TW202240524A - Computerized systems for package delivery - Google Patents

Computerized systems for package delivery Download PDF

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TW202240524A
TW202240524A TW111124777A TW111124777A TW202240524A TW 202240524 A TW202240524 A TW 202240524A TW 111124777 A TW111124777 A TW 111124777A TW 111124777 A TW111124777 A TW 111124777A TW 202240524 A TW202240524 A TW 202240524A
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shipping
item
customer order
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electronic customer
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朴星珍
林相鎬
陳昌根
白蓮喜
埃里克 雷恩
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南韓商韓領有限公司
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Abstract

Embodiments of the present disclosure include computer-implemented systems and methods for dynamic package priority. The system may include at least one processor configured to receive, via a network, a first electronic customer order for a first item, the first order comprising an identifier of the first item and assign a first shipping metric to the first customer order. The system may be configured to transmit an instruction to a mobile device to acquire the first item for the first order, and to receive, via the network, a second electronic customer order for the first item, the second order comprising the identifier of the first item. The system may be configured to assign a second shipping metric to the second customer order. The system may be configured to compare the first shipping metric to the second shipping metric to determine priority for the first customer order and the second customer order. The system may be configured to send an instruction to an order tracking system to reassign the acquired first item to the second order, based on determining that the second shipping metric should have a higher priority than the first shipping metric. The system may be configured to transmit an indication of the reassignment to an output device.

Description

用於包裹遞送的電腦化系統Computerized system for parcel delivery

本揭露大體上是關於包裹遞送以履行客戶訂單的電腦化系統及方法。特定而言，本揭露的實施例是關於發明性及非習知電腦化系統、方法以及使用者介面，所述電腦化系統、方法以及使用者介面用於以減少的週期時間高效地履行客戶訂單及遞送包裹，同時維持履行中心內的多個區域處的高工作者效率。The present disclosure generally relates to computerized systems and methods for package delivery to fulfill customer orders. In particular, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to inventive and non-conventional computerized systems, methods, and user interfaces for efficiently fulfilling customer orders with reduced cycle times and deliver packages while maintaining high worker productivity at multiple areas within the fulfillment center.

履行中心（Fulfillment center；FC）使得電子商務商家能夠外包倉儲及運送。FC中的庫存管理是為線上購物者培養最佳客戶體驗的必要組成部分。庫存管理可包含在自賣方接收商品、堆裝接收到的商品以便於揀貨訪問、包裝物件、驗證訂單以及包裹遞送的範圍內的數個步驟。儘管當前現有FC及用於FC中的庫存管理的系統經組態以處置大量的傳入及傳出商品，但客戶訂單的履行的效率及時效性可能是有限的，部分是由於在取得物件以履行訂單時的低效實踐。包裹遞送中的延遲可能導致客戶不滿意，且在一些情況下，可能影響企業的成本及獲利能力。A fulfillment center (FC) enables e-commerce merchants to outsource warehousing and shipping. Inventory management in FC is an essential part of fostering the best customer experience for online shoppers. Inventory management may encompass several steps ranging from receiving merchandise from sellers, stacking received merchandise for pick access, packing items, validating orders, and package delivery. Although current existing FCs and systems for inventory management in FCs are configured to handle large volumes of incoming and outgoing merchandise, the efficiency and timeliness of fulfillment of customer orders may be limited, in part due to the Inefficient practices in fulfilling orders. Delays in package delivery can lead to customer dissatisfaction and, in some cases, can affect a business' costs and profitability.

隨著電子商務的發展及廣泛接受，網際網路購物為包含食品、傢俱、電子產品、衣服、書籍等的所有購物需求提供了一站式商店。每一線上訂單通常包括廣泛變化的類別的物件的組合。儘管在當前現有的訂單履行實踐中，可採用系統來以高效方式獲得訂單中的每一個別物件，但訂單遞送的總體效率受到取得每一個別物件的能力的限制。舉例而言，物件常常基於類別而儲存於FC的各種部分中，且包裝員可能必須等待揀貨員揀取訂單的所有物件，然後才能對所述物件進行包裝。此可能導致包裝及將包裹遞送至客戶的過程中的後續步驟的延遲，此延遲了系統的吞吐量以及控制運送過程的電腦化系統的效率。With the development and widespread acceptance of e-commerce, Internet shopping provides a one-stop shop for all shopping needs including food, furniture, electronics, clothes, books, etc. Each online order typically includes a combination of widely varying categories of items. While currently existing order fulfillment practices employ systems to obtain each individual item in an order in an efficient manner, the overall efficiency of order delivery is limited by the ability to obtain each individual item. For example, items are often stored in various parts of the FC based on category, and a packer may have to wait for a picker to pick up all the items for an order before they can be packaged. This can cause delays in subsequent steps in the packaging and delivery of packages to customers, which delays the throughput of the system and the efficiency of the computerized system that controls the shipping process.

此外，FC的總體效率及吞吐量可能受到影響，此是由於儘管個別地揀取物件，但其在作為包裹裝載於遞送卡車上之前同時包裝至一個容器中。若儲存所揀取的物件的儲存空間不可訪問，則包裝中的預期或意外延遲可能影響揀貨效率。儲存包裹及將包裹運出FC的過程包含數個步驟，諸如在步驟中的每一者處接收、堆裝、揀貨、分選、包裝、裝載、遞送以及驗證訂單準確性。為了總體高效率，個別步驟效率亦必須較高。舉例而言，若過程包含10個步驟，且每一步驟的效率高於90%，則總體效率僅為83.9%。In addition, the overall efficiency and throughput of the FC may be affected because although items are picked individually, they are packed simultaneously into one container before being loaded as a package on a delivery truck. Anticipated or unexpected delays in packaging can affect picking efficiency if the storage space where the picked items are stored is inaccessible. The process of storing and shipping packages out of the FC includes several steps such as receiving, stacking, picking, sorting, packing, loading, delivering, and verifying order accuracy at each of the steps. For overall efficiency to be high, the efficiency of individual steps must also be high. For example, if the process consists of 10 steps and the efficiency of each step is higher than 90%, the overall efficiency is only 83.9%.

另外，當前現有的FC採用一組工作者來確保平穩的24小時操作。倉庫中的技術挑戰中的一者可能為向地上的工作者迅速傳達資訊，諸如緊急客戶訂單、優先運送等。當前現有的物流及庫存管理系統缺乏高效地考慮客戶訂單中的預期或意外緊急性的能力，從而可能導致客戶不滿意及更高的相關聯庫存成本。Additionally, currently existing FCs employ a team of workers to ensure smooth 24-hour operation. One of the technical challenges in the warehouse may be the rapid communication of information to workers on the ground, such as urgent customer orders, priority shipments, and the like. Current existing logistics and inventory management systems lack the ability to efficiently account for anticipated or unexpected urgency in customer orders, potentially resulting in customer dissatisfaction and associated higher inventory costs.

因此，需要藉由單一化來實行用於高效包裹遞送的改良的方法及系統，以減少週期時間及承諾遞送時間，同時維持資源的高總體吞吐量及高效利用率。Accordingly, there is a need for improved methods and systems for efficient package delivery through simplification to reduce cycle times and committed delivery times while maintaining high overall throughput and efficient utilization of resources.

本揭露的一個態樣是關於一種用於包裹遞送的電腦實行系統。系統可包含至少一個處理器，經組態以經由網路接收物件的第一電子客戶訂單，所述第一電子客戶訂單包括物件的識別符。至少一個處理器可經組態以向第一電子客戶訂單指定第一運送度量。至少一個處理器可經組態以將獲取第一電子客戶訂單的物件的指令傳輸至行動裝置。至少一個處理器可經組態以接收指示已獲取第一物件的物件的產品識別符的掃描。至少一個處理器可經組態以識別物件的第二電子客戶訂單。至少一個處理器可經組態以比較第一運送度量與物件的第二電子客戶訂單的運送度量，以判定第一電子客戶訂單及第二電子客戶訂單的優先順序。至少一個處理器可經組態以將所判定優先順序的指示傳輸至輸出裝置。One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a computer-implemented system for package delivery. The system can include at least one processor configured to receive a first electronic customer order for an item via a network, the first electronic customer order including an identifier for the item. At least one processor can be configured to specify a first shipping metric to the first electronic customer order. The at least one processor can be configured to transmit to the mobile device instructions to obtain items of the first electronic customer order. At least one processor may be configured to receive a scan of a product identifier of an item indicating that the first item has been acquired. The at least one processor can be configured to identify a second electronic customer order for the item. The at least one processor can be configured to compare the first shipping metric to the shipping metric of the second electronic customer order for the item to prioritize the first electronic customer order and the second electronic customer order. At least one processor can be configured to transmit an indication of the determined priority to an output device.

本揭露的另一態樣是關於一種用於包裹遞送的電腦實行系統。系統可包含至少一個處理器，經組態以：經由網路接收第一物件的第一電子客戶訂單，第一訂單包括第一物件的識別符；以及向第一客戶訂單指定第一運送度量。至少一個處理器可經組態以：將獲取第一訂單的第一物件的指令傳輸至行動裝置；以及經由網路接收第一物件的第二電子客戶訂單，所述第二訂單包括第一物件的識別符。至少一個處理器可經組態以向第二客戶訂單指定第二運送度量。至少一個處理器可經組態以比較第一運送度量與第二運送度量，以判定第一客戶訂單及第二客戶訂單的優先順序。至少一個處理器可經組態以基於判定第二運送度量應具有比第一運送度量更高的優先順序而將向第二訂單重新指定所獲取的第一物件的指令發送至訂單追蹤系統。至少一個處理器可經組態以將重新指定的指示傳輸至輸出裝置。Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a computer-implemented system for package delivery. The system may include at least one processor configured to: receive a first electronic customer order for a first item via a network, the first order including an identifier for the first item; and assign a first shipping metric to the first customer order. The at least one processor can be configured to: transmit to the mobile device instructions to obtain a first item of the first order; and receive a second electronic customer order for the first item via a network, the second order including the first item identifier of the . At least one processor can be configured to specify a second shipping metric to the second customer order. At least one processor can be configured to compare the first shipping metric to the second shipping metric to prioritize the first customer order and the second customer order. The at least one processor may be configured to send an instruction to the order tracking system to reassign the acquired first item to the second order based on a determination that the second shipping metric should have a higher priority than the first shipping metric. At least one processor can be configured to transmit an indication of the reassignment to an output device.

本文中亦論述其他系統、方法以及電腦可讀媒體。Other systems, methods, and computer-readable media are also discussed herein.

以下詳細描述參考隨附圖式。只要可能，即在圖式及以下描述中使用相同附圖標號來指代相同或類似部分。儘管本文中描述若干示出性實施例，但修改、調適以及其他實施方案是可能的。舉例而言，可對圖式中所示出的組件及步驟進行替代、添加或修改，且可藉由取代、重新排序、移除步驟或將步驟添加至所揭露方法來修改本文中所描述的示出性方法。因此，以下詳細描述不限於所揭露實施例及實例。實情為，本發明的正確範圍由隨附申請專利範圍界定。The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used in the drawings and the following description to refer to the same or like parts. While several illustrative embodiments are described herein, modifications, adaptations, and other implementations are possible. For example, substitutions, additions or modifications may be made to components and steps shown in the drawings, and the methods described herein may be modified by substituting, reordering, removing or adding steps to the disclosed methods illustrative method. Accordingly, the following detailed description is not limited to the disclosed embodiments and examples. Rather, the true scope of the invention is defined by the appended patent claims.

本揭露的實施例是關於經組態用於藉由在不等待剩餘物件的情況下個別地運送同一訂單的物件來減少週期時間且提高包裹遞送的效率，從而避免減慢電腦化系統及過程的系統及方法。Embodiments of the present disclosure pertain to devices configured to reduce cycle time and increase the efficiency of package delivery by shipping items of the same order individually without waiting for remaining items, thereby avoiding slowing down computerized systems and processes systems and methods.

參考圖1A，繪示示出包括用於實現運送、運輸以及物流操作的通信的電腦化系統的網路的例示性實施例的示意性方塊圖100。如圖1A中所示出，系統100可包含各種系統，所述系統中的每一者可經由一或多個網路彼此連接。所描繪系統包含運送授權技術（shipment authority technology；SAT）系統101、外部前端系統103、內部前端系統105、運輸系統107、行動裝置107A、行動裝置107B以及行動裝置107C、賣方入口網站109、運送及訂單追蹤（shipment and order tracking；SOT）系統111、履行最佳化（fulfillment optimization；FO）系統113、履行通信報閘道（fulfillment messaging gateway；FMG）115、供應鏈管理（supply chain management；SCM）系統117、倉庫管理系統119、行動裝置119A、行動裝置119B以及行動裝置119C（描繪為在履行中心（FC）200內部）、第3方履行系統121A、第3方履行系統121B以及第3方履行系統121C、履行中心授權系統（fulfillment center authorization；FC Auth）123以及勞動管理系統（labor management system；LMS）125。Referring to FIG. 1A , there is depicted a schematic block diagram 100 illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a network comprising computerized systems for enabling communications for shipping, transportation, and logistics operations. As shown in FIG. 1A , system 100 may include various systems, each of which may be connected to each other via one or more networks. The depicted system includes a shipment authority technology (SAT) system 101, an external front end system 103, an internal front end system 105, a shipping system 107, a mobile device 107A, a mobile device 107B, and a mobile device 107C, a seller portal 109, shipping and Order tracking (shipment and order tracking; SOT) system 111, fulfillment optimization (fulfillment optimization; FO) system 113, fulfillment messaging gateway (FMG) 115, supply chain management (supply chain management; SCM) System 117, warehouse management system 119, mobile device 119A, mobile device 119B, and mobile device 119C (depicted inside fulfillment center (FC) 200), 3rd party fulfillment system 121A, 3rd party fulfillment system 121B, and 3rd party fulfillment System 121C, fulfillment center authorization system (fulfillment center authorization; FC Auth) 123 and labor management system (labor management system; LMS) 125 .

在一些實施例中，SAT系統101可實行為監視訂單狀態及遞送狀態的電腦系統。舉例而言，SAT系統101可判定訂單是否超過其承諾遞送日期（PDD）且可採取適當的動作，包含發起新訂單、對未遞送訂單中的物件進行重新運送、取消未遞送訂單、發起與訂購客戶的連絡，或類似者。SAT系統101亦可監視其他資料，包含輸出（諸如在特定時間段期間運送的包裹的數目）及輸入（諸如接收到的用於運送的空紙板盒的數目）。SAT系統101亦可充當系統100中的不同裝置之間的閘道，從而（例如，使用儲存及轉發或其他技術）實現諸如外部前端系統103及FO系統113的裝置之間的通信。In some embodiments, the SAT system 101 may be implemented as a computer system that monitors order status and delivery status. For example, the SAT system 101 can determine if an order is past its promised delivery date (PDD) and can take appropriate action, including initiating a new order, re-shipping items in an undelivered order, canceling an undelivered order, initiating and ordering Client's Contact, or the like. The SAT system 101 may also monitor other data, including outputs (such as the number of packages shipped during a particular time period) and inputs (such as the number of empty cartons received for shipping). SAT system 101 may also act as a gateway between different devices in system 100, enabling communication between devices such as external front-end system 103 and FO system 113 (eg, using store-and-forward or other techniques).

