EP3031016A2 - Perpetual batch order fulfillment - Google Patents
Perpetual batch order fulfillmentInfo
- Publication number
- EP3031016A2 EP3031016A2 EP14758722.4A EP14758722A EP3031016A2 EP 3031016 A2 EP3031016 A2 EP 3031016A2 EP 14758722 A EP14758722 A EP 14758722A EP 3031016 A2 EP3031016 A2 EP 3031016A2
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- order
- orders
- pick
- information
- procurement
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Pending
Links
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G06Q10/00—Administration; Management
- G06Q10/08—Logistics, e.g. warehousing, loading or distribution; Inventory or stock management
- G06Q10/087—Inventory or stock management, e.g. order filling, procurement or balancing against orders
Definitions
- DTC direct-to-consumer
- a vendor such as an e-commerce website operator
- pickers may locate (“pick") ordered products from a storage system ("pick line”), such as a series of shelves, boxes, containers, or the like, and place the products in a cart. The products are then packaged, labeled and shipped directly to the consumer.
- pick line a storage system
- Batch picking generally involves picking multiple orders at a time. For instance, a picker may push a mobile cart through a warehouse to pick products associated with multiple orders.
- the mobile cart may include certain automated features, such as wireless radio frequency (RF) communication elements, that may direct the picker where to go and what to pick in a logical walk sequence.
- RF radio frequency
- Multiple orders may be assigned to a cart. Each order may be assigned a designated location on the cart, for example, based on size or other characteristics of the ordered product.
- a controller may join the orders together, making them one large order or "batch.”
- a cart may be assigned "N" orders as a batch and a picker may walk a pick line from a start point to an end point picking items as directed by the cart in a walk sequence. After the length of the pick line is completed, "N" orders are completed. The picker may then empty the cart, which can reloaded with "N" new orders and the picking process may be repeated.
- a picker or cart is assigned a finite set of orders that may be received at a time (for example, a cart may only be able to hold three orders).
- the picker starts at the starting point of the pick line and picks the units in the set of orders as they travel along the pick path toward th e end point of the pick path.
- the picker may proceed back to the start, unload the orders, and repeat the process again, for instance, for a fourth, a fifth and a sixth order.
- the picker has completed six orders after walking two times around the pick line.
- the efficiency of the picking process may be improved by locating warehouse items based on their pick volume. For example, placing the most commonly picked items near the beginning of the pick line may improve the potential that the "N" orders are completed prior to walking the entire pick path, thereby allowing the picker to return to the start point earlier.
- the process of locating high volume items at the front of the pick line is time consuming and labor intensive, and warehouse managers are challenged by moving stock around to maintain a conforming product placement arrangement.
- a computer- implemented method for fulfilling batch orders may comprise, by a processor, receiving order information associated with a plurality of orders, receiving order completion information from an order procuring device responsive to completion of an order, and assigning a new order from the plurality of orders to the order procurement component responsive to receiving the order completion information
- a batch order fulfillment system may comprise a processor and a non-transitory, computer-readable storage medium in operable communication with the processor.
- the computer-readable storage medium may contains one or more programming instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to receive order information associated with a plurality of orders, receive order completion information from the order procuring component responsive to completion of an order, and assign a new order from the plurality of orders to the order procurement component responsive to receiving the order completion information.
- an order procurement device may comprise a processor and a non-transitory, computer-readable storage medium in operable communication with the processor.
- the computer-readable storage medium may contain one or more programming instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to receive order information associated with a plurality of orders assigned to the order procurement device from an order management device, transmit order completion information to the order management device responsive to completing an order from the plurality of orders, and receive a new order from the order management device.
- a computer-readable storage medium may have computer- readable program code configured to implement an order fulfilment process.
- the computer- readable program code may comprise computer-readable program code configured to receive order information associated with a plurality of orders, receive order completion information from the order procuring component responsive to completion of an order, and assign a new order from the plurality of orders to the order procurement component responsive to receiving the order completion information
- FIGS. 1A-1E illustrate a method of batch order fulfillment according to some embodiments.
