to one another to fit on a shelf or rack  160 , for example. Each bin  156  may include vertical side walls  162  along which a sleeve  158  is positioned to slide within the bin  156 . Alternatively, as shown in  FIGS. 18A and 18B , the storage module  155  can comprise a large bin or tray  164  that may encompass the space on an entire shelf or rack  160 . A plurality of adjustable, vertical side walls  166  can then be arranged in any of a variety of configurations to accommodate different types, sizes and/or quantities of stock, for example. In  FIGS. 18A and 18B , the tray  164  is shown to include a plurality of horizontally spaced, vertical slots  168  that are operable to receive a corresponding tab  170  forming part of the side wall  166 . The vertical side walls  166  can then be placed at different horizontal locations within the tray  164  to create a variety of sized compartments. 
       FIGS. 19A and 19B  show still another storage module configuration  172 . Similar to the storage module  154  shown in  FIG. 17A , the storage module  172  of  FIGS. 19A and 19B  includes a pivotable lid  174  attached to the sleeve  176  that segregates the first quantity  178  of stock items from the second quantity  180  of stock items. As shown in  FIGS. 19A and 19B , in the fully-stocked condition the sleeve  176  segregates the second quantity  180  of stock items located at the rear section  161  of the bin  156  from the first quantity  178  of stock items. In this condition, the lid  174  is positioned over the second quantity  180  of stock in a stowed position, thereby inhibiting access to the second quantity  180  of stock. After the first quantity  178  of stock has been depleted, the sleeve  176 , together with the second quantity  180  of stock, is moved (e.g., slid) forward in the bin  156 . The lid  174  can then be pivoted to a deployed position such that it no longer obstructs access to the second quantity  180  of stock. In the example shown, the deployed position of the lid  174  occurs when the lid  174  is pivoted approximately 270 degrees such that it is positioned over a front face  182  of the bin  156 . Consequently, the position of the sleeve  176  (e.g., at the front of the bin  156 ) and the lid  174  being in the deployed position provides users of the system with the feedback prompting a restocking of the storage module  172 , as necessary. Alternatively, or in addition, indicia visible on the deployed lid  174 , or an audible signal during deployment of the lid  174 , can also prompt a user to restock the storage module  172 . 
     During restocking, then, the sleeve  176  is moved to the back section  161  of the bin  156  and the stock items that replenish the storage module  172  are placed within the confines of the containment portion  184  of the sleeve  176 . In one aspect of the storage module  172 , the lid  174  can also serve as a handle that can be grasped by a user of the system to assist in moving or manipulating the sleeve  176 . In another aspect, the vertical walls  162  of the bin  172  and the lid  174  of the sleeve  176  may be cooperatively configured to prevent the lid  174  from pivoting except when the sleeve  176  has been repositioned forward in the bin. For example, the vertical walls  162  may each include a ledge portion  186  ( FIG. 19A ) which extends for a distance along the length of the rearward portion of the bin  156 , and inwardly toward the bin&#39;s interior. The lid  174 , when stowed, is positioned beneath the ledge  186  such that the ledge  186  obstructs any vertical movement of the lid  174  and prevents it from rotating. When the sleeve  176  is moved forward in the bin  156 , however, the lid  174  is no longer beneath the ledge  186  and, consequently, it can be pivoted to the deployed position. 
     As discussed above, the inventory management system of the present disclosure may also include a data reader module  14 . The data reader module  14  receives the signals from the storage modules  12  and provides the information to the data management module  16 . The data reader module  14  can be associated with one or more storage locations containing tens, hundreds or thousands of individual storage modules  12 . The data reader module  14  listens for restocking request broadcasts from the storage modules  12  with which it is associated. Upon detecting a restocking request, the data reader module  14  passes the request to the data management module  16  for further processing. 
     The data reader module  14  is coupled or networked to both the storage module  12  and the data management module  16  according to well-known communication protocols. The data reader module  14  is generally located remotely from and intermediate to, each of the storage module(s)  12  and the data management module  16 . Depending upon the configuration or size, for example, of a particular managed operation, however, the functionality of the data reader module  14  may be subsumed within the operational capabilities of the data management module  16 . Therefore, a separate data reader module  14  may be omitted from the system  10 . 