在一些實施例中，外部前端系統103可實行為使得外部使用者能夠與網路100中的一或多個系統交互的電腦系統。舉例而言，在網路100使得系統的呈現能夠允許使用者針對物件下訂單的實施例中，外部前端系統103可實行為接收搜尋請求、呈現物件頁以及索求支付資訊的網頁伺服器。舉例而言，外部前端系統103可實行為電腦或電腦運行軟體，諸如阿帕奇（Apache）HTTP伺服器、微軟網際網路資訊服務（Internet Information Service；IIS）、NGINX，或類似者。在其他實施例中，外部前端系統103可運行經設計以接收及處理來自外部裝置（未描繪）的請求、基於彼等請求自資料庫及其他資料儲存庫獲取資訊，以及基於所獲取的資訊將回應提供至接收到的請求的定製網頁伺服器軟體。In some embodiments, the external front-end system 103 may be implemented as a computer system that enables external users to interact with one or more systems in the network 100 . For example, in embodiments where network 100 enables the presentation of the system to allow users to place orders for items, external front-end system 103 may be implemented as a web server that receives search requests, presents item pages, and solicits payment information. For example, the external front-end system 103 can be implemented as a computer or computer running software, such as Apache HTTP server, Microsoft Internet Information Service (IIS), NGINX, or the like. In other embodiments, the external front-end system 103 may operate and be designed to receive and process requests from external devices (not depicted), obtain information from databases and other data repositories based on those requests, and Custom web server software that responds to requests received.

在一些實施例中，外部前端系統103可包含網頁快取系統、資料庫、搜尋系統或支付系統中的一或多者。在一個態樣中，外部前端系統103可包括此等系統中的一或多者，而在另一態樣中，外部前端系統103可包括連接至此等系統中的一或多者的介面（例如，伺服器至伺服器、資料庫至資料庫，或其他網路連接）。In some embodiments, the external front-end system 103 may include one or more of a web cache system, a database, a search system, or a payment system. In one aspect, external front-end system 103 may include one or more of these systems, while in another aspect, external front-end system 103 may include an interface to one or more of these systems (e.g. , server-to-server, database-to-database, or other network connections).

藉由圖1B、圖1C、圖1D以及圖1E所示出的例示性步驟集合將有助於描述外部前端系統103的一些操作。外部前端系統103可自網路100中的系統或裝置接收資訊以供呈現及/或顯示。舉例而言，外部前端系統103可代管或提供一或多個網頁，包含搜尋結果頁（SRP）（例如，圖1B）、單一詳情頁（Single Detail Page；SDP）（例如，圖1C）、購物車頁（例如，圖1D），或訂單頁（例如，圖1E）。（例如，使用行動裝置102A或電腦102B的）使用者裝置可導航至外部前端系統103且藉由將資訊輸入至搜尋方塊中來請求搜尋。外部前端系統103可向網路100中的一或多個系統請求資訊。舉例而言，外部前端系統103可向FO系統113請求滿足搜尋請求的結果。外部前端系統103亦可（自FO系統113）請求及接收於搜尋結果中返回的每一產品的承諾遞送日期或「PDD」。在一些實施例中，PDD表示在特定時間段內（例如，在一天結束（下午11:59）前）訂購的情況下對包裹將何時抵達使用者的所要位置的估計。（PDD在下文相對於FO系統113進一步論述。）The exemplary set of steps illustrated by FIGS. 1B , 1C, 1D and 1E will help describe some operations of the external front-end system 103 . The external front-end system 103 can receive information from systems or devices in the network 100 for presentation and/or display. For example, the external front-end system 103 can host or provide one or more web pages, including a search result page (SRP) (eg, FIG. 1B ), a single detail page (Single Detail Page; SDP) (eg, FIG. 1C ), Shopping cart page (eg, Figure 1D), or order page (eg, Figure 1E). A user device (eg, using mobile device 102A or computer 102B) can navigate to external front-end system 103 and request a search by entering information into a search box. The external front-end system 103 can request information from one or more systems in the network 100 . For example, external front-end system 103 may request results from FO system 113 that satisfy a search request. The external front-end system 103 may also request and receive (from the FO system 113 ) a promised delivery date or "PDD" for each product returned in the search results. In some embodiments, the PDD represents an estimate of when the package will arrive at the user's desired location if ordered within a certain time period (eg, by end of day (11:59 pm)). (PDD is discussed further below with respect to FO system 113.)

外部前端系統103可基於資訊來準備SRP（例如，圖1B）。SRP可包含滿足搜尋請求的資訊。舉例而言，此可包含滿足搜尋請求的產品的圖像。SRP亦可包含每一產品的各別價格，或與每一產品的增強遞送選項、PDD、重量、大小、報價、折扣或類似者相關的資訊。外部前端系統103可（例如，經由網路）將SRP遞送至請求使用者裝置。The external front-end system 103 can prepare the SRP based on the information (eg, FIG. 1B ). The SRP may contain information that satisfies the search request. For example, this could include images of products that satisfy a search request. The SRP may also contain individual prices for each product, or information related to each product's enhanced delivery options, PDD, weight, size, offers, discounts, or the like. The external front-end system 103 may deliver the SRP (eg, via a network) to the requesting user device.

使用者裝置可接著例如藉由點選或輕觸使用者介面或使用另一輸入裝置自SRP選擇產品，以選擇表示於SRP上的產品。使用者裝置可製訂對關於所選產品的資訊的請求且將其發送至外部前端系統103。作為回應，外部前端系統103可請求與所選產品相關的資訊。舉例而言，資訊可包含除針對各別SRP上的產品呈現的資訊以外的額外資訊。此可包含例如保存期限、原產國、重量、大小、包裹中的物件的數目、處置說明，或關於產品的其他資訊。資訊亦可包含類似產品的推薦（基於例如巨量資料及/或對購買此產品及至少一個其他產品的客戶的機器學習分析）、頻繁詢問的問題的答案、來自客戶的評論、製造商資訊、圖像，或類似者。The user device may then select a product represented on the SRP, such as by clicking or tapping a user interface or selecting a product from the SRP using another input device. The user device may formulate and send a request for information about the selected product to the external front-end system 103 . In response, the external front-end system 103 may request information related to the selected product. For example, the information may include additional information beyond that presented for the products on the respective SRP. This may include, for example, shelf life, country of origin, weight, size, number of items in the package, disposal instructions, or other information about the product. Information may also include recommendations of similar products (based on, for example, extensive data and/or machine learning analysis of customers who purchased this product and at least one other product), answers to frequently asked questions, reviews from customers, manufacturer information, image, or similar.

外部前端系統103可基於接收到的產品資訊來準備SDP（單一詳情頁）（例如，圖1C）。SDP亦可包含其他交互式元素，諸如「現在購買」按鈕、「添加至購物車」按鈕、數量欄、物件的圖像，或類似者。外部前端系統103可（例如，經由網路）將SDP遞送至請求使用者裝置。The external front-end system 103 can prepare an SDP (Single Detail Page) based on the received product information (eg, FIG. 1C ). The SDP may also contain other interactive elements, such as a "Buy Now" button, an "Add to Cart" button, a quantity column, an image of an item, or the like. The external front-end system 103 may deliver the SDP (eg, via a network) to the requesting user device.

請求使用者裝置可接收列出產品資訊的SDP。在接收到SDP後，使用者裝置可接著與SDP交互。舉例而言，請求使用者裝置的使用者可點選或以其他方式與SDP上的「放在購物車中」按鈕交互。此將產品添加至與使用者相關聯的購物車。使用者裝置可將把產品添加至購物車的此請求傳輸至外部前端系統103。Requests that the user's device can receive an SDP listing product information. After receiving the SDP, the user device can then interact with the SDP. For example, a user requesting a user device may click or otherwise interact with a "Put in Cart" button on the SDP. This adds the product to the cart associated with the user. The user device may transmit this request to add the product to the shopping cart to the external front-end system 103 .

外部前端系統103可產生購物車頁（例如，圖1D）。在一些實施例中，購物車頁列出使用者已添加至虛擬「購物車」的產品。使用者裝置可藉由在SRP、SDP或其他頁上的圖標上點選或以其他方式與所述圖標交互來請求購物車頁。在一些實施例中，購物車頁可列出使用者已添加至購物車的所有產品，以及關於購物車中的產品的資訊（諸如每一產品的數量、每一產品每物件的價格、每一產品基於相關聯數量的價格）、關於PDD的資訊、遞送方法、運送成本、用於修改購物車中的產品（例如，刪除或修改數量）的使用者介面元素、用於訂購其他產品或設置產品的定期遞送的選項、用於設置利息支付的選項、用於前進至購買的使用者介面元素，或類似者。使用者裝置處的使用者可在使用者介面元素（例如，寫著「現在購買」的按鈕）上點選或以其他方式與所述使用者介面元素交互，以發起對購物車中的產品的購買。在如此做後，使用者裝置可將發起購買的此請求傳輸至外部前端系統103。The external front-end system 103 can generate a shopping cart page (eg, FIG. 1D ). In some embodiments, the shopping cart page lists products that the user has added to a virtual "shopping cart." A user device may request a shopping cart page by clicking on or otherwise interacting with an icon on an SRP, SDP, or other page. In some embodiments, the shopping cart page may list all products that the user has added to the shopping cart, as well as information about the products in the shopping cart (such as the quantity of each product, the price per item of each product, the Product price based on associated quantity), information about PDD, delivery method, shipping cost, user interface elements for modifying products in the shopping cart (for example, deleting or modifying quantity), for ordering other products or setting products Options for recurring deliveries, options for setting interest payments, user interface elements for advancing to purchases, or the like. A user at a user device may tap on or otherwise interact with a user interface element (e.g., a button that says "Buy Now") to initiate a purchase of products in a shopping cart Buy. After doing so, the user device may transmit this request to initiate a purchase to the external front-end system 103 .

外部前端系統103可回應於接收到發起購買的請求而產生訂單頁（例如，圖1E）。在一些實施例中，訂單頁重新列出來自購物車的物件且請求支付及運送資訊的輸入。舉例而言，訂單頁可包含請求關於購物車中的物件的購買者的資訊（例如，姓名、地址、電子郵件地址、電話號碼）、關於接收者的資訊（例如，姓名、地址、電話號碼、遞送資訊）、運送資訊（例如，遞送及/或揀貨的速度/方法）、支付資訊（例如，***、銀行轉賬、支票、儲存的積分）的部分、請求現金收據（例如，出於稅務目的）的使用者介面元素，或類似者。外部前端系統103可將訂單頁發送至使用者裝置。External front-end system 103 may generate an order page (eg, FIG. 1E ) in response to receiving a request to initiate a purchase. In some embodiments, the order page relists items from the shopping cart and requests entry of payment and shipping information. For example, an order page may include a request for information about the buyer (e.g., name, address, email address, phone number) about the items in the shopping cart, information about the recipient (e.g., name, address, phone number, delivery information), shipping information (e.g., speed/method of delivery and/or pick-up), payment information (e.g., credit card, bank transfer, check, stored points), requesting a cash receipt (e.g., for tax purposes ), or similar. The external front-end system 103 can send the order page to the user device.

使用者裝置可輸入關於訂單頁的資訊，且點選或以其他方式與將資訊發送至外部前端系統103的使用者介面元素交互。自此處，外部前端系統103可將資訊發送至網路100中的不同系統，以使得能夠創建及處理具有購物車中的產品的新訂單。The user device can enter information about the order page and click or otherwise interact with user interface elements that send the information to the external front-end system 103 . From here, the external front-end system 103 can send information to different systems in the network 100 to enable the creation and processing of new orders with the products in the shopping cart.

在一些實施例中，外部前端系統103可進一步經組態以使得賣方能夠傳輸及接收與訂單相關的資訊。In some embodiments, the external front-end system 103 may be further configured to enable sellers to transmit and receive order-related information.

在一些實施例中，內部前端系統105可實行為使得內部使用者（例如，擁有、操作或租用網路100的組織的雇員）能夠與網路100中的一或多個系統交互的電腦系統。舉例而言，在網路100使得系統的呈現能夠允許使用者針對物件下訂單的實施例中，內部前端系統105可實行為使得使用者能夠查看關於訂單的診斷及統計資訊、修改物件資訊或審查與訂單相關的統計的網頁伺服器。舉例而言，內部前端系統105可實行為電腦或電腦運行軟體，諸如阿帕奇HTTP伺服器、微軟網際網路資訊服務（IIS）、NGINX，或類似者。在其他實施例中，內部前端系統105可運行經設計以接收及處理來自網路100中所描繪的裝置（以及未描繪的其他裝置）的請求、基於彼等請求自資料庫及其他資料儲存庫獲取資訊，以及基於所獲取的資訊來將回應提供至接收到的請求的定製網頁伺服器軟體。In some embodiments, internal front-end system 105 may be implemented as a computer system that enables internal users (eg, employees of the organization that owns, operates, or leases network 100 ) to interact with one or more systems in network 100 . For example, in embodiments where network 100 enables the presentation of the system to allow users to place orders for items, internal front-end system 105 may be implemented to enable users to view diagnostic and statistical information about orders, modify item information, or review Web server for order-related statistics. For example, the internal front-end system 105 may be implemented as a computer or computer-running software, such as Apache HTTP Server, Microsoft Internet Information Services (IIS), NGINX, or the like. In other embodiments, internal front-end system 105 may operate and be designed to receive and process requests from devices depicted in network 100 (and other devices not depicted), based on their requests from databases and other data repositories Obtaining information and providing a response to the received request based on the obtained information to custom web server software.

在一些實施例中，內部前端系統105可包含網頁快取系統、資料庫、搜尋系統、支付系統、分析系統、訂單監視系統或類似者中的一或多者。在一個態樣中，內部前端系統105可包括此等系統中的一或多者，而在另一態樣中，內部前端系統105可包括連接至此等系統中的一或多者的介面（例如，伺服器至伺服器、資料庫至資料庫，或其他網路連接）。In some embodiments, the internal front-end system 105 may include one or more of a web caching system, a database, a search system, a payment system, an analysis system, an order monitoring system, or the like. In one aspect, the internal front-end system 105 may include one or more of these systems, while in another aspect the internal front-end system 105 may include an interface to one or more of these systems (e.g. , server-to-server, database-to-database, or other network connections).