- FIG. 2 illustrates various embodiments of a computing device for
- FIGS. 1A-1E depict an illustrative order fulfillment system according to some embodiments.
- the order fulfillment system may include an order management device 10 configured to manage order information associated with a plurality of orders having one or more units orders for the order fulfillment system.
- the system may also include an order procurement device or pick order device 20 configured to receive order information, for example, from the order management device 10.
- an order may include an order of media product units, such as books, DVDs, or the like.
- an order may include a clothing unit, such as a shirt.
- Embodiments are not limited to any particular orders and/or units, as any type of product, unit and/or order that may operate according to some embodiments is contemplated herein.
- the order management device 10 and/or the order procurement device or pick order device 20 may include a logic device which may generally include a processor, a non-transitory memory or other storage device for housing
- the order management device 10 and/or the pick order device 20 may include, without limitation, a server computing device, a personal computer (PC), a kiosk computing device, a wall- mounted computing device, a mobile computing device, such as a laptop computer, smartphone, personal digital assistant (PDA), tablet computing device, or any other logic and/or computing device now known or developed in the future.
- a server computing device such as a laptop computer, smartphone, personal digital assistant (PDA), tablet computing device, or any other logic and/or computing device now known or developed in the future.
- the order management device 10 and the pick order device 20 are described as separate devices herein, embodiments are not so limited.
- the order management device 10 and the pick order device 20 may be a single device, such as a single computing device.
- the order management device 10 and the pick order device 20 may include separate elements and/or hardware/software functionality of a single device.
- the order management device 10 may be a computing device installed in or otherwise connected to the pick order device 20.
- the order management device 10 and/or the order procurement device or pick order device 20 may be configured to communicate using various communication protocols known to those having ordinary skill in the art.
- I llustrative and non-restrictive examples of communication protocols include wired and wireless communication protocols, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, infrared, Bluetooth, universal serial bus (USB), local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), and/or over the Internet.
- the order management device 10 may execute an order management application configured to generate order information associated with orders received by the system.
- the order management application may be configured to assign orders to the pick order device 20 and to receive status information therefrom, such as which units and/or orders have been picked by the pick order device.
- the order management application may be configured to access unit or order information associated with the units or orders (for instance, products) available within the system, such as stock keeping units (SKUs), radio-frequency identification (RFID) information, bar code information, location, number, distance between different unit locations, or the like.
- SKUs stock keeping units
- RFID radio-frequency identification
- the order management application may be configured to assign orders to the pick order device 20 based on the order information. For example, the order management application may assign orders to the pick order device 20 to minimize the distance the pick order device has to travel to complete an order based on the current orders assigned to the pick order device.
- the order management application may assign orders to the pick order device 20 based on various factors (the "order assignment factors"), including, without limitation, travel distance and/or time (“travel costs"), random assignment, order ranking (for example, which orders need to be completed first), first-in-first-out, unit characteristics (for example, common SKU numbers), order characteristics (for example, larger orders last, single orders first, or the like), customer characteristics (for example, large volume customers first, longest shipping distance first, or the like), any other factor that may have an effect on selecting an order, and/or any combination thereof.
- the order assignment factors may include the fullness level of the pick order device 20. For example, if the order procurement device is full or substantially full (for instance, cannot hold any more units or a threshold number of units), an order may be assigned adjacent to and/or along the path of a completed order queue.
- the order management application may be configured to assign weights or a priority to the order assignment factors.
- the order management application may be configured to dynamically evaluate each new order or batch, for example, in view of the current set of orders and/or batches, based on the order assignment factors and any weighting or prioritizing thereof and assign orders accordingly.
- the pick order device 20 may include a device used by a picker as they walk around the pick line 25 to complete orders.
- the pick order device 20 may include a mobile computing device configured to display order information on a display component.
