Patent ID: 8234069

Claim:
A computer-implemented method of generating preferred routing assignments for powered industrial vehicle drivers, comprising: using a computer, determining an average time to safely drive a powered industrial vehicle on preferred minimum distances between a plurality of mail processing stations; wherein there are alternate pathways between and among the plurality of mail processing stations; using the computer, developing statistics on the time mail processing stations required to process an incoming pallet or container as well as generate an outgoing pallet or container; using the computer, estimating the amount of incoming mail based on the number of pallets and containers on incoming trucks; using the computer, using the average time, developed statistics, and estimated incoming mail to simulate the work flow of the incoming mail; using the computer, determining the number and timing of loaded pallets and containers to be removed from and delivered to the plurality of mail processing stations and the number and timing of empty pallets and containers to be removed from and delivered to the plurality of mail processing stations; using the computer, calculating a minimum number of powered industrial vehicles that is needed to timely distribute and process the mail between and among the plurality of mail processing stations; using the computer, generating assignments for the minimum number of powered industrial vehicles, including expected pathways between and among the plurality of mail processing stations and time schedules; using the computer, receiving, from a sensor in communication with a powered industrial vehicle, a path driven by the powered industrial vehicle; and using the computer, developing time statistics on time mail processing stations required to process two or more incoming pallets or containers at a same time.