在一些實施例中，運輸系統107可實行為實現網路100中的裝置與行動裝置107A至行動裝置107C之間的通信的電腦系統。在一些實施例中，運輸系統107可自一或多個行動裝置107A至行動裝置107C（例如，行動電話、智慧型手機、PDA，或類似者）接收資訊。舉例而言，在一些實施例中，行動裝置107A至行動裝置107C可包括由遞送工作者操作的裝置。遞送工作者（其可為永久雇員、暫時雇員或輪班雇員）可利用行動裝置107A至行動裝置107C來實現對由使用者訂購的包裹的遞送。舉例而言，為遞送包裹，遞送工作者可在行動裝置上接收指示遞送哪一包裹及將所述包裹遞送到何處的通知。在抵達遞送位置後，遞送工作者可（例如，在卡車的後部中或在包裹的條板箱中）定位包裹、使用行動裝置掃描或以其他方式擷取與包裹上的識別符（例如，條碼、影像、文字串、RFID標籤，或類似者）相關聯的資料，且遞送包裹（例如，藉由將其留在前門處、將其留給警衛、將其交給接收者，或類似者）。在一些實施例中，遞送工作者可擷取包裹的相片及/或可獲得簽名。行動裝置可將通信發送至運輸系統107，所述資訊包含關於遞送的資訊，包含例如時間、日期、GPS位置、相片、與遞送工作者相關聯的識別符、與行動裝置相關聯的識別符，或類似者。運輸系統107可在資料庫（未描繪）中儲存此資料以用於由網路100中的其他系統訪問。在一些實施例中，運輸系統107可使用此資訊來準備追蹤資料且將所述追蹤資料發送至其他系統，從而指示特定包裹的位置。In some embodiments, the transport system 107 can be implemented as a computer system that implements communication between the devices in the network 100 and the mobile devices 107A to 107C. In some embodiments, the transportation system 107 can receive information from one or more mobile devices 107A to 107C (eg, mobile phones, smartphones, PDAs, or the like). For example, in some embodiments, nomadic device 107A-107C may comprise a device operated by a delivery worker. Delivery workers, who may be permanent, temporary, or shift employees, may utilize mobile devices 107A-107C to effectuate the delivery of packages ordered by users. For example, to deliver a package, a delivery worker may receive a notification on a mobile device indicating which package to deliver and where to deliver the package. Upon arrival at the delivery location, the delivery worker can locate the package (e.g., in the back of a truck or in the package's crate), use a mobile device to scan, or otherwise capture an identifier (e.g., a barcode) associated with the package , image, text string, RFID tag, or the like), and deliver the package (e.g., by leaving it at the front door, leaving it with a guard, handing it over to the recipient, or the like) . In some embodiments, the delivery worker can capture a photo of the package and/or can obtain a signature. The mobile device may send communications to the transportation system 107, the information including information about the delivery including, for example, time, date, GPS location, photo, identifier associated with the delivery worker, identifier associated with the mobile device, or similar. Transportation system 107 may store this data in a database (not depicted) for access by other systems in network 100 . In some embodiments, shipping system 107 may use this information to prepare and send tracking data to other systems, indicating the location of a particular package.

在一些實施例中，某些使用者可使用一個種類的行動裝置（例如，永久工作者可使用具有定製硬體（諸如條碼掃描器、尖筆以及其他裝置）的專用PDA），而其他使用者可使用其他類型的行動裝置（例如，暫時工作者或輪班工作者可利用現成的行動電話及/或智慧型手機）。In some embodiments, some users may use one type of mobile device (for example, a permanent worker may use a dedicated PDA with custom hardware such as barcode scanners, stylus, and other devices), while others use workers may use other types of mobile devices (e.g. casual or shift workers may utilize off-the-shelf mobile phones and/or smartphones).

在一些實施例中，運輸系統107可使使用者與每一裝置相關聯。舉例而言，運輸系統107可儲存使用者（由例如使用者識別符、雇員識別符或電話號碼表示）與行動裝置（由例如國際行動設備身分（International Mobile Equipment Identity；IMEI）、國際行動訂用識別符（International Mobile Subscription Identifier；IMSI）、電話號碼、通用唯一識別符（Universal Unique Identifier；UUID）或全球唯一識別符（Globally Unique Identifier；GUID）表示）之間的關係。運輸系統107可結合在遞送時接收到的資料使用此關係來分析儲存於資料庫中的資料，以便尤其判定工作者的位置、工作者的效率，或工作者的速度。In some embodiments, the transport system 107 can associate a user with each device. For example, the transport system 107 may store a user (represented by, for example, a user ID, an employee ID, or a phone number) and a mobile device (represented by, for example, an International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI), an International Mobile Subscription Identifier (International Mobile Subscription Identifier; IMSI), phone number, Universal Unique Identifier (UUID) or Globally Unique Identifier (Globally Unique Identifier; GUID) representation). Transportation system 107 may use this relationship in conjunction with data received at the time of delivery to analyze data stored in a database to determine, inter alia, a worker's location, worker's efficiency, or worker's speed.

在一些實施例中，賣方入口網站109可實行為使得賣方或其他外部實體能夠與涉及訂單的資訊的其他態樣電子地通信的電腦系統。舉例而言，賣方可利用電腦系統（未描繪）來上載或提供賣方希望經由系統100來出售的產品的產品資訊、訂單資訊、連絡資訊或類似者。In some embodiments, seller portal 109 may be implemented as a computer system that enables sellers or other external entities to electronically communicate with other aspects of information related to an order. For example, a seller may utilize a computer system (not depicted) to upload or provide product information, order information, contact information, or the like for products that the seller wishes to sell via the system 100 .

在一些實施例中，運送及訂單追蹤系統111可實行為接收、儲存以及轉送關於由客戶（例如，由使用裝置102A至裝置102B的使用者）訂購的包裹的位置的資訊的電腦系統。在一些實施例中，運送及訂單追蹤系統111可請求或儲存來自由遞送由客戶訂購的包裹的運送公司操作的網頁伺服器（未描繪）的資訊。In some embodiments, shipping and order tracking system 111 may be implemented as a computer system that receives, stores, and forwards information regarding the location of packages ordered by customers (eg, by users using devices 102A through 102B). In some embodiments, the shipping and order tracking system 111 may request or store information from a web server (not pictured) operated by the shipping company delivering the package ordered by the customer.

在一些實施例中，運送及訂單追蹤系統111可請求及儲存來自在網路100中描繪的系統的資訊。舉例而言，運送及訂單追蹤系統111可請求來自運輸系統107的資訊。如上文所論述，運輸系統107可自與使用者中的一或多者（例如，遞送工作者）或車輛（例如，遞送卡車）相關聯的一或多個行動裝置107A至行動裝置107C（例如，行動電話、智慧型手機、PDA或類似者）接收資訊。在一些實施例中，運送及訂單追蹤系統111亦可向倉庫管理系統（warehouse management system；WMS）119請求資訊以判定個別包裹在履行中心（例如，履行中心200）內部的位置。運送及訂單追蹤系統111可向運輸系統107或WMS 119中的一或多者請求資料，在請求後處理所述資料，且將所述資料呈現給裝置（例如，使用者裝置102A及使用者裝置102B）。In some embodiments, shipping and order tracking system 111 may request and store information from the systems depicted in network 100 . For example, shipping and order tracking system 111 may request information from shipping system 107 . As discussed above, the transport system 107 can travel from one or more nomadic devices 107A associated with one or more of the users (eg, delivery workers) or vehicles (eg, delivery trucks) to nomadic devices 107C (eg, delivery trucks). , mobile phone, smartphone, PDA or similar) to receive information. In some embodiments, the shipping and order tracking system 111 may also request information from a warehouse management system (WMS) 119 to determine the location of individual packages within a fulfillment center (eg, fulfillment center 200 ). Shipping and order tracking system 111 may request data from one or more of shipping system 107 or WMS 119, process the data upon request, and present the data to devices (e.g., user device 102A and user device 102B).

在一些實施例中，履行最佳化（FO）系統113可實行為儲存來自其他系統（例如，外部前端系統103及/或運送及訂單追蹤系統111）的客戶訂單的資訊的電腦系統。FO系統113亦可儲存描述特定物件保存或儲存於何處的資訊。舉例而言，客戶訂購的一些物件可能僅儲存於一個履行中心中，而其他物件可能儲存於多個履行中心中。在再其他實施例中，某些履行中心可經設計以僅儲存特定物件集合（例如，新鮮農產品或冷凍產品）。FO系統113儲存此資訊以及相關聯資訊（例如，數量、大小、接收日期、過期日期等）。In some embodiments, fulfillment optimization (FO) system 113 may be implemented as a computer system that stores information on customer orders from other systems (eg, external front-end system 103 and/or shipping and order tracking system 111 ). The FO system 113 may also store information describing where a particular object is kept or stored. For example, some items ordered by a customer may be stored in only one fulfillment center, while other items may be stored in multiple fulfillment centers. In still other embodiments, certain fulfillment centers may be designed to stock only certain sets of items (eg, fresh produce or frozen products). The FO system 113 stores this information as well as associated information (eg, quantity, size, date received, date of expiration, etc.).

FO系統113亦可計算每一產品的對應PDD（承諾遞送日期）。在一些實施例中，PDD可以基於一或多個因素。舉例而言，FO系統113可基於下述者來計算產品的PDD：對產品的過去需求（例如，在一段時間期間訂購了多少次所述產品）、對產品的預期需求（例如，預測在即將到來的一段時間期間多少客戶將訂購所述產品）、指示在一段時間期間訂購了多少產品的全網路過去需求、指示預期在即將到來的一段時間期間將訂購多少產品的全網路預期需求、儲存於每一履行中心200中的產品的一或多個計數、哪一履行中心儲存每一產品、產品的預期或當前訂單，或類似者。The FO system 113 can also calculate the corresponding PDD (Promised Delivery Date) for each product. In some embodiments, PDD may be based on one or more factors. For example, the FO system 113 may calculate the PDD for a product based on past demand for the product (e.g., how many times the product was ordered over a period of time), expected demand for the product (e.g., predicted how many customers will order the product in the upcoming period), network-wide past demand indicating how much the product has been ordered during the period, network-wide expected demand indicating how much the product is expected to be ordered in the upcoming period, One or more counts of the products stored in each fulfillment center 200, which fulfillment center stores each product, prospective or current orders for the products, or the like.

在一些實施例中，FO系統113可定期（例如，每小時）判定每一產品的PDD且將其儲存於資料庫中以供檢索或發送至其他系統（例如，外部前端系統103、SAT系統101、運送及訂單追蹤系統111）。在其他實施例中，FO系統113可自一或多個系統（例如，外部前端系統103、SAT系統101、運送及訂單追蹤系統111）接收電子請求且按需求計算PDD。In some embodiments, the FO system 113 may periodically (e.g., hourly) determine the PDD for each product and store it in a database for retrieval or send to other systems (e.g., external front-end system 103, SAT system 101 , shipping and order tracking system 111). In other embodiments, FO system 113 may receive electronic requests from one or more systems (eg, external front-end system 103 , SAT system 101 , shipping and order tracking system 111 ) and calculate PDD on demand.

在一些實施例中，履行通信報閘道（FMG）115可實行為電腦系統，所述電腦系統自網路100中的一或多個系統（諸如FO系統113）接收通信，將通信中的資料轉換為另一格式，且將呈經轉換格式的資料轉發至其他系統，諸如WMS 119或第3方履行系統121A、第3方履行系統121B或第3方履行系統121C，且反之亦然。In some embodiments, Fulfillment Communication Gateway (FMG) 115 may be implemented as a computer system that receives communications from one or more systems in network 100 (such as FO system 113 ) and transfers data in the communications to Convert to another format, and forward the material in the converted format to other systems, such as WMS 119 or 3rd party fulfillment system 121A, 3rd party fulfillment system 121B or 3rd party fulfillment system 121C, and vice versa.

在一些實施例中，供應鏈管理（SCM）系統117可實行為進行預測功能的電腦系統。舉例而言，SCM系統117可基於例如下述者來判定特定產品的預測需求水平：基於對產品的過去需求、對產品的預期需求、全網路過去需求、全網路預期需求、儲存於每一履行中心200中的產品的計數、每一產品的預期或當前訂單，或類似者。回應於此所判定預測水平及所有履行中心中的每一產品的量，SCM系統117可產生一或多個購買訂單以滿足對特定產品的預期需求。In some embodiments, supply chain management (SCM) system 117 may be implemented as a computer system that performs forecasting functions. For example, the SCM system 117 may determine the forecasted demand level for a particular product based on, for example, past demand for the product, expected demand for the product, network-wide past demand, network-wide expected demand, stored in each A count of products in a fulfillment center 200, expected or current orders for each product, or the like. In response to this determined forecast level and the volume of each product in all fulfillment centers, the SCM system 117 may generate one or more purchase orders to meet the expected demand for the particular product.

在一些實施例中，倉庫管理系統（WMS）119可實行為監視工作流程的電腦系統。舉例而言，WMS 119可自個別裝置（例如，裝置107A至裝置107C或裝置119A至裝置119C）接收指示離散事件的事件資料。舉例而言，WMS 119可接收指示此等裝置中的一者的使用者掃描包裹的事件資料。如下文相對於履行中心200及圖2所論述，在履行過程期間，可藉由特定階段處的機器（例如，自動式或手持式條碼掃描器、RFID讀取器、高速攝影機、諸如平板電腦119A、行動裝置/PDA 119B、電腦119C的裝置或類似者）掃描或讀取包裹識別符（例如，條碼或RFID標籤資料）。WMS 119可將指示掃描或包裹識別符的讀取的每一事件以及包裹識別符、時間、日期、位置、使用者識別符或其他資訊儲存於對應資料庫（未描繪）中，且可將此資訊提供至其他系統（例如，運送及訂單追蹤系統111）。In some embodiments, warehouse management system (WMS) 119 may be implemented as a computer system that monitors workflow. For example, WMS 119 may receive event data indicative of discrete events from individual devices (eg, device 107A-device 107C or device 119A-device 119C). For example, WMS 119 may receive event data instructing a user of one of these devices to scan a package. As discussed below with respect to fulfillment center 200 and FIG. 2 , during the fulfillment process, a machine at a particular stage (e.g., an automated or hand-held barcode scanner, RFID reader, high-speed camera, such as a tablet computer 119A) may , mobile device/PDA 119B, computer 119C or similar) scans or reads the package identifier (eg, barcode or RFID tag data). WMS 119 may store each event indicative of a scan or read of a package identifier along with the package identifier, time, date, location, user identifier, or other information in a corresponding database (not depicted), and may store this Information is provided to other systems (eg, shipping and order tracking system 111).