- the pick order device 20 may include an automated device configured to move around the pick line 25 on a track, conveyor, on wheels, or the like.
- the pick order device 20 may include an automated cart or other device configured to automatically move through a pick line 25 and access units for assigned orders, with or without employee assistance (an "automated pick order device” or "automated order procurement device").
- the pick order device 20 may include a cart configured to be pushed by an employee having a display device for displaying orders.
- the pick order device 20 may include various elements configured to reach and grasp units to place the units in the cart or to make them accessible to a worker.
- the pick order device 20 may include various containers, bins, or the like for storing units associated with orders. As such, a pick order device 20 according to some embodiments may be limited to storing a finite number of orders at a time.
- the pick order device 20 may be configured to execute an order picking application configured to receive order information associated with a plurality of orders, for example, from the order management device 10.
- the order picking application may be a client application, module, routine, or other component of the order management application.
- the order picking application may be configured to display order information, such as units associated with the order, the sequence of the order in relation to other orders, order identification information, or the like.
- the order picking application may be configured to move or otherwise operate the order picking device 20 to locate a unit and/or to place a unit for storage by the order picking device.
- a pick order device 20 may be assigned a first order 40, a second order 45 and a third order 50.
- Each order 40, 45, 50 may include multiple units to be picked from bins 11, 12, 13, 21, 22, 23, 31, 32, 33, 41, 42, 43, 51, 52, 53, 61, 62, 63 located within a pick line 25.
- the pick order device 20 may locate units to be picked by travelling along the pick path 80, for instance, automatically or with the assistance of a worker, until one of the orders is completed.
- the third order 50 may be completed when an item is picked from bin 53.
- the pick line 25 is depicted as having a starting point 30 and an end point 35, embodiments are not so limited, as the pick line may not include a starting point and an end point.
- completed orders may be deposited into a completed order queue 15, which may be located in various locations within the system.
- the completed order queue 15 include a conveyer belt, containers, platforms, or other components that may receive and/or process units for shipping, labelling, processing, inspection, packaging, or the like.
- completed orders may be deposited onto the completed order queue 15 as the pick order device 20 moves about the system.
- the completed order queue 15 may be accessible from various locations from within the system, including, without limitation, at the end of each aisle of the pick line 25, at the start of the pick line, at the end of the pick line, in the middle of the pick line, or any combination thereof.
- the pick order device 20 may receive order information assigning a new order, for example, a fourth order 65, to the pick order device.
- the order picking application may be configured to communicate order completion information to the order management device 10.
- the pick order device 20 may include or may present on a display component buttons that may be selected by a worker to indicate that a unit and/or an order has been located and/or completed.
- the worker may select an "order complete" or "unit complete” button, along with the entry of any required information when a unit is selected or an order is complete.
- the pick order device 20 may be configured to automatically detect and/or transmit the order completion information to the order management device 10.
- the pick order device 20 may include a component configured to manually and/or automatically receive information about the order, such as a bar code scanner, an RFID reader, or the like.
- the order completion information may include an order identifier, a unit identifier, location information (for example, a location of the pick order device 20), or the like.
- the order management application may use the order completion information to determine that the pick order device 20 may be able to accept a new order and may assign a new order based on the order information and/or the order completion information.
- the pick order device 20 may continue travelling along the pick path 80 while picking the first order 40, the second order 45 and the fourth order 55.
- References herein to the pick order device 20 may generally refer to a pick order device (such as a cart or other movable equipment) moving through the system (automatically or manually) or to a worker associated with a pick order device (such as a mobile computing device) who is moving within the system based on information provided by the pick order device and may be carrying the pick order device.
- the first order 40 may be completed when an item is picked from bin 63.
- the picker 20 may be assigned another new order, a fifth order 70.
- the picker 20 may continue to travel along the pick path 80 while picking the second order 45, the fourth order 55, and the fifth order 60 until one of the orders is completed.