     The data reader module  14  can be further understood with reference to  FIGS. 20A ,  20 B and  21 . Referring to  FIGS. 20A ,  20 B and  21 , the data reader module  14  comprises a body structure  188  including a base cover  190  and a base plate. The body structure  188  houses a computer module  192 , such as a microprocessor, a memory module  194 , a communications port  196  and a power supply  198 . The computer module  192  can comprise a programmable or programmed device having memory, and may comprise or be coupled to a transceiver  200  and an antenna  202  that are operable to generate, receive and/or broadcast radio frequency (RF) signals, including RF signals containing information about the identity and/or condition of the storage module(s) that it monitors and/or the stock items contained therein. In addition, the communications port  196  of the data reader module  14  enables it to communicate with the data management module  16  according to well-known protocols over a local area network or the internet, for example. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 22-29 , features and aspects of a data management module  16  for the inventory management system  10  are disclosed and described. In one aspect of the data management module  16  shown in  FIGS. 22-25 , a materials management interface  204  to the inventory management system  10  is provided. The interface  204  enables materials management personnel to monitor, track, and administer the stock items of inventory in real time, and at any and/or all of one or multiple locations and/or facilities in a managed organization or environment. For example, as shown in  FIGS. 22-25 , a variety of metrics relating to the managed inventory, including current demand status, supply velocity, item usage statistics, and setting effectiveness are easily seen on a single information screen. Particular inventory information more specific to a facility within a managed organization, or even to an individual storage location within a facility, is also easily accessed as seen, for example, in  FIG. 24 . Still further, metrics for individual inventory items are accessible on an item-by-item basis for individual managed locations,  FIG. 25 , or across multiple managed locations, as shown in  FIG. 24 . A report generator function (see  FIG. 24 ) included in the interface  204  enables the inventory management system  10  to produce any records relating to the managed inventory that may be necessary. Moreover, the metrics tracked by the inventory management system  10  may advantageously inform the managed organization&#39;s purchasing decisions for the stocked supplies. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 26-29 , various systems settings in the inventory management system can provide a managed organization the flexibility to customize the kinds of inventory-related information it tracks (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 26 and 28 ), the benchmarks against which certain metrics may be measured, the users that are authorized within the system (see, e.g.,  FIG. 29 ), and preferred naming conventions for stock (see, e.g.,  FIG. 28 ), locations and facilities (see, e.g.,  FIG. 27 ), among other features. 
     Another feature of the inventory management system is the ability to produce customized storage bin labels. As shown in  FIGS. 26 and 28 , for example, as information pertaining to a stock item is added within the system, a real time visualization of a bin label is provided. The label may include bar coding, color coding, as well as clinical and common names for the stock item. 
     Although the label for each stock item is customized, the system nevertheless maintains a uniform label format that promotes consistency from item-to-item, storage bin-to-storage bin, across all of the facilities and storage locations in a managed organization. Moreover, labeling uniformity helps reduce errors caused by improperly stocked or re-stocked inventory items. 
     Yet another embodiment of an inventory management system  10  according to the disclosure is understood with reference to  FIGS. 30A ,  30 B and  31 A- 31 C. This embodiment of the inventory management system  10  generally comprises a multi-bin system that incorporates radio frequency identification (RFID) functionality to automate a request to restock inventory. Referring to  FIG. 30A , the system generally comprises a plurality of individual inventory storage modules  206  that are arranged on, for example, a storage shelf or rack device  208  or other suitable storage/dispensing platform for receiving the plurality of storage modules  206 . Each storage module  206  comprises a storage bin  209  for containing inventory stock items and a passive RFID tag  210  that is associated with the storage module  206  in the inventory management system  10 . The RFID tag  210  provides unique identifying information relating to the storage module  206 . A corresponding RFID antenna/reader  212  is included in the system and may, for example, be integrated into a portion of the storage platform  208  on which the storage modules  206  are arranged. The RFID antenna/reader  212  is operable to read the RFID tag  210  information of a storage module  206  when the storage module  206  is placed in proximity to the antenna/reader  212  and broadcast the information to, for example, a data reader module. 
     Referring again to the figures, exemplary arrangements of the inventory management system are shown. As illustrated in  FIG. 30A , a storage rack device  208  includes a plurality of shelves  214  for receiving a plurality of the storage modules  206  which are normally supplied with stock items. The storage modules  206  are shown to be placed on the shelves  214  to maximize the capacity of the storage rack device  208 , such as in a plurality of columns arranged in a side-by-side relationship to one another across the width of a shelf  214 . Each column includes a plurality of storage modules  206  that are arranged in a row from the front to the back of the shelf  214 . As such, the storage modules  206  are generally configured in a two-dimensional array (width×depth) on the shelf  214 . Of course, the number of storage modules that may be included, the size and/or shape of the storage modules, and the particular arrangement of storage modules, can vary as desired or necessary. Moreover, the nature of the storage platform and the physical dimensions of the storage modules are completely variable and may be adapted to suit any requirement and still function within the inventory management system. Exemplary storage platforms can include carts, cabinets, workstations, or wall systems having drawers and/or shelves and/or work platforms, and the like. 