在一些實施例中，WMS 119可儲存使一或多個裝置（例如，裝置107A至裝置107C或裝置119A至裝置119C）與一或多個使用者（所述一或多個使用者與網路100相關聯）相關聯的資訊。舉例而言，在一些情形下，使用者（諸如兼職雇員或全職雇員）可與行動裝置相關聯，此是由於使用者擁有行動裝置（例如，行動裝置為智慧型手機）。在其他情形下，使用者可與行動裝置相關聯，此是由於使用者暫時保管行動裝置（例如，使用者在一天開始時拿到行動裝置，將在一天期間使用所述行動裝置，且將在一天結束時退還所述行動裝置）。In some embodiments, WMS 119 may store information that enables one or more devices (e.g., device 107A-device 107C or device 119A-device 119C) and one or more users (the one or more users and the network 100 associated) associated information. For example, in some cases, a user (such as a part-time or full-time employee) may be associated with a mobile device because the user owns the mobile device (eg, the mobile device is a smartphone). In other cases, a user may be associated with a mobile device due to the user taking temporary custody of the mobile device (e.g., the user gets the mobile device at the beginning of the day, will use the mobile device during the day, and will return said mobile device at the end of the day).

在一些實施例中，WMS 119可維護與網路100相關聯的每一使用者的工作日志。舉例而言，WMS 119可儲存與每一雇員相關聯的資訊，包含任何指定的過程（例如，自卡車卸載、自揀貨區揀取物件、合流牆（rebin wall）工作、包裝物件）、使用者識別符、位置（例如，履行中心200中的樓層或區）、藉由雇員經由系統移動的單位數目（例如，所揀取物件的數目、所包裝物件的數目）、與裝置（例如，裝置119A至裝置119C）相關聯的識別符，或類似者。在一些實施例中，WMS 119可自計時系統接收登記及登出資訊，所述計時系統諸如在裝置119A至裝置119C上操作的計時系統。In some embodiments, WMS 119 may maintain a work log for each user associated with network 100 . For example, WMS 119 may store information associated with each employee, including any specified process (e.g., unloading from truck, picking items from pick area, rebin wall work, packing items), using identifier, location (e.g., floor or zone in fulfillment center 200), number of units moved through the system by employees (e.g., number of items picked, number of items packed), and device (e.g., device 119A to device 119C), or similar. In some embodiments, WMS 119 may receive log-in and log-out information from a timekeeping system, such as a timekeeping system operating on devices 119A-119C.

在一些實施例中，第3方履行（3rd party fulfillment；3PL）系統121A至第3方履行系統121C表示與物流及產品的第三方提供商相關聯的電腦系統。舉例而言，儘管一些產品儲存於履行中心200中（如下文相對於圖2所論述），但其他產品可儲存於場外、可按需求生產，或可以其他方式不可供用於儲存於履行中心200中。3PL系統121A至3PL系統121C可經組態以（例如，經由FMG 115）自FO系統113接收訂單，且可直接為客戶提供產品及/或服務（例如，遞送或安裝）。In some embodiments, 3rd party fulfillment (3PL) systems 121A-121C represent computer systems associated with third party providers of logistics and products. For example, while some products are stored in fulfillment center 200 (as discussed below with respect to FIG. 2 ), other products may be stored off-site, may be produced on demand, or may otherwise not be available for storage in fulfillment center 200. . 3PL systems 121A-121C may be configured to receive orders from FO system 113 (eg, via FMG 115 ) and may provide products and/or services (eg, delivery or installation) directly to customers.

在一些實施例中，履行中心Auth系統（FC Auth）123可實行為具有各種功能的電腦系統。舉例而言，在一些實施例中，FC Auth 123可充當網路100中的一或多個其他系統的單一簽入（single-sign on；SSO）服務。舉例而言，FC Auth 123可使得使用者能夠經由內部前端系統105登入、判定使用者具有訪問運送及訂單追蹤系統111處的資源的類似特權，且使得使用者能夠在不需要第二登入過程的情況下取得彼等特權。在其他實施例中，FC Auth 123可使得使用者（例如，雇員）能夠使自身與特定任務相關聯。舉例而言，一些雇員可能不具有電子裝置（諸如裝置119A至裝置119C），且實際上可能在一天的過程期間在履行中心200內自任務至任務以及自區至區移動。FC Auth 123可經組態以使得彼等雇員能夠在一天的不同時間指示其正進行何任務以及其位於何區。In some embodiments, the fulfillment center Auth system (FC Auth) 123 may be implemented as a computer system with various functions. For example, in some embodiments, FC Auth 123 may serve as a single-sign-on (SSO) service for one or more other systems in network 100 . For example, FC Auth 123 may enable a user to log in via the internal front-end system 105, determine that the user has similar privileges to access resources at the shipping and order tracking system 111, and enable the user to log in without requiring a second log-in process. obtain those privileges. In other embodiments, FC Auth 123 may enable users (eg, employees) to associate themselves with specific tasks. For example, some employees may not have electronic devices (such as devices 119A-119C), and may actually move within fulfillment center 200 from task to task and from zone to zone during the course of a day. FC Auth 123 can be configured so that their employees can indicate what task they are doing and in what zone they are located at different times of the day.

在一些實施例中，勞動管理系統（LMS）125可實行為儲存雇員（包含全職雇員及兼職雇員）的出勤及超時資訊的電腦系統。舉例而言，LMS 125可自FC Auth 123、WMS 119、裝置119A至裝置119C、運輸系統107及/或裝置107A至裝置107C接收資訊。In some embodiments, the labor management system (LMS) 125 may be implemented as a computer system that stores attendance and overtime information of employees, including full-time and part-time employees. For example, LMS 125 may receive information from FC Auth 123, WMS 119, device 119A-119C, transportation system 107, and/or device 107A-107C.

圖1A中所描繪的特定組態僅為實例。舉例而言，儘管圖1A描繪經由FMG 115連接至FO系統113的FC Auth系統123，但並非所有實施例均要求此特定組態。實際上，在一些實施例中，網路100中的系統可經由一或多個公用或私用網路彼此連接，所述網路包含網際網路、企業內部網路、廣域網路（Wide-Area Network；WAN）、都會區域網路（Metropolitan-Area Network；MAN）、順應IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n標準的無線網路、租用線，或類似者。在一些實施例中，網路100中的系統中的一或多者可實行為在資料中心、伺服器群或類似者處實行的一或多個虛擬伺服器。The particular configuration depicted in Figure 1A is an example only. For example, although FIG. 1A depicts FC Auth system 123 connected to FO system 113 via FMG 115, not all embodiments require this particular configuration. In fact, in some embodiments, the systems in the network 100 may be connected to each other via one or more public or private networks, including the Internet, intranets, wide-area networks (Wide-Area Networks) Network; WAN), Metropolitan-Area Network (MAN), wireless network conforming to IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n standards, leased lines, or the like. In some embodiments, one or more of the systems in network 100 may be implemented as one or more virtual servers implemented at a data center, server farm, or the like.

圖2描繪履行中心200。履行中心200為儲存用於在訂購時運送至客戶的物件的實體位置的實例。可將履行中心（FC）200劃分成多個區，所述區中的每一者描繪於圖2中。在一些實施例中，可認為此等「區」為接收物件、儲存物件、檢索物件以及運送物件的過程的不同階段之間的虛擬劃分。因此，儘管在圖2中描繪「區」，但其他區劃分為可能的，且在一些實施例中可省略、複製或修改圖2中的區。FIG. 2 depicts a fulfillment center 200 . Fulfillment center 200 is an example of a physical location that stores items for shipment to customers when ordered. Fulfillment center (FC) 200 may be divided into zones, each of which is depicted in FIG. 2 . In some embodiments, these "zones" can be thought of as virtual divisions between the different stages of the process of receiving, storing, retrieving, and shipping items. Thus, although "regions" are depicted in FIG. 2, other divisions are possible, and regions in FIG. 2 may be omitted, duplicated, or modified in some embodiments.

入站區203表示FC 200的自希望使用來自圖1A的網路100出售產品的賣方接收到物件的區域。舉例而言，賣方可使用卡車201來遞送物件202A及物件202B。物件202A可表示足夠大以佔據其自身運送托板的單一物件，而物件202B可表示在同一托板上堆疊在一起以節省空間的物件集合。Inbound area 203 represents the area of FC 200 that receives items from sellers wishing to sell products using network 100 from FIG. 1A. For example, a seller may use truck 201 to deliver item 202A and item 202B. Item 202A may represent a single item large enough to occupy its own shipping pallet, while item 202B may represent a collection of items stacked together on the same pallet to save space.

工作者將在入站區203中接收物件，且可使用電腦系統（未描繪）來視情況檢查物件的損壞及正確性。舉例而言，工作者可使用電腦系統來比較物件202A及物件202B的數量與物件的所訂購數量。若數量不匹配，則工作者可拒絕物件202A或物件202B中的一或多者。若數量的確匹配，則工作者可（使用例如台車、手推平車、叉車或手動地）將彼等物件移動至緩衝區205。緩衝區205可為當前（例如由於揀貨區中存在足夠高數量的物件以滿足預測需求而）無需處於揀貨區中的所述物件的暫時儲存區域。在一些實施例中，叉車206操作以圍繞緩衝區205及在入站區203與卸貨區207之間移動物件。若（例如，由於預測需求而）需要揀貨區中的物件202A或物件202B，則叉車可將物件202A或物件202B移動至卸貨區207。Workers will receive items in the inbound area 203 and may use a computer system (not pictured) to check the items for damage and correctness as appropriate. For example, a worker may use a computer system to compare the quantities of items 202A and 202B with the ordered quantities of the items. If the quantities do not match, the worker may reject one or more of item 202A or item 202B. If the quantities do match, a worker can move those items to the buffer zone 205 (using, for example, a dolly, dolly, forklift, or manually). The buffer zone 205 may be a temporary storage area for items that do not currently need to be in the picking area (eg, due to the presence of a sufficiently high number of items in the picking area to meet forecasted demand). In some embodiments, forklifts 206 operate to move items around buffer zone 205 and between inbound area 203 and unloading area 207 . If item 202A or item 202B in the pick area is needed (eg, due to forecasted demand), a forklift may move item 202A or item 202B to unload area 207 .

卸貨區207可為FC 200的在將物件移動至揀貨區209之前儲存所述物件的區域。指定給揀貨任務的工作者（「揀貨員」）可靠近卸貨區中的物件202A及物件202B，使用行動裝置（例如，裝置119B）來掃描揀貨區的條碼，且掃描與物件202A及物件202B相關聯的條碼。揀貨員可接著（例如，藉由將物件置放於推車上或攜帶所述物件）將所述物件取至揀貨區209。The unloading area 207 may be an area of the FC 200 where items are stored prior to moving them to the picking area 209 . A worker ("picker") assigned to a picking task may approach item 202A and item 202B in the unloading area, use a mobile device (e.g., device 119B) to scan the barcode of the picking area, and the scan is associated with items 202A and 202B. The barcode associated with item 202B. The picker may then fetch the item to the picking area 209 (eg, by placing the item on a cart or carrying the item).

揀貨區209可為FC 200的將物件208儲存於儲存單元210上的區域。在一些實施例中，儲存單元210可包括實體擱架、書架、盒、手提包、冰箱、冷凍機、冷儲存區或類似者中的一或多者。在一些實施例中，揀貨區209可組織成多個樓層。在一些實施例中，工作者或機器可以多種方式將物件移動至揀貨區209中，包含例如叉車、電梯、傳送帶、推車、手推平車、台車、自動化機器人或裝置，或手動地移動。舉例而言，揀貨員可在卸貨區207中將物件202A及物件202B置放於手推平車或推車上，且將物件202A及物件202B步移至揀貨區209。Picking area 209 may be an area of FC 200 where items 208 are stored on storage unit 210 . In some embodiments, storage units 210 may include one or more of physical shelves, bookshelves, boxes, totes, refrigerators, freezers, cold storage areas, or the like. In some embodiments, picking area 209 may be organized into multiple floors. In some embodiments, workers or machines can move items into the picking area 209 in a variety of ways, including, for example, forklifts, elevators, conveyor belts, carts, dollies, dollies, automated robots or devices, or manually . For example, the picker can place the items 202A and 202B on a trolley or cart in the unloading area 207 and walk the items 202A and 202B to the picking area 209 .

揀貨員可接收將物件置放（或「堆裝」）於揀貨區209中的特定點（諸如儲存單元210上的特定空間）的指令。舉例而言，揀貨員可使用行動裝置（例如，裝置119B）來掃描物件202A。裝置可例如使用指示走道、貨架以及位置的系統來指示揀貨員應將物件202A堆裝於何處。裝置可接著提示揀貨員在將物件202A堆裝於所述位置之前掃描所述位置處的條碼。裝置可（例如，經由無線網路）將資料發送至諸如圖1A中的WMS 119的電腦系統，從而指示已由使用裝置119B的使用者將物件202A堆裝於所述位置處。Pickers may receive instructions to place (or “stack”) items at specific points in picking area 209 , such as specific spaces on storage units 210 . For example, a picker may use a mobile device (eg, device 119B) to scan item 202A. The device may indicate where the picker should stack the item 202A, for example using a system of indicating aisles, shelves, and locations. The device may then prompt the picker to scan the barcode at the location before stacking the item 202A at the location. The device may send data (eg, via a wireless network) to a computer system, such as WMS 119 in FIG. 1A , indicating that object 202A has been stowed at the location by a user using device 119B.

一旦使用者下訂單，揀貨員即可在裝置119B上接收自儲存單元210檢索一或多個物件208的指令。揀貨員可檢索物件208、掃描物件208上的條碼，且將所述物件208置放於運輸機構214上。儘管將運輸機構214表示為滑動件，但在一些實施例中，運輸機構可實行為傳送帶、電梯、推車、叉車、手推平車、台車或類似者中的一或多者。物件208可接著抵達包裝區211。Once a user places an order, a picker may receive an instruction on device 119B to retrieve one or more items 208 from storage unit 210 . A picker may retrieve an item 208 , scan a barcode on the item 208 , and place the item 208 on the transport mechanism 214 . Although the transport mechanism 214 is shown as a slide, in some embodiments the transport mechanism may be implemented as one or more of a conveyor belt, elevator, cart, forklift, dolly, trolley, or the like. Items 208 may then arrive at packing area 211 .