- the second order 45 may be completed when an item is picked from bin
- the picker 20 may be assigned a sixth order 65 and may continue travelling along the pick path 80 while picking the fourth order 55, the fifth order 60, and the sixth order 65 until one of the orders is completed.
- the fourth order 55 may be completed when an item is picked from bin 12.
- the picker 20 may be assigned a seventh order 70 responsive to completion of the fourth order 55 as depicted in FIG. IE.
- the picker 20 may continue travelling along the pick path 80 while picking the fifth order 60, the sixth order 65 and the seventh order 70.
- the picker 20 may be able to complete at least seven orders 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70 after walking two times around the pick path.
- units may be selected by the pick order device 20 in any sequence, such as a sequence that minimizes the travel costs associated with picking the orders.
- the pick order device 20 may pick the units for one order to the exclusion of units for other orders, that is, working on one order at a time before moving on to the next order).
- the pick order device 20 may be configured to select the next available unit regardless of the order.
- the order management application may be configured to use the order information (for example, the location of each unit), the order information (for example, which units are in each order, which orders are assigned to the pick order device 20), and/or the location of the pick order device to determine which order to assign to the pick order device 20.
- the order management application may calculate travel costs for each order dynamically at any point in time based on the order information, the order information, and the location of the pick order device 20.
- the order management application may assign new orders based on the next available order with the lowest travel costs (for example, the lowest travel distance and/or travel time).
- the order management application may assign new orders based on the lowest travel costs and the order assignment factors.
- the order management application may receive information associated with the load of the pick order device 20, including any single unit compartments as described below, having a finite number of storage locations for units.
- the order management application and/or the order picking application may monitor the load of the pick order device 20.
- the order management application may assign an order based on the pick order device 20 proximity to a completed order queue 15.
- the order management application may assign an order such that the order picking device 20 may travel toward the unit on the way to a completed order queue 15 to unload completed orders.
- the order management application may handle orders in which the number of units for the order is greater than the number of available compartments for the order picking device 20.
- the order management application may configure the order such that the order picking device 20 is in proximity to a completed order queue 15 when the available compartments are full of the units so that the order picking device 20 may efficiently handle the order.
- the "perpetual batch" system depicted in FIGS. 1A-1E provides for order completion and new order assignment at varying points along the pick line 25 such that the pick order device 20 and the overall order fulfillment process maintains efficiency as orders are completed.
- a pick order device 20 or a worker with a pick order device may complete more orders than a conventional system while traversing the same distance.
- a pick order device 20 or a worker with a pick order device may be able to move through the system with a continuous supply of orders.
- FIGS. 1A-1E shows a pick line 20 having bins 11, 12, 13, 21, 22, 23, 31, 32, 33, 41, 42, 43, 51, 52, 53, 61, 62, 63 arranged in aisles having a start point 30 and an end point 35
- a physical pick line 20 consisting of aisles may be conceptualized by the order picking application and/or the order management application as other types of configurations, such as circles, squares, or the like.
- the pick line 20 may not have a designated start point 30 and/or end point 35.
- the pick line 20 depicted in FIGS. 1A-1E may be conceptualized as a virtual "circle".
- the pick line 20 represents a pick path 80 that ends where it begins, and thus the pick line can be exploded into a theoretical circle.
- Each pick location in the pick line may be represented in degrees or radians on a circle of circumference 'C, where "C" represents the distance required to travel the entire pick path.
- Each location may represent a specific angle on this circle. The distance between pick locations may then be represented by the difference between the current location angle on the circle and the angle of the pick location(s).
- the system may review every order in a queue of pending orders and determine a distance factor based on the current location of the pick order device 20.
- the distance factor may represent the distance along the pick path 20 required to complete the order from the current location of the pick order device 20 on the pick path.
- the order with the lowest distance factor may be added to the batch.
- the "N" orders with the smallest distance factor may be added to the batch, for example, based on their rankings from shortest to longest.