     Also, as shown in  FIG. 30A , the RFID antenna/reader  212  is incorporated into and/or located at a separate section or portion of the storage platform  208 . In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 30A , the portion of the storage rack device  208  that is dedicated for the RFID antenna/reader  212  is a top shelf  215 . The RFID antenna/reader  212  can, for example, be placed on the shelf as an overlay placed upon the surface of the shelf  215  or as an apparatus that is built directly into the shelf  215 . Other options could include incorporating the RFID antenna/reader  212  into a mat that lays on a shelf or work surface, or a liner that is placed in a drawer. Alternatively, the RFID antenna/reader  212  can be incorporated directly into the features of a shelf, drawer or work surface of the storage platform, like a planar surface such as a wall, panel or platform. 
       FIG. 30A  shows that the storage modules  206  are arranged in a ten columns wide by two rows deep two-dimensional array on the shelves  214  of the storage rack device  208 . A first or front storage module in each of the columns serves as a primary storage module  216 . The first storage module is placed directly in front of a second or rear storage module which serves as a secondary storage module  218 . Therefore, the primary storage module  216  can be directly accessed by a user from the front side of the storage rack device  208 , while direct access to the secondary storage module  218  is obstructed by the placement of the primary storage module. Of course, additional rows of storage modules (e.g., a third, fourth, fifth, etc.) may be included in some or all of the columns, and different quantities of storage modules and/or different sized storage modules may be included on the various shelves  214  of the storage rack device  208 . 
     The primary  216  and secondary  218  storage modules  206  are initially supplied with stock items. As demands for the stock item occur during normal workflow, items are removed from the primary storage module  216  in a given column (which, at this point, is the first storage module) until the stock of items is depleted. When the last of the stock items is removed from the first storage module  216 , the empty first storage module  216  is removed from the shelf  214  and placed at or on the section of the storage platform (in the embodiment shown at  FIG. 30A , the top shelf  215  of the storage rack device  208 ) that incorporates the RFID antenna/reader  212 . There, the RFID tag  210  included in the storage module  216  is read by the RFID reader/antenna  212  and a restocking request is broadcast RFID reader/antenna  212  to the data reader module  14  or inventory data management module  16 , as previously described. With the first storage module  216  removed from the shelf  214 , the second storage module  218  is relocated to occupy the position in the column that was previously occupied by the first storage module  216  and, as such, becomes the primary storage module. Then, additional demands for stock items are satisfied by stock contained in the second storage module  218 . Meanwhile, the empty first storage module  216  is available to be restocked by materials management personnel. Thereafter, the now restocked first storage module  216  is placed on the shelf  214  in the former location of the second storage module  218 ; that is, in the column and behind the primary storage module which, at this point, is the second storage module  218 . The cycle is then repeated as required. 
     As can be appreciated, the unique identifying information for the storage module that is contained in the RFID tag  210  enables the inventory data management module  16  of the inventory management system  10  to monitor compliance with “first in, first-out” (i.e., FIFO) stock consumption protocols, as necessary. For example, the restocking sequence for the first  216  and second  218  (and Nth) storage modules can be tracked in the system by including serialized identifiers (e.g., ID no. 1, 2, 3, N, etc.) for the related storage modules  206  (e.g., in each column). In this manner, the order in which the RFID tags  210  of the storage modules  206  for a given stock item are read can inform users of the system whether FIFO is being followed. Still further, the inventory management system  10  can monitor for a “stock out” situation by tracking whether the RFID tags  210  of all the storage modules for a given stock item have been read without an intervening restocking activity by materials management personnel. Also, the system accommodates adjustments to the inventory levels that most effectively utilize the inventory assets. 
     While the foregoing example describes an arrangement of storage modules placed one in front of another, where the front-most storage module is accessible and the storage modules behind are not, the inventory management system contemplated is equally applicable to an arrangement of a plurality of storage modules that are stacked one on top of another in an over-under relationship, such as shown in the example illustrated in  FIG. 30B . 
     In addition, this exemplary embodiment of an inventory management system is easily adapted to accommodate stock items that cannot be conveniently housed within a bin of a storage module and/or on a storage/dispensing platform as has been described. For example, the system can be adapted for large items and/or hanging items with one or more identification card(s) incorporating a RFID tag, as shown in  FIGS. 31A and 31B . As illustrated, for example, the RFID tagged identification card(s)  220  serves as a physical marker that can be placed on or among the stock items  222  (e.g., hanging with the stock items, or removeably affixed to the packaging of stock items). When the stock is removed, the card can be taken from among the items (or removed from the packaging) and placed at the location of the RFID reader/antenna (e.g., in a receptacle  224 ). The stock item&#39;s RFID tag information is then read and a restocking request is broadcast as previously described. 
     It is clear that the protocol utilized by the inventory management system described in the disclosure promotes a “first in, first out” consumption of stock. In this manner, waste and stock loss due to expiry are minimized. Moreover, since the same fixed quantity of an item is used for each restocking event, restocking operations are simplified as compared with PAR systems. 
     The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected embodiment, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.