包裝區211可為FC 200的自揀貨區209接收到物件且將所述物件包裝至盒或包中以用於最終運送至客戶的區域。在包裝區211中，指定給接收物件的工作者（「合流工作者」）將自揀貨區209接收物件208且判定所述物件208對應於哪一訂單。舉例而言，合流工作者可使用諸如電腦119C的裝置來掃描物件208上的條碼。電腦119C可在視覺上指示物件208與哪一訂單相關聯。此可包含例如對應於訂單的牆216上的空間或「單元格」。一旦訂單完成（例如，由於單元格含有所述訂單的所有物件），合流工作者即可指示包裝工作者（或「包裝員」）訂單完成。包裝員可自單元格檢索物件且將所述物件置放於盒或包中以用於運送。包裝員可接著例如經由叉車、推車、台車、手推平車、傳送帶、手動地或以其他方式將盒或包發送至樞紐區（hub zone）213。Packing area 211 may be an area of FC 200 that receives items from pick area 209 and packs the items into boxes or bags for eventual shipment to customers. In packing area 211 , workers assigned to receive items ("merge workers") will receive items 208 from picking area 209 and determine which order the items 208 correspond to. For example, a merge worker may use a device such as computer 119C to scan a barcode on item 208 . Computer 119C may visually indicate which order item 208 is associated with. This may include, for example, a space or "cell" on wall 216 that corresponds to an order. Once an order is complete (for example, because the cell contains all the items for said order), the merge worker can instruct the pack worker (or "packer") that the order is complete. A packer can retrieve items from a cell and place the items in a box or bag for shipping. The packer may then send the box or pack to hub zone 213 , eg, via forklift, cart, dolly, dolly, conveyor belt, manually, or otherwise.

樞紐區213可為FC 200的自包裝區211接收所有盒或包（「包裹」）的區域。樞紐區213中的工作者及/或機器可檢索包裹218且判定每一包裹預期去至遞送區域的哪一部分，且將包裹投送至適當的營地區（camp zone）215。舉例而言，若遞送區域具有兩個更小子區域，則包裹將去至兩個營地區215中的一者。在一些實施例中，工作者或機器可（例如，使用裝置119A至裝置119C中的一者）掃描包裹以判定其最終目的地。將包裹投送至營地區215可包括例如（例如，基於郵遞碼）判定包裹去往的地理區域的一部分，以及判定與地理區域的所述部分相關聯的營地區215。Hub area 213 may be the area of FC 200 that receives all boxes or packages (“packages”) from packing area 211 . Workers and/or machines in hub zone 213 may retrieve packages 218 and determine which part of the delivery zone each package is intended to go to, and deliver the packages to the appropriate camp zone 215 . For example, if a delivery area has two smaller sub-areas, the package will go to one of the two camp areas 215 . In some embodiments, a worker or machine may scan the package (eg, using one of devices 119A-119C) to determine its final destination. Dropping a package to a camp area 215 may include, for example (eg, based on a zip code) determining a portion of a geographic area to which the package is going, and determining a camp area 215 associated with that portion of the geographic area.

在一些實施例中，營地區215可包括一或多個建築物、一或多個實體空間或一或多個區域，其中自樞紐區213接收包裹以用於分選至路線及/或子路線中。在一些實施例中，營地區215與FC 200實體地分開，而在其他實施例中，營地區215可形成FC 200的一部分。In some embodiments, camp area 215 may include one or more buildings, one or more physical spaces, or one or more areas in which packages are received from hub area 213 for sorting to routes and/or sub-routes middle. In some embodiments, the camp area 215 is physically separate from the FC 200 , while in other embodiments the camp area 215 may form part of the FC 200 .

營地區215中的工作者及/或機器可例如基於下述者來判定包裹220應與哪一路線及/或子路線相關聯：目的地與現有路線及/或子路線的比較、對每一路線及/或子路線的工作負荷的計算、時刻、運送方法、運送包裹220的成本、與包裹220中的物件相關聯的PDD，或類似者。在一些實施例中，工作者或機器可（例如，使用裝置119A至裝置119C中的一者）掃描包裹以判定其最終目的地。一旦將包裹220指定給特定路線及/或子路線，工作者及/或機器即可移動待運送的包裹220。在例示性圖2中，營地區215包含卡車222、汽車226以及遞送工作者224A及遞送工作者224B。在一些實施例中，卡車222可由遞送工作者224A駕駛，其中遞送工作者224A為遞送FC 200的包裹的全職雇員，且卡車222由擁有、租用或操作FC 200的同一公司擁有、租用或操作。在一些實施例中，汽車226可由遞送工作者224B駕駛，其中遞送工作者224B為在視需要基礎上（例如，季節性地）遞送的「靈活」或臨時工作者。汽車226可由遞送工作者224B擁有、租用或操作。Workers and/or machines in camp area 215 may determine which route and/or sub-route a package 220 should be associated with, for example, based on a comparison of the destination to existing routes and/or sub-routes, for each Calculation of workload for routes and/or sub-routes, time of day, shipping method, cost of shipping package 220, PDD associated with items in package 220, or the like. In some embodiments, a worker or machine may scan the package (eg, using one of devices 119A-119C) to determine its final destination. Once a package 220 is assigned to a particular route and/or sub-route, workers and/or machines may move the package 220 for delivery. In exemplary FIG. 2 , camp area 215 includes trucks 222 , cars 226 , and delivery workers 224A and 224B. In some embodiments, truck 222 may be driven by delivery worker 224A, where delivery worker 224A is a full-time employee delivering packages for FC 200, and truck 222 is owned, leased, or operated by the same company that owns, leases, or operates FC 200. In some embodiments, car 226 may be driven by delivery worker 224B, where delivery worker 224B is a "flexible" or temporary worker who delivers on an as-needed basis (eg, seasonally). Car 226 may be owned, leased or operated by delivery worker 224B.

圖3示出用於單一化包裹遞送的電腦實行系統300的例示性示意圖。在一些實施例中，系統300可包含合流工作者301、具有訂單識別符305（例如條碼、標記、標籤）的所揀取物件208、使用者介面裝置302（例如行動裝置/PDA 119B）。系統300可更包含包括儲存單元格324（例如儲存單元格324_1、儲存單元格324_2）的第一儲存位置320（例如包裝區211）、包括儲存單元格344的營地340（例如營地區215）以及遞送卡車201。第一儲存位置320及營地340可基於與最終目的地相關的不同資訊來分選物件。作為一個實例，在第一儲存位置320處，可（例如，基於郵遞碼）基於包裹去往的地理區域來分選物件（例如，物件208），且在營地340處，可（例如，基於路線號）基於遞送路線或子路線來分選物件。（其他分選方法亦為可能的。）遞送路線或子路線可由系統100的一或多個電腦實行系統預定。在一些實施例中，電腦實行系統100的一或多個系統（例如，SAT 101、WMS 119、SCM 117）可經組態以與使用者介面裝置302通信以指示物件的分選。FIG. 3 shows an illustrative schematic diagram of a computer-implemented system 300 for unitized package delivery. In some embodiments, the system 300 may include a merge worker 301 , a picked item 208 with an order identifier 305 (eg, barcode, tag, label), a user interface device 302 (eg, mobile device/PDA 119B). The system 300 may further include a first storage location 320 (eg, packing area 211 ) including storage cells 324 (eg, storage cells 324_1 , storage cells 324_2 ), a camp 340 (eg, camp area 215 ) including storage cells 344 , and Delivery truck 201 . The first storage location 320 and the campsite 340 can sort objects based on different information related to the final destination. As one example, at first storage location 320, items (eg, item 208) can be sorted based on the geographic area the package is going to (eg, based on postal code), and at camp 340, can be sorted (eg, based on route) number) to sort items based on delivery routes or sub-routes. (Other sorting methods are also possible.) Delivery routes or sub-routes may be predetermined by one or more computer-implemented systems of system 100 . In some embodiments, one or more systems of computer-implemented system 100 (eg, SAT 101 , WMS 119 , SCM 117 ) may be configured to communicate with user interface device 302 to indicate sorting of objects.

圖3示出例示性單一化包裹遞送系統。如本文中所使用，術語「單一化」是指包括多個物件的客戶訂單的物件的單一運送，而不等待在運送之前全部履行客戶訂單。藉由單一化的包裹遞送可具有優於用於包裹遞送的現有系統的眾多優勢。藉由單一化的包裹遞送可具有本文中所論述的優勢中的一些或所有，以及其他優勢。 i.改良包裝效率-在當前現有包裹遞送系統中，合流工作者可等待將訂單的所有物件包裝於單一包裹中，且可將包裹置放於與特定訂單相關聯的合流牆空間上用於進一步處理，包含分選或運送。相比之下，在單一化包裹遞送系統300中，包裝員可在不等待訂單的其他物件抵達包裝員站或包裝區的情況下將物件個別地分選於儲存單元格（例如，儲存單元格324_1）中，從而減少包裝員的空閒時間。降低每一包裝員的空閒時間允許包裝效率的總體提高。 ii.提高揀貨密度-在當前現有包裹遞送系統中，揀貨員可依序揀取物件以履行客戶訂單。舉例而言，揀貨員可在揀取訂單2的物件之前揀取訂單1的所有物件。揀貨的此依序途徑因揀貨員在過渡上花費比揀取物件更多的時間而導致時間及效率損失。相比之下，單一化包裹遞送系統300可允許提高揀貨密度，此是由於可基於其位置且不基於客戶訂單向揀貨員下達揀取物件的任務。舉例而言，可向揀貨員下達揀取位於他的當前實體位置附近但可能與其他客戶訂單相關聯的物件的任務。揀貨的此並行途徑可藉由降低由揀貨員在過渡時花費的時間來提高揀貨密度。 iii.改良可追蹤性-如圖3中所示出，在單一化包裹遞送系統300中，工作者（例如，工作者301）可在啟動過程之前及在完成過程之後掃描與包裹（例如，包裹208）相關聯的條碼（例如，訂單識別符305及/或位置識別符）。此外，可在過程期間或在接收到提示後週期性地掃描條碼。可將例如藉由掃描來記錄的資訊儲存於系統100的資料庫中，從而允許在包裹經歷處理時追蹤所述包裹。亦可掃描容器或手提包的條碼，從而在揀貨、分選、包裝、運送等的過程期間提供與含於容器中的物件的位置相關聯的資訊，從而允許容器及包裹可追蹤性。 iv.分選更快-在自包裝區接收營地（例如，營地區215）處的物件後，可在不等待訂單的其他物件抵達營地的情況下基於子路線或遞送路線來分選物件。由於基於子路線且不基於物件所屬的客戶訂單來分選所述物件，故可減少物件的存放期，從而改良分選速率。此亦可實現更佳空間利用率、改良工作者效率、減小週期時間以及充實客戶體驗。 v.減少存放時間-物件的單一化可使得能夠減少物件擱置於貨架上等待揀取、包裝、分選或運送的持續時間，此是由於可在不考慮訂單的其他物件的狀態的情況下處理所述物件。物件的存放時間減少可降低與庫存管理相關聯的相關聯成本且減少物件誤處置及誤置放的風險。 vi.減少「裝載準備」時間-在現有包裹遞送及運送系統中，諸如工作者、駕駛員、裝載員、管理員、樓層監察員等的雇員可能在輪班或工作時段開始時花費其大量時間來例如確保裝載來屬於訂單的所有物件。此系統可能在利用諸如人力及時間的資源時為低效的，人力及時間兩者可能增加操作成本且影響吞吐量。物件的單一化可減少裝載準備時間，此是由於雇員基於規劃的遞送區域及遞送路線來將諸如手提包、籠等的容器或容器載體裝載至遞送卡車中。 vii.改良裝載及遞送效率-由於基於遞送路線將物件置放於大型標準化手提包或容器中，故可更高效地裝載遞送卡車。另外，物件在標準化容器中剩餘直至遞送為止，從而最小化因處置所致的損壞或誤置放。大型標準化手提包或容器允許裝載員遵循容易的說明來裝載卡車，且允許駕駛員容易地瞭解地圖上的物件且更高效地遞送訂單。 Figure 3 illustrates an exemplary unitized package delivery system. As used herein, the term "singulation" refers to a single shipment of items for a customer order that includes multiple items without waiting for the customer order to be fully fulfilled prior to shipping. Package delivery by unitization may have numerous advantages over existing systems for package delivery. Delivery by a unitized package may have some or all of the advantages discussed herein, as well as others. i. Improved packing efficiency - In current existing package delivery systems, a merge worker can wait to pack all items of an order into a single package, and the package can be placed on the merge wall space associated with a particular order for further processing Processing, including sorting or shipping. In contrast, in the unitized package delivery system 300, the packer can sort items individually into storage cells (e.g., storage cells) without waiting for other items of the order to arrive at the packer's station or packing area. 324_1), thereby reducing the idle time of packers. Reducing the idle time of each packer allows for an overall increase in packing efficiency. ii. Increased picking density - In current existing package delivery systems, pickers pick items sequentially to fulfill customer orders. For example, a picker may pick all items of order 1 before picking items of order 2. This sequential approach to picking results in time and efficiency losses as pickers spend more time transitioning than picking items. In contrast, the singularized package delivery system 300 may allow for increased picking density since pickers may be tasked to pick items based on their location and not based on customer orders. For example, a picker may be tasked with picking items that are near his current physical location but may be associated with other customer orders. This parallel approach to picking can increase picking density by reducing the time spent by pickers in transition. iii. Improved Traceability - As shown in FIG. 3, in the unitized package delivery system 300, a worker (eg, worker 301) can scan and track a package (eg, package 208) Associated barcode (eg, order identifier 305 and/or location identifier). Additionally, barcodes can be scanned periodically during the process or upon receipt of a prompt. Information recorded, such as by scanning, may be stored in a database of the system 100, allowing packages to be tracked as they undergo processing. Barcodes of containers or totes can also be scanned, providing information associated with the location of the items contained in the container during the process of picking, sorting, packing, shipping, etc., allowing container and package traceability. iv. Faster sorting - After receiving items at a camp (eg, camp area 215 ) from a packing area, items can be sorted based on sub-routes or delivery routes without waiting for other items of the order to arrive at the camp. Since the items are sorted based on the sub-routes and not based on the customer order to which the items belong, the shelf life of the items can be reduced, thereby improving the sorting rate. This also results in better space utilization, improved worker efficiency, reduced cycle times, and an enhanced customer experience. v. Reduced storage time - Singulation of items can enable a reduction in the duration of items sitting on shelves waiting to be picked, packed, sorted or shipped, as they can be processed without regard to the status of other items of the order said object. The reduced storage time of items can reduce the associated costs associated with inventory management and reduce the risk of mishandling and misplacement of items. vi. Reduced "ready to load" time - In existing package delivery and delivery systems, employees such as workers, drivers, loaders, stewards, floor supervisors, etc. may spend a significant amount of their time at the start of a shift or work period For example to ensure that all items that belong to an order are loaded. Such a system may be inefficient in utilizing resources such as manpower and time, both of which may increase operating costs and affect throughput. Singulation of items can reduce load setup time as employees load containers or container carriers such as totes, cages, etc. into delivery trucks based on planned delivery areas and delivery routes. vii. Improved loading and delivery efficiency - delivery trucks can be loaded more efficiently since items are placed in large standardized totes or containers based on the delivery route. Additionally, items remain in standardized containers until delivery, thereby minimizing damage or misplacement due to handling. Large standardized totes or containers allow loaders to follow easy instructions to load trucks and allow drivers to easily map items and deliver orders more efficiently.