- the first order 40 would be the order with the smallest distance to travel from the current location and thus would be the first order to be completed.
- the third order 50 would not be completed before first order, as was described in the description of FIGS. 1A-1E above.
- the direction of movement around the pick circle may be in the same direction.
- orders are selected such that the pick order device 20 does not move backward on the pick line 25.
- the pick order device 20 may move in more than one direction around the pick circle.
- the pick order device 20 may be configured or instructed (for example, by the order picking application) to move from the start point forward toward the end point.
- the pick order device 20 may reverse direction and move in a direction toward the start point 30.
- the start point 30 and the end point 35 effectively switch with each pass through the pick line 25.
- the pick order device 20 may return to the start point and traverse the pick line again in a direction toward the end point.
- the order management application may be configured to assign orders to the pick order device 20 in order to minimize travel costs based on the travel pattern of the pick order device through the pick line, such as the two travel patterns described above. Referring to FIG. 1A, if the pick order device 20 has reached the end point 35, the order management application may assign an order having a unit at bin 11 if the pick order device is configured or instructed to return to the start point 30 and move in a direction toward the end point. In contrast, if the pick order device is configured or instructed to move in a direction toward the start point 30 from the end point 35, the order management application may be configured to assign an order with a unit in bin 51.
- the pick order device 20 is in operation and new orders are being assigned to the batch, it is possible for newly added orders to be completed before older orders.
- the set of assigned orders is dynamically changing based on orders being received from customers throughout the day and, as such, the pending pool of orders is dynamic and not a fixed order queue.
- the pick order device 20 may be configured as a radio frequency (RF) device and/or cart ("RF cart").
- the RF cart may be a paperless order fulfillment system that utilizes hardware mounted to a mobile cart.
- An RF cart may provide a method of picking multiple orders at a time on a single pass through the warehouse, making order pickers more accurate and productive.
- An RF cart may be computer controlled and communicate with a centralized computer system, such as the order management device 10, via an RF network, providing real-time response and reporting.
- the system may be configured to direct pickers to warehouse pick locations in the most efficient route, minimizing walk distance while fulfilling multiple orders at once.
- embodiments are not limited to RF carts, as any type of pick order device configured to opeate according to some embodiments is contemplated herein, including RF terminals, voice recognition systems, or pick sleds that travel on tracks or conveyer systems.
- the pick order device 20 may operate as a guidance system that directs the picker to units in a logical travel sequence that generally minimizes a travel time and/or distance of the pick order device 20.
- the guidance system may include a system for directing the pick order device 20 or a worker associated with the pick order device, for example, audibly or visually.
- the pick order device 20 may include a system for controlling the movement of a vehicle or cart associated with a the pick order device or a worker associated with the pick order device may control the movement of the pick order device.
- the order management application may control the picking process to create batches of orders for the pick order device 20.
- the orders may be assigned randomly or by using commonality algorithms.
- the orders may be assigned based on, among other things, an increase in the travel time resulting from assigning the new order to the picker, the minimum travel distance and/or time from the current point on the pick path, or a combination thereof. Accordingly, the order management application may assign orders to the pick order device 20 based on finding orders that can be completed with a minimum amount of travel from the current pick order device position or from the last picked item position.
- the pick line 25 may not include a dedicated start point 30 and/or end point 35.
- a plurality of pick order devices 20 may be scattered at various locations throughout a pick line 25.
- the order management application may be configured to assign orders with such a distribution of pick order devices 20 to avoid collision and passing requirements necessitated when multiple pickers are traversing a pick line simultaneously.
- the order management application may select "N" orders corresponding to the number of order locations on the cart and/or on the "N" orders that can be completed in the shortest travel distance or shortest travel time ("travel costs").
- the pick order device 20 may procure units until an order is complete.
- the order may be removed and placed in a completed order queue, either on the cart, or on a conveyor that transports the order to a shipping area.
- the order management application may then determine, from all available orders, the order which may be completed in the least travel distance or least travel time ("lowest travel cost order").
- the lowest travel cost order may be assigned to the freed location and picking continues.
- the process of replacing completed orders with new orders that can be picked with the lowest travel costs may continue, for example, until all orders are completed. Accordingly, "M" pick order devices 20 are always picking "N" orders at a time
- the system may be configured to handle
- single unit orders In many direct-to-consumer (DTC) order fulfillment operations, the order quantity is often a single unit.
- a single storage location on the pick order device 20 and/or cart, sled, or the like associated with the pick order device may be dedicated to receiving single orders. Any order in the system that is a single unit may be dynamically assigned to each individual batch if that item resides between the current location on the pick line 25 and the next batch pick location.
- single unit orders may be added to any pick order device 20 and/or cart, sled, or the like associated with the pick order device that is passing or is within a threshold distance from passing pick line 25 location where the single unit is being stored.
- the single unit orders may be removed and sent to a secondary processing station where each item is removed and assigned to an order dynamically. As each of these orders is completed as a single unit, no order integrity is required until it arrives at the secondary processing (shipping) station.
- a bin, box, or other storage medium containing batch picked single unit orders may be removed from a pick order device 20 and/or cart, sled, or the like associated with the pick order device and delivered to a shipping station.
- This station may include a computer, monitor (often touch screen), bar code scanner, label printer, and a scale. Since every item in the storage medium represents a unique and individual order, each item is a shipment in itself.
- An operator and/or automated equipment at the shipping station may remove a unit from the container, scan the unit with an identifying bar code, places the unit into a shipping container or envelope, and places the item on a scale.
- a shipping application which may include or may communicate with the order management application, may find a pending (queued) order that required only that item (for example, based on the SKU) from its database, calculate shipping costs, and print both a shipping label and a packing slip for that order.
- walking may generally refer to picking operations, for example, because picking operations often include carts that are pushed through a pick line manually, and hence, the picker is walking. Embodiments are not limited to circumstances where carts are used or where walking is required as embodiments apply to any situation that utilizes any form of batch picking, whether automated or manual. Also, embodiments are not limited to the use of batch pick carts, as any other type of component or device may be used according to some embodiments provided herein, for example, a conveyor, automatic guided vehicle, conveyed sled, or other suitable transportation device.
- a batch fulfillment system may include a loop sorter including a component for moving units for placement in a set of boxes.
- the boxes are removed from the loop sorting area responsive to a threshold number of the boxes being filled. Typically, the boxes are not removed until all of them are full. As such, there are transaction costs when the number of boxes available descends toward the threshold and, in many cases, the system must stop or slow down to allow for the removal of the boxes.
- a signal is sent to the order management application to remove the box.
- a "perpetual" loop sorter may be configured in which there are a number of available boxes that equals or substantially equals the number of boxes in the set.
- FIG. 2 depicts a block diagram of exemplary internal hardware that may be used to contain or implement the various computer processes and systems as discussed above.
- a bus 200 serves as the main information highway interconnecting the other illustrated components of the hardware.
- CPU 205 is the central processing unit of the system, performing calculations and logic operations required to execute a program.
- CPU 205 is an exemplary processing device, computing device or processor as such terms are used within this disclosure.
- a controller 220 interfaces with one or more optional memory devices 225 to the system bus 200.
- These memory devices 225 may include, for example, an external or internal DVD drive, a CD ROM drive, a hard drive, flash memory, a USB drive or the like. As indicated previously, these various drives and controllers are optional devices.
- the memory devices 225 may be configured to include individual files for storing any software modules or instructions, auxiliary data, common files for storing groups of results or auxiliary, or one or more databases for storing the result information, auxiliary data, and related information as discussed above.
- the memory devices 225 may be configured to store judicial information source 215.
- Program instructions, software or interactive modules for performing any of the functional steps associated with the steps, applications, or the like described above may be stored in the ROM 230 and/or the RAM 235.