在一些實施例中，系統100可經組態以接收客戶訂單。客戶訂單可包括多個物件。在一些實施例中，每一客戶訂單可包括多個子訂單，所述子訂單中的每一者可包括多個物件。舉例而言，客戶訂單可包括三個子訂單。第一子訂單可為牙膏、牙刷以及漱口水的緊急訂單，第二子訂單可包含乾酪、餅乾以及薯片的正常遞送，且第三子訂單可包含飲料的延遲遞送。系統100可接收客戶訂單且產生與訂購的物件中的每一者相關聯的訂單識別符305。在一些實施例中，系統100可產生與每一子訂單相關聯的唯一子訂單識別符（例如，用於第一子訂單的子訂單識別符305A、用於第二子訂單的子訂單識別符305B，以及用於第三子訂單的子訂單識別符305C）。In some embodiments, system 100 can be configured to receive customer orders. A customer order can include multiple items. In some embodiments, each customer order may include multiple sub-orders, each of which may include multiple items. For example, a customer order may include three sub-orders. The first sub-order may be a rush order for toothpaste, toothbrush, and mouthwash, the second sub-order may include normal delivery of cheese, biscuits, and potato chips, and the third sub-order may include delayed delivery of beverages. System 100 can receive customer orders and generate order identifiers 305 associated with each of the items ordered. In some embodiments, system 100 may generate a unique sub-order identifier associated with each sub-order (e.g., sub-order identifier 305A for a first sub-order, sub-order identifier 305A for a second sub-order 305B, and the sub-order identifier 305C for the third sub-order).

在一些實施例中，訂單識別符305及子訂單識別符（例如，子訂單識別符305A、子訂單識別符305B或子訂單識別符305C）可包括資訊，包含但不限於訂購的物件的數目、待遞送物件的緊急性、待遞送物件的目的地。在一些實施例中，訂單識別符305亦可包含關於單一訂單內的數個子訂單的資訊。系統100可將指示發送至使用者介面裝置302以指示訂單包括數個子訂單，以及與每一子訂單相關聯的緊急性。揀貨員可相應地履行訂單或子訂單。In some embodiments, order identifier 305 and sub-order identifiers (eg, sub-order identifier 305A, sub-order identifier 305B, or sub-order identifier 305C) may include information including, but not limited to, the number of items ordered, The urgency of the item to be delivered, the destination of the item to be delivered. In some embodiments, the order identifier 305 may also contain information about several sub-orders within a single order. The system 100 can send an indication to the user interface device 302 that the order includes a number of sub-orders, and an urgency associated with each sub-order. Pickers can fulfill orders or sub-orders accordingly.

在一些實施例中，一或多個揀貨員可在檢索其他客戶訂單的物件時接收與子訂單的緊急性相關的指示。揀貨員可基於其在揀貨區209內的當前位置來檢索緊急子訂單的物件且將所述物件向前發送至包裝區211。舉例而言，若緊急子訂單包括牙刷及一雙短襪，則在口腔衛生區段中或靠近口腔衛生區段的揀貨員可檢索牙刷，且在服飾區段中或靠近服飾區段的揀貨員可檢索所述一雙短襪，從而使得改良揀貨密度。一旦容器或手提包滿了，即可將物件運輸至包裝區211。此途徑可藉由基於揀貨員的位置且不基於客戶訂單來揀取物件而提高揀貨效率，從而降低週期時間且改良總體遞送效率。In some embodiments, one or more pickers may receive an indication related to the urgency of the sub-order while retrieving items for other customer orders. A picker may retrieve items for the urgent sub-order based on their current location within the picking area 209 and send the items onward to the packing area 211 . For example, if an urgent sub-order includes a toothbrush and a pair of socks, a picker in or near the oral hygiene section can retrieve the toothbrush, and a picker in or near the apparel section A clerk can retrieve the pair of socks, allowing for improved picking density. Once the container or tote is full, the items can be transported to the packing area 211 . This approach can increase picking efficiency by picking items based on the picker's location and not based on customer orders, thereby reducing cycle time and improving overall delivery efficiency.

在一些實施例中，系統100可將指令發送至使用者裝置（例如，智慧型手機119B，或電腦119C）以使得裝置指示揀貨員列印訂單識別符305。在一些實施例中，使用者裝置可包括經組態以列印標記的諸如PDA的手持式裝置。替代地，系統100可包括諸如標記列印機、噴墨列印機或雷射列印機的列印裝置（未描繪）。列印裝置可經組態以自系統100的電腦實行系統中的一者接收列印標記、指令、備忘錄或類似者的指令。指令可更包含請求揀貨員例如藉由將列印的訂單識別符305貼附於所揀取物件208上來使所述列印的訂單識別符305與客戶訂單的物件相關聯。在一些實施例中，系統100可經組態以使訂單識別符305與客戶訂單的物件電子地相關聯。舉例而言，系統100可更新包括與所有傳入客戶訂單相關的資訊的資料庫。In some embodiments, the system 100 may send instructions to a user device (eg, smartphone 119B, or computer 119C) such that the device instructs the picker to print the order identifier 305 . In some embodiments, the user device may include a handheld device, such as a PDA, configured to print indicia. Alternatively, system 100 may include a printing device (not depicted) such as an indicium printer, inkjet printer, or laser printer. The printing device may be configured to receive from one of the computer-implemented systems of system 100 an instruction to print a sign, order, memo, or the like. The instructions may further include requesting the picker to associate the printed order identifier 305 with the items of the customer order, such as by affixing the printed order identifier 305 to the picked items 208 . In some embodiments, the system 100 can be configured such that the order identifier 305 is electronically associated with the items of the customer's order. For example, system 100 may update a database that includes information related to all incoming customer orders.

合流工作者301可在包裝區211中接收所揀取物件208。在一些實施例中，合流工作者301可使用使用者介面裝置302（例如，智慧型手機119B）自系統100接收與客戶訂單相關聯的資訊。使用者介面裝置302可包含但不限於手持式顯示裝置（例如，平板電腦119A）、智慧型手機（例如，行動裝置/PDA 119B）、電腦（例如，電腦119C）、主體安裝顯示器、頭戴式顯示器等。使用者介面裝置302可實質上類似於行動裝置，諸如（例如）圖1A的電腦119C。使用者介面裝置302可與例如WMS 119通信及交換資訊。The merge worker 301 can receive the picked item 208 in the packing area 211 . In some embodiments, amalgamation worker 301 may receive information associated with a customer order from system 100 using user interface device 302 (eg, smartphone 119B). User interface devices 302 may include, but are not limited to, handheld display devices (e.g., tablet computer 119A), smartphones (e.g., mobile device/PDA 119B), computers (e.g., computer 119C), body-mounted displays, head-mounted display etc. User interface device 302 may be substantially similar to a mobile device, such as, for example, computer 119C of FIG. 1A . User interface device 302 may communicate and exchange information with, for example, WMS 119 .

在一些實施例中，使用者介面裝置302可經組態以在使用者介面顯示器（圖3中未示出）上顯示資訊。使用者介面顯示器可包括資訊，所述資訊包含與客戶訂單相關的資訊，諸如訂購的物件的數目、訂購的物件的遞送緊急性、待遞送的物件的目的地位置等。在一些實施例中，使用者介面顯示器可為視覺顯示器或視聽顯示器。舉例而言，若訂單為「緊急」，則使用者介面裝置302可接收指示加快履行訂單的請求的視聽訊息。在一些實施例中，使用者介面裝置302可經組態以經由使用者介面顯示器的一或多個交互式元素接收使用者輸入且向使用者提供回饋。舉例而言，使用者介面裝置302可經由使用者介面顯示器的一或多個交互式元素向使用者提供音訊、視覺或觸感通知且指示確認接收到通知的請求。在一些實施例中，使用者介面裝置302可包含資料記錄能力（諸如條碼掃描、光學字元讀取器等）以記錄訂單識別符305的資訊。使用者介面裝置302可經組態以暫時儲存記錄的資訊且稍後上載至系統100的電腦實行系統中的一者的資料庫。在一些實施例中，使用者介面裝置302可自動將記錄的資訊上載至資料庫。In some embodiments, user interface device 302 may be configured to display information on a user interface display (not shown in FIG. 3 ). The user interface display may include information including information related to the customer order, such as the number of items ordered, delivery urgency of the ordered items, destination location of the items to be delivered, and the like. In some embodiments, the user interface display may be a visual display or an audiovisual display. For example, if the order is "urgent," the user interface device 302 may receive an audiovisual message indicating a request to expedite fulfillment of the order. In some embodiments, the user interface device 302 may be configured to receive user input and provide feedback to the user via one or more interactive elements of the user interface display. For example, the user interface device 302 may provide an audio, visual, or tactile notification to the user via one or more interactive elements of the user interface display and indicate a request to acknowledge receipt of the notification. In some embodiments, the user interface device 302 may include data recording capabilities (such as barcode scanning, optical character reader, etc.) to record the information of the order identifier 305 . User interface device 302 may be configured to temporarily store recorded information and later upload to a database in one of the computer-implemented systems of system 100 . In some embodiments, the user interface device 302 can automatically upload the recorded information to a database.

在一些實施例中，使用者介面裝置302可接收指示經由使用者介面顯示器的交互式元素審查與所揀取物件208相關聯的訂單識別符305的指令。舉例而言，系統100的電腦實行系統中的一者（例如，WMS 119、SCM 117或SAT 101）可向使用者介面裝置302產生顯示向使用者指示開始審查與物件208相關聯的訂單識別符305的指令。審查訂單識別符305可包括藉由例如掃描或讀取訂單識別符305來判定物件208的遞送的最終目的地。舉例而言，使用條碼掃描裝置掃描訂單識別符（例如，條碼）可顯示與訂單識別符相關聯的資訊，諸如訂單中的物件的最終目的地、遞送的緊急性、訂購的物件的數目及描述等。在一些實施例中，客戶訂單可包括數個子訂單且每一子訂單可更包括數個物件。應瞭解，物件208可包括包含客戶訂單的一或多個物件的包裹。In some embodiments, the user interface device 302 may receive an instruction to review the order identifier 305 associated with the picked item 208 via an interactive element of the user interface display. For example, one of the computer-implemented systems of system 100 (e.g., WMS 119, SCM 117, or SAT 101) may generate a display to user interface device 302 indicating to the user to initiate a review of the order identifier associated with item 208 305 instructions. Reviewing order identifier 305 may include determining a final destination for delivery of item 208 by, for example, scanning or reading order identifier 305 . For example, scanning an order identifier (e.g., a barcode) using a barcode scanning device may reveal information associated with the order identifier, such as the final destination of the items in the order, the urgency of delivery, the number and description of the items ordered Wait. In some embodiments, a customer order may include several sub-orders and each sub-order may further include several items. It should be appreciated that item 208 may include a package containing one or more items of a customer order.

在判定物件208的遞送的最終目的地後，合流工作者301可基於所判定的最終目的地將物件208置放於第一儲存位置320中。第一儲存位置320可包括儲存單元格324。第一儲存位置320的每一儲存單元格324可與分選位置相關聯。在一些實施例中，第一儲存位置320可包括合流牆、儲存單元、具有單元格的儲存架，或櫃。亦可使用其他組織的儲存手段。After determining the final destination for delivery of the item 208, the merge worker 301 may place the item 208 in the first storage location 320 based on the determined final destination. The first storage location 320 may include a storage cell 324 . Each storage cell 324 of the first storage location 320 may be associated with a sorting location. In some embodiments, the first storage location 320 may comprise a confluence wall, a storage unit, a storage shelf with cells, or a cabinet. Storage means of other organizations may also be used.

在一些實施例中，可在不考慮可能與物件相關聯的訂單或訂單的其他物件的狀態的情況下基於物件208的目的地將物件208分選於第一儲存位置320的儲存單元格324中。在當前現有系統中，合流工作者可在分選訂單以供遞送之前等待揀取訂單的所有物件。相比之下，在所揭露實施例中，可將每一物件視為個別訂單且在不考慮訂單的其他物件的狀態的情況下基於目的地來分選每一物件。此可減少合流工作者的空閒時間，從而提高包裝效率。在一些實施例中，可將如本文中所揭露的包裝效率稱為在特定時間段內包裝的物件的數目。舉例而言，可將包裝效率表達為單位每小時（units per hour；UPH）。亦可使用其他效率度量。物件的單一化亦可減少物件的存放期（在本文中定義為物件在其經過揀取、包裝、分選或運送之前擱置於貨架上的持續時間），從而降低與庫存管理相關聯的相關聯成本且減少物件誤處置及誤置放的風險。In some embodiments, the item 208 may be sorted into the storage cell 324 of the first storage location 320 based on the destination of the item 208 without regard to the status of the order or other items of the order that may be associated with the item. . In current existing systems, a merge worker may wait to pick all items of an order before sorting the order for delivery. In contrast, in the disclosed embodiments, each item can be considered an individual order and sorted based on destination without regard to the status of other items of the order. This reduces idle time for merge workers, thereby increasing packaging efficiency. In some embodiments, packing efficiency as disclosed herein may be referred to as the number of items packed within a certain period of time. For example, packaging efficiency can be expressed in units per hour (UPH). Other efficiency metrics may also be used. Singulation of items also reduces the shelf life of an item (defined herein as the duration an item sits on a shelf before it is picked, packed, sorted, or shipped), reducing the associated costs associated with inventory management. cost and reduce the risk of mishandling and misplacement of items.

在一些實施例中，每一儲存單元格324可與營地340相關聯。在一些實施例中，營地340可為FC 200的駐地內的現場儲存或分選設施。在一些實施例中，營地340可為遠端位置處的場外儲存或分選設施。可使用營地識別符來識別出每一儲存單元格324（例如，儲存單元格324_1或儲存單元格324_2）與對應營地的關聯。營地識別符可包含但不限於標記、條碼、數字或標籤。儘管僅示出有限數目個儲存單元格324，但應瞭解，第一儲存位置320可包括任何數目個儲存單元格324。In some embodiments, each storage unit 324 may be associated with a campsite 340 . In some embodiments, camp 340 may be an on-site storage or sorting facility within the premises of FC 200 . In some embodiments, camp 340 may be an off-site storage or sorting facility at a remote location. The association of each storage cell 324 (eg, storage cell 324_1 or storage cell 324_2 ) with the corresponding camp can be identified using the camp identifier. Camp identifiers may include, but are not limited to, badges, barcodes, numbers, or labels. Although only a limited number of storage cells 324 are shown, it should be understood that the first storage location 320 may include any number of storage cells 324 .

在一些實施例中，使用者介面裝置302可經由指示通知合流工作者301基於判定物件208的目的地位置將物件208置放於對應儲存單元格324中。舉例而言，基於客戶訂單，系統100的電腦實行系統中的一者（例如，WMS 119、SCM 117或SAT 101）可判定物件208可能引導至的營地。合流工作者301可將物件208置放於對應儲存單元格324中。In some embodiments, the user interface device 302 can notify the merge worker 301 to place the object 208 in the corresponding storage cell 324 based on the determined destination location of the object 208 via an instruction. For example, based on a customer order, one of the computer-implemented systems of system 100 (eg, WMS 119, SCM 117, or SAT 101) may determine a camp to which item 208 may be directed. The merge worker 301 can place the object 208 in the corresponding storage cell 324 .