- the program instructions may be stored on a tangible computer-readable medium such as a compact disk, a digital disk, flash memory, a memory card, a USB drive, an optical disc storage medium, such as a Blu-rayTM disc, and/or other recording medium.
- An optional display interface 230 may permit information from the bus 200 to be displayed on the display 235 in audio, visual, graphic or alphanumeric format.
- the information may include information related to a current job ticket and associated tasks.
- Communication with external devices may occur using various communication ports 240.
- An exemplary communication port 240 may be attached to a communications network, such as the Internet or a local area network.
- the hardware may also include an interface 245 which allows for receipt of data from input devices such as a keyboard 250 or other input device 255 such as a mouse, a joystick, a touch screen, a remote control, a pointing device, a video input device and/or an audio input device.
- input devices such as a keyboard 250 or other input device 255 such as a mouse, a joystick, a touch screen, a remote control, a pointing device, a video input device and/or an audio input device.
- compositions, methods, and devices can also "consist essentially of or “consist of the various components and steps, and such terminology should be interpreted as defining essentially closed-member groups. It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present.
- two recitations means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of
- A, B, and C, et cetera is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (for example, " a system having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, et cetera).
- a range includes each individual member.
- a group having 1-3 cells refers to groups having 1, 2, or 3 cells.
- a group having 1-5 cells refers to groups having 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 cells, and so forth.
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Abstract
Description
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Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US201361863406P | 2013-08-07 | 2013-08-07 | |
PCT/US2014/049635 WO2015020974A2 (en) | 2013-08-07 | 2014-08-04 | Perpetual batch order fulfillment |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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EP3031016A2 true EP3031016A2 (en) | 2016-06-15 |
EP3031016A4 EP3031016A4 (en) | 2017-02-01 |
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Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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EP14758722.4A Pending EP3031016A4 (en) | 2013-08-07 | 2014-08-04 | Perpetual batch order fulfillment |
Country Status (5)
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EP (1) | EP3031016A4 (en) |
JP (2) | JP6556717B2 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2918238A1 (en) |
HK (1) | HK1221054A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2015020974A2 (en) |
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US10956862B2 (en) | 2012-02-05 | 2021-03-23 | Matthews International Corporation | Perpetual batch order fulfillment |
US11332269B2 (en) | 2016-07-22 | 2022-05-17 | Packsize Llc | Smart packaging wall |
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CA3007028C (en) | 2015-12-07 | 2022-03-22 | 6 River Systems, Inc. | Warehouse automation systems and methods using a motor-driven cart |
USD826508S1 (en) | 2016-12-07 | 2018-08-21 | 6 River Systems, Inc. | Enhanced warehouse cart |
CN108357886A (en) | 2017-01-26 | 2018-08-03 | 菜鸟智能物流控股有限公司 | Item sorting method and related apparatus |
JP7256110B2 (en) | 2019-11-28 | 2023-04-11 | 日本たばこ産業株式会社 | Flavor source container and non-combustion type inhaler |
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- 2014-08-04 CA CA2918238A patent/CA2918238A1/en active Pending
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Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US10956862B2 (en) | 2012-02-05 | 2021-03-23 | Matthews International Corporation | Perpetual batch order fulfillment |
US11332269B2 (en) | 2016-07-22 | 2022-05-17 | Packsize Llc | Smart packaging wall |
Also Published As
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EP3031016A4 (en) | 2017-02-01 |
CA2918238A1 (en) | 2015-02-12 |
JP7370747B2 (en) | 2023-10-30 |
WO2015020974A2 (en) | 2015-02-12 |
HK1221054A1 (en) | 2017-05-19 |
WO2015020974A3 (en) | 2015-04-16 |
JP2019215879A (en) | 2019-12-19 |
JP6556717B2 (en) | 2019-08-07 |
JP2016533579A (en) | 2016-10-27 |
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