在一些實施例中，合流工作者301可經由使用者介面裝置302接收使物件208及在其中置放物件208的對應儲存單元格324相關聯的指示。舉例而言，可請求合流工作者301掃描訂單識別符305及營地識別符，以建立物件208與營地之間的關聯以用於分選。可將與置放的物件的訂單識別符及在其中置放物件的儲存單元格的營地識別符相關的資訊自動更新至包括與客戶訂單相關的資訊及客戶訂單的遞送時程的資料庫。In some embodiments, merge worker 301 may receive, via user interface device 302 , an instruction to associate object 208 with a corresponding storage cell 324 in which object 208 is placed. For example, the merge worker 301 may be requested to scan the order identifier 305 and the camp identifier to establish an association between the item 208 and the camp for sorting. Information related to the order identifier of the placed item and the camp identifier of the storage cell in which the item is placed may be automatically updated to the database including information related to the customer order and the delivery schedule of the customer order.

在一些實施例中，若營地340為現場設施，則可使用諸如（例如）傳送帶、叉車、托板、台車或在手提包中的運輸手段來運輸物件。對於場外設施，可使用遞送卡車或類似者來運輸物件。In some embodiments, if campsite 340 is an on-site facility, items may be transported using transportation means such as, for example, a conveyor belt, forklift, pallet, dolly, or in a tote. For off-site facilities, a delivery truck or the like may be used to transport items.

在一些實施例中，儲存單元格324可包含待運輸至對應營地的一或多個物件。在一些實施例中，營地可稱為儲存位置。舉例而言，營地340可與儲存單元格324_1相關聯，指示可將置放於儲存單元格324_1中的物件（例如，物件208）引導至營地340。In some embodiments, storage unit 324 may contain one or more items to be transported to a corresponding campsite. In some embodiments, a camp may be referred to as a storage location. For example, camp 340 may be associated with storage cell 324_1 , indicating that an object (eg, object 208 ) placed in storage cell 324_1 may be directed to camp 340 .

在一些實施例中，營地340可包括一或多個儲存空間342。儲存空間342可包含但不限於具有儲存單元格的牆、儲存單元、具有單元格的儲存架，或櫃。亦可使用其他組織的儲存手段。舉例而言，儲存空間342可包括具有儲存單元格344的牆。每一儲存單元格344可與用於物件208的遞送的子路線相關聯。In some embodiments, camp 340 may include one or more storage spaces 342 . The storage space 342 may include, but is not limited to, a wall with storage cells, a storage unit, a storage shelf with cells, or a cabinet. Storage means of other organizations may also be used. For example, storage space 342 may include a wall with storage cells 344 . Each storage cell 344 may be associated with a sub-route for delivery of item 208 .

營地340處的工作者可自儲存位置320接收一或多個物件208。工作者（例如，分選員）可審查與所揀取物件208相關聯的訂單識別符305。在一些實施例中，工作者可在使用者介面裝置302上接收審查訂單識別符305的通知。舉例而言，系統100的電腦實行系統中的一者（例如，WMS 119、SCM 117或SAT 101）可向工作者產生待顯示於使用者介面裝置302上的開始審查與物件208相關聯的訂單識別符305的指示。審查訂單識別符305可包括判定物件208的最終目的地。Workers at camp 340 may receive one or more items 208 from storage location 320 . A worker (eg, a picker) may review the order identifier 305 associated with the picked item 208 . In some embodiments, the worker may receive a notification on the user interface device 302 to review the order identifier 305 . For example, one of the computer-implemented systems of system 100 (e.g., WMS 119, SCM 117, or SAT 101) can generate a start review order associated with item 208 to the worker to be displayed on user interface device 302 An indication of the identifier 305 . Review order identifier 305 may include determining the final destination of item 208 .

在判定物件208的遞送的最終目的地後，工作者可基於所判定的用於物件208的最終目的地的子路線將物件（例如，物件208）置放於儲存單元格344中。營地340的每一儲存單元格344可與子路線相關聯。After determining the final destination for delivery of item 208 , the worker may place the item (eg, item 208 ) in storage cell 344 based on the determined sub-route for the final destination of item 208 . Each storage cell 344 of a campsite 340 may be associated with a sub-route.

在一些實施例中，使用者介面裝置302可經由指示通知工作者基於所判定的物件208的最終目的地將物件208置放於對應儲存單元格344中。舉例而言，基於客戶訂單，系統100的電腦實行系統中的一者（例如，WMS 119、SCM 117或SAT 101）可判定物件208可能引導至的儲存單元格344。工作者可基於來自使用者介面裝置302的指示將物件208置放於對應儲存單元格324中。In some embodiments, the user interface device 302 may notify the worker to place the object 208 in the corresponding storage cell 344 based on the determined final destination of the object 208 via an instruction. For example, based on a customer order, one of the computer-implemented systems of system 100 (eg, WMS 119, SCM 117, or SAT 101) may determine a storage location 344 to which item 208 may be directed. The worker can place the object 208 in the corresponding storage cell 324 based on the instruction from the user interface device 302 .

可使用子路線識別符來識別出每一儲存單元格344與對應子路線的關聯。子路線識別符可包含但不限於標記、條碼、數字或標籤。儘管僅示出有限數目個儲存單元格344，但應瞭解，營地340可包括任何數目個儲存單元格344。The association of each storage cell 344 with the corresponding sub-way can be identified using the sub-way identifier. Sub-route identifiers may include, but are not limited to, labels, barcodes, numbers, or labels. Although only a limited number of storage cells 344 are shown, it should be understood that camp 340 may include any number of storage cells 344 .

在一些實施例中，可在不考慮可能與物件相關聯的訂單或訂單的其他物件的狀態的情況下基於所判定的用於遞送的最終目的地的子路線將物件分選於儲存單元格344中。在當前現有遞送系統中，分選員可在準備好訂單以供遞送之前等待接收到訂單的所有物件。相比之下，在所揭露實施例中，可將每一物件視為個別訂單且在不考慮訂單的其他物件的狀態的情況下基於所判定的用於遞送的子路線來分選每一物件。此可減少營地區中的分選員的空閒時間，從而提高分選效率及總體包裹遞送效率。In some embodiments, items may be sorted into storage cells 344 based on determined sub-routes for delivery to the final destination without regard to the status of the order or other items of the order that may be associated with the item. middle. In current existing delivery systems, a sorter may wait to receive all items of an order before preparing the order for delivery. In contrast, in the disclosed embodiments, each item can be treated as an individual order and sorted based on the determined sub-routes for delivery without regard to the status of the other items of the order . This can reduce idle time for sorters in the camp area, thereby increasing sorting efficiency and overall package delivery efficiency.

在一些實施例中，使用者介面裝置302可經組態以顯示使物件208及在其中置放物件208的對應儲存單元格344相關聯的指示。舉例而言，指示可包括對掃描訂單識別符305及子路線識別符的請求，以建立物件208與用於遞送的子路線之間的關聯。可將與置放的物件的訂單識別符305及在其中置放物件的儲存單元格344的子路線識別符相關的資訊自動更新至包括與客戶訂單相關的資訊及客戶訂單的遞送時程的資料庫。In some embodiments, the user interface device 302 can be configured to display an indication associating the object 208 with the corresponding storage cell 344 in which the object 208 is placed. For example, an instruction may include a request for a scan order identifier 305 and a sub-route identifier to associate the item 208 with a sub-route for delivery. Information related to the order identifier 305 of the placed item and the sub-route identifier of the storage cell 344 in which the item is placed can be automatically updated to include information related to the customer order and the delivery schedule of the customer order library.

在一些實施例中，每一儲存單元格344可與容器350（例如，手提包）相關聯。可將儲存單元格344的所有物件（例如，物件208）置放於容器350中。在一些實施例中，可使用容器識別符355來識別出容器350。容器識別符355可包括與包含子路線識別符的子路線相關聯的資訊。在一些實施例中，容器識別符355可包含與營地及子路線相關的資訊。舉例而言，容器識別符可包括標記CS3_SR1，其中CS指示起始營地且SR指示用於遞送容器中的物件的指定的子路線。容器識別符355可包含但不限於標記、條碼、數字或標籤。In some embodiments, each storage cell 344 may be associated with a container 350 (eg, a handbag). All items of storage cell 344 (eg, items 208 ) may be placed in container 350 . In some embodiments, container identifier 355 may be used to identify container 350 . Container identifier 355 may include information associated with the sub-routes containing the sub-routes identifiers. In some embodiments, the container identifier 355 may include information related to the campsite and sub-route. For example, a container identifier may include the label CS3_SR1, where CS indicates the origin camp and SR indicates the designated sub-route for delivering the items in the container. Container identifier 355 may include, but is not limited to, a label, barcode, number, or label.

在一些實施例中，使用者介面裝置302可經組態以顯示基於所判定的物件208的最終目的地將物件208置放於對應容器350中的通知或指示。舉例而言，基於客戶訂單，系統100的電腦實行系統中的一者（例如，WMS 119、SCM 117或SAT 101）可判定可在其中置放物件208的容器350。工作者可基於來自使用者介面裝置302的指示將物件208置放於對應容器350中。In some embodiments, the user interface device 302 may be configured to display a notification or an indication to place the object 208 in a corresponding container 350 based on the determined final destination of the object 208 . For example, based on a customer order, one of the computer-implemented systems of system 100 (eg, WMS 119, SCM 117, or SAT 101) may determine a container 350 in which item 208 may be placed. The worker may place the object 208 into the corresponding container 350 based on the instructions from the user interface device 302 .

在一些實施例中，使用者介面裝置302可經組態以經由使用者介面顯示器的一或多個交互式元素顯示使物件208及在其中置放物件208的對應容器350相關聯的指示。舉例而言，指示可包含對掃描訂單識別符305及容器識別符355的請求，以建立物件208與用於包裹遞送的容器350之間的關聯。可將與置放的物件208的訂單識別符305及在其中置放物件的容器350的容器識別符355相關的資訊自動更新至包括與客戶訂單相關的資訊及客戶訂單的遞送時程的資料庫。In some embodiments, the user interface device 302 may be configured to display, via one or more interactive elements of the user interface display, an indication associating the object 208 with the corresponding container 350 in which the object 208 is placed. For example, instructions may include a request to scan order identifier 305 and container identifier 355 to establish an association between item 208 and container 350 for package delivery. Information related to the order identifier 305 of the placed item 208 and the container identifier 355 of the container 350 in which the item is placed may be automatically updated to a database including information related to customer orders and delivery schedules for customer orders .

在一些實施例中，可將一或多個容器350裝載於遞送車輛（例如，遞送卡車201）上以遞送至客戶。可基於子路線將容器350配置於遞送卡車201中。舉例而言，可將待在更靠近子路線的開始的目的地處遞送的包裹或物件（例如，物件208）更靠近進出門置放，如此遞送工作者可直接取得包裹。在一些實施例中，可將包括緊急訂單的容器350更靠近進出門置放以使得能夠快速取得包裹。在一些實施例中，可基於訂單的類型及緊急性或PDD來調整子路線。在一些實施例中，可基於客戶訂單及PDD來調整子路線及遞送卡車201中的容器的配置兩者。In some embodiments, one or more containers 350 may be loaded onto a delivery vehicle (eg, delivery truck 201 ) for delivery to customers. Containers 350 may be deployed in delivery trucks 201 on a sub-route basis. For example, packages or items to be delivered at destinations closer to the start of the sub-route (eg, item 208 ) can be placed closer to the entry and exit gates so that the delivery worker can directly access the packages. In some embodiments, the container 350 containing the rush order may be placed closer to the access door to enable quick access to the package. In some embodiments, sub-routes may be adjusted based on the type and urgency or PDD of the order. In some embodiments, both the sub-routes and the configuration of containers in the delivery truck 201 can be adjusted based on the customer order and PDD.

容器350可在裝載於遞送卡車201中之前置放於容器載體360上。容器載體360可包括推車、台車、籠、籃或類似者。在一些實施例中，容器載體360可包括識別符，諸如條碼、標記或標籤。在一些實施例中，使用者介面裝置302可經由指示通知遞送工作者或卡車裝載員基於預定配置將容器350置放於遞送卡車201上。舉例而言，基於PDD，系統100的電腦實行系統中的一者（例如，運輸系統107）可判定容器載體360上的容器350的配置或遞送卡車201上的一或多個容器載體360的配置。遞送工作者或卡車裝載員可基於由系統100的電腦實行系統中的一者（例如，運輸系統107）進行的判定將容器350或容器載體360置放於遞送卡車201中。使用者介面裝置302可向遞送工作者或卡車裝載員指示容器載體360內的容器350的配置及/或遞送卡車201中的容器載體360的配置的表示。Container 350 may be placed on container carrier 360 prior to loading in delivery truck 201 . Container carrier 360 may include a cart, trolley, cage, basket, or the like. In some embodiments, container carrier 360 may include an identifier, such as a barcode, indicia, or label. In some embodiments, the user interface device 302 may notify the delivery worker or truck loader to place the container 350 on the delivery truck 201 based on a predetermined configuration via instructions. For example, based on PDD, one of the computer-implemented systems of system 100 (e.g., transport system 107) may determine the configuration of containers 350 on container carriers 360 or the configuration of one or more container carriers 360 on delivery truck 201 . A delivery worker or truck loader may place container 350 or container carrier 360 in delivery truck 201 based on a determination made by one of the computer-implemented systems of system 100 (eg, transportation system 107 ). User interface device 302 may indicate to a delivery worker or truck loader a representation of the configuration of containers 350 within container carrier 360 and/or the configuration of container carrier 360 in delivery truck 201 .

在一些實施例中，使用者介面裝置302可經組態以顯示配置的容器350及遞送卡車201中的一或多個容器載體360的表示。表示的格式可包括視覺、表格、音訊、視聽或其組合中的一者。在一些實施例中，使用者介面顯示器可包括配置的容器350及遞送工作者的遞送卡車201中的容器載體360的表示。In some embodiments, user interface device 302 may be configured to display a representation of deployed containers 350 and one or more container carriers 360 in delivery truck 201 . The format of the presentation may include one of visual, tabular, audio, audio-visual, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the user interface display may include a representation of the deployed containers 350 and container carriers 360 in the delivery worker's delivery truck 201 .

在一些實施例中，遞送工作者可在已裝載遞送卡車201之後接收由系統100的電腦實行系統中的一者（諸如運輸系統107）產生的開始在子路線上駕駛的指示。遞送工作者可經由使用者介面裝置302上的使用者介面顯示器接收指示。In some embodiments, the delivery worker may receive an instruction generated by one of the computer-implemented systems of system 100 , such as transportation system 107 , to begin driving on the sub-route after delivery truck 201 has been loaded. The delivery worker may receive instructions via a user interface display on the user interface device 302 .

現參考圖4，其示出與所揭露實施例一致的用於單一化包裹遞送的過程400的例示性流程圖。過程可包括：接收客戶訂單；基於客戶訂單來產生訂單識別符；判定客戶訂單的物件的預期最終目的地；揀取客戶訂單的物件中的至少一些；基於二步驟分選過程來分選所揀取物件；在不等待客戶訂單的其餘物件的情況下將客戶訂單的所揀取物件裝載於遞送卡車上；以及將所揀取物件遞送至客戶。Reference is now made to FIG. 4 , which shows an exemplary flowchart of a process 400 for singularized package delivery, consistent with disclosed embodiments. The process may include: receiving a customer order; generating an order identifier based on the customer order; determining an intended final destination of items of the customer order; picking at least some of the items of the customer order; sorting the picked items based on a two-step sorting process. picking up the items; loading the picked items of the customer order on a delivery truck without waiting for the remaining items of the customer order; and delivering the picked items to the customer.

總體包裹遞送效率為依賴於包裹運送的過程中的每一步驟的效率的度量。將包裹自FC運送至客戶以履行訂單通常涉及多個步驟，且此等步驟中的大多數必須以線性後續次序進行。舉例而言，揀貨可在接收訂單及產生訂單識別符之前，分選可在揀貨之前，包裝可在分選之前，將物件裝載於遞送卡車上可在包裝之前等。換言之，過程的每一步驟是藉由前一步驟的完成來啟動。在此類過程流程中，過程的總體效率由每一步驟處的效率判定。可藉由提高每一步驟的效率或藉由在保持其他步驟的效率時提高至少一個步驟的效率來改良總體效率。如上文所論述，本文中的「單一化」指代在不等待在運送之前全部履行客戶訂單的情況下包括多個物件的客戶訂單的物件的單一運送，可藉由減少週期時間及減少在過程中涉及的雇員的空閒時間來改良包裹遞送效率。在一些實施例中，過程400的一或多個步驟可由一或多個使用者介面裝置（例如，每一使用者介面裝置由FC 200的不同區中的使用者操作）執行。Overall package delivery efficiency is a measure that depends on the efficiency of each step in the process of package delivery. There are usually multiple steps involved in moving a package from FC to customer to fulfill an order, and most of these steps must occur in a linear subsequent sequence. For example, picking may precede receiving orders and generating order identifiers, sorting may precede picking, packing may precede sorting, loading items on delivery trucks may precede packaging, etc. In other words, each step of the process is initiated by the completion of the previous step. In such process flows, the overall efficiency of the process is determined by the efficiency at each step. Overall efficiency can be improved by increasing the efficiency of each step or by increasing the efficiency of at least one step while maintaining the efficiency of other steps. As discussed above, "singulation" in this context refers to a single shipment of items for a customer order that includes multiple items without waiting for the customer order to be fully fulfilled prior to shipping, which can be achieved by reducing cycle time and reducing processing time in the process. The free time of the employees involved in the package can be used to improve package delivery efficiency. In some embodiments, one or more steps of process 400 may be performed by one or more user interface devices (eg, each user interface device is operated by a user in a different zone of FC 200).

在步驟410中，系統100的一或多個電腦實行系統（例如，WMS 119、SCM 117、SAT系統101）可接收客戶訂單。客戶訂單可包括多個物件。在一些實施例中，客戶訂單可包括多個子訂單且每一子訂單可包括多個物件。系統100的一或多個電腦實行系統可經組態以審查客戶訂單及識別資訊，諸如訂購的物件的總數目、對訂購的物件中的每一者的描述、所請求遞送時間、物件的最終目的地等。在一些實施例中，系統100的一或多個電腦實行系統可至少基於所請求遞送時間來判定客戶訂單的承諾遞送日期或承諾遞送時間。舉例而言，對於來自客戶的緊急訂單請求，系統可判定幾個小時的承諾遞送時間或在24小時內遞送至預期最終目的地。在一些實施例中，系統可經組態以個別地判定客戶訂單的物件中的每一者的承諾遞送日期及時間。舉例而言，客戶訂單可包括用於緊急遞送的一些物件及用於正常遞送的剩餘物件。系統可經組態以基於所請求的遞送類型來判定承諾遞送時間。In step 410, one or more computer-implemented systems (eg, WMS 119, SCM 117, SAT system 101) of system 100 may receive a customer order. A customer order can include multiple items. In some embodiments, a customer order may include multiple sub-orders and each sub-order may include multiple items. One or more computer-implemented systems of system 100 can be configured to review customer orders and identify information, such as the total number of items ordered, a description of each of the items ordered, the requested delivery time, the final date of the item. destination etc. In some embodiments, one or more computer-implemented systems of system 100 may determine a promised delivery date or promised delivery time for a customer order based at least on the requested delivery time. For example, for a rush order request from a customer, the system can determine a committed delivery time of several hours or delivery to the intended final destination within 24 hours. In some embodiments, the system can be configured to individually determine the promised delivery date and time for each of the items ordered by the customer. For example, a customer order may include some items for urgent delivery and remaining items for normal delivery. The system can be configured to determine a promised delivery time based on the type of delivery requested.

在一些實施例中，系統100的一或多個電腦實行系統（例如，WMS 119、SCM 117、SAT系統101）可接收多個客戶訂單。客戶訂單中的每一者可包括多個物件。系統100的一或多個電腦實行系統可經組態以審查及識別多個客戶訂單之間的共同物件。使用者介面裝置可經組態以顯示關於共同物件的指示，從而請求來自使用者的輸入，例如接收確認。指示可包括與對物件的描述、訂購的物件的數量等相關的資訊。舉例而言，WMS 119可接收100個客戶訂單，且判定所述100個客戶訂單中的50者包含共同物件，例如一瓶水。工作者（例如，揀貨員）可經由使用者介面裝置接收需要揀取50瓶水的指示。此途徑的實行可提高揀貨效率及過程的總體效率。In some embodiments, one or more computer-implemented systems of system 100 (eg, WMS 119, SCM 117, SAT system 101) may receive multiple customer orders. Each of the customer orders may include multiple items. One or more computer-implemented systems of system 100 can be configured to review and identify common items among multiple customer orders. The user interface device can be configured to display an indication of the common object, thereby requesting input from the user, such as confirmation of receipt. The instructions may include information related to a description of the item, the quantity of the item ordered, and the like. For example, WMS 119 may receive 100 customer orders and determine that 50 of the 100 customer orders include a common item, such as a bottle of water. A worker (eg, a picker) may receive an instruction to pick up 50 bottles of water via the user interface device. The implementation of this approach can improve the efficiency of picking and the overall efficiency of the process.

在步驟420中，系統100的一或多個電腦實行系統可基於接收到的客戶訂單來產生訂單識別符（例如，訂單識別符305）。訂單識別符可包括條碼、標記、標籤、文數字碼、快速回應（quick response；QR）碼或類似者。訂單識別符可為含有關於客戶訂單的資訊的機器可讀光學標記。含於訂單識別符中的資訊可包含但不限於訂單的最終目的地、客戶訂單中的物件的總數目、所請求的遞送類型、客戶資訊、承諾遞送日期及承諾遞送時間等。在一些實施例中，產生訂單識別符的系統可基於客戶訂單的最終目的地資訊來判定儲存位置（例如，營地區215、樞紐區213）及客戶訂單中的物件可能所屬的遞送路線。舉例而言，基於最終目的地的郵遞碼，系統可判定客戶訂單中的物件的儲存位置，且基於在最終目的地中識別出的街道或區，系統可判定用於客戶訂單中的物件的遞送路線。In step 420, one or more computer-implemented systems of system 100 may generate an order identifier (eg, order identifier 305) based on the received customer order. The order identifier may include a barcode, tag, label, alphanumeric, quick response (QR) code, or the like. An order identifier can be a machine-readable optical indicia containing information about a customer's order. The information contained in the order identifier may include, but is not limited to, the final destination of the order, the total number of items in the customer's order, the type of delivery requested, customer information, the promised delivery date, and the promised delivery time. In some embodiments, the system that generates the order identifier can determine the storage location (eg, campsite area 215, hub area 213) and the delivery route that the items in the customer order may belong to based on the final destination information of the customer order. For example, based on the zip code of the final destination, the system can determine the storage location of the items in the customer order, and based on the street or area identified in the final destination, the system can determine the delivery of the items in the customer order route.

在例如使用配備有條碼掃描能力的使用者介面裝置（例如，使用者介面裝置302）掃描或讀取訂單識別符後，使用者介面裝置可顯示與訂單識別符相關聯的資訊。舉例而言，在掃描或讀取訂單識別符後，使用者介面裝置可顯示所揀取物件的數目、剩餘待揀取物件的數目、承諾遞送時間以及履行訂單的剩餘時間。Upon scanning or reading the order identifier, eg, using a user interface device equipped with barcode scanning capabilities (eg, user interface device 302 ), the user interface device may display information associated with the order identifier. For example, after scanning or reading the order identifier, the user interface device can display the number of items picked, the number of items remaining to be picked, the promised delivery time, and the remaining time to fulfill the order.

在步驟430中，系統100的一或多個電腦實行系統可指示使用者介面裝置顯示使客戶訂單的每一物件與訂單識別符相關聯的指示。使用者介面裝置可經組態以顯示關於接收到的客戶訂單的指示或警示，從而請求來自使用者的輸入，例如接收確認。在接收來自使用者的輸入後，使用者介面裝置可顯示客戶訂單及與客戶訂單相關聯的資訊中的一些或所有。工作者（例如，揀貨員）可揀取客戶訂單的一或多個物件，且例如藉由掃描訂單識別符及物件上的條碼來使每一所揀取物件與自一或多個電腦實行系統接收到的訂單識別符相關聯。在一些實施例中，使客戶訂單的物件與訂單識別符相關聯可包括使用標記列印機或條碼列印機來物理列印訂單識別符。列印的標記或條碼可例如與物件附著或貼附在一起以允許所有雇員容易地訪問與訂單及遞送時程相關聯的資訊。舉例而言，未接收或無法訪問初始訂單識別符的工作者可能夠掃描物件上的列印及貼附的訂單識別符。In step 430, one or more computer-implemented systems of system 100 may instruct the user interface device to display instructions associating each item of the customer's order with an order identifier. The user interface device may be configured to display instructions or alerts regarding received customer orders, thereby requesting input from the user, such as confirmation of receipt. Upon receiving input from the user, the user interface device may display some or all of the customer order and information associated with the customer order. A worker (e.g., a picker) may pick one or more items of a customer order and associate each picked item with one or more computers, for example, by scanning an order identifier and a barcode on the item. associated with the order identifier received by the system. In some embodiments, associating items of the customer order with the order identifier may include physically printing the order identifier using an indicia printer or barcode printer. Printed indicia or barcodes may, for example, be attached or affixed to the item to allow all employees to easily access information associated with the order and delivery schedule. For example, workers who did not receive or have no access to the original order identifier may be able to scan the printed and affixed order identifier on the item.

在步驟440中，系統100的一或多個電腦實行系統可判定客戶訂單的物件中的每一者的預期最終遞送目的地。作為實例，客戶可能訂購待在下午8點之前遞送至朋友家的一束花以及待在24小時內遞送至其父母家的一包電池。系統100的一或多個電腦實行系統可產生表示兩個訂單的兩個單獨訂單識別符。可基於預期最終目的地將物件中的每一者引導至儲存位置且分選至儲存位置處的遞送路線中。In step 440, one or more computer-implemented systems of system 100 may determine an intended final delivery destination for each of the items ordered by the customer. As an example, a customer might order a bouquet of flowers to be delivered to a friend's house by 8 pm and a pack of batteries to be delivered to their parents' house within 24 hours. One or more computer-implemented systems of system 100 may generate two separate order identifiers representing the two orders. Each of the items can be directed to a storage location and sorted into a delivery route at the storage location based on the intended final destination.

在一些實施例中，系統100的一或多個電腦實行系統可判定預期遞送目的地、與預期遞送目的地相關聯的儲存空間（例如，在儲存單元格324/儲存單元格344中），以及用以在預期遞送目的地處遞送客戶訂單的物件的遞送路線。In some embodiments, one or more computer-implemented systems of system 100 may determine an intended delivery destination, storage space associated with the intended delivery destination (e.g., in storage cell 324/storage cell 344), and The delivery route used to deliver the items ordered by the customer at the intended delivery destination.

在一些實施例中，分選過程可為二步驟分選過程。第一步驟可包括基於物件可引導至的營地來分選所揀取物件。可基於例如客戶訂單中的物件的預期最終遞送目的地的郵遞碼來判定營地。第二步驟可包括基於物件可發送至以遞送的遞送路線來分選營地中的所揀取物件。可基於例如區域內的由郵遞碼表示的區或街道來判定遞送路線。In some embodiments, the sorting process can be a two-step sorting process. The first step may include sorting the picked item based on the camp to which the item may be directed. The camp can be determined based on, for example, the zip code of the intended final delivery destination of the items in the customer order. The second step may include sorting the picked items in the camp based on the delivery route the items may be sent for delivery. Delivery routes may be determined based on, for example, districts or streets represented by zip codes within an area.

在步驟450中，系統100的一或多個電腦實行系統可將顯示基於預指定儲存空間（例如，儲存位置320的儲存單元格324）來分選客戶訂單的所揀取物件的指示或警示的指令發送至使用者介面裝置，所述預指定儲存空間由系統100的一或多個電腦實行系統判定。預指定儲存空間可表示物件可引導至以供進一步分選的營地。在一些實施例中，可將一或多個儲存空間指定為營地。舉例而言，可將儲存空間1至儲存空間12指定為由儲存單元格324_1表示的營地1，且可將儲存空間13至儲存空間23指定為由儲存單元格324_2表示的營地2，且可將儲存空間24指定為由儲存單元格324表示的營地3。In step 450, one or more computer-implemented systems of system 100 may display an instruction or alert to sort the picked items of the customer order based on a pre-designated storage space (e.g., storage cell 324 of storage location 320). The command is sent to the user interface device, and the pre-designated storage space is determined by one or more computers of the system 100 to implement the system. A pre-designated storage space may represent a camp to which items may be directed for further sorting. In some embodiments, one or more storage spaces may be designated as campsites. For example, storage space 1 to storage space 12 may be designated as camp 1 represented by storage cell 324_1 , storage space 13 to storage space 23 may be designated as camp 2 represented by storage cell 324_2 , and Storage space 24 is designated as Camp 3 represented by storage cell 324 .

可將分選的物件中的每一者運輸至對應營地。在一些實施例中，營地可為FC 200的駐地內的現場儲存設施（例如，營地區215）。可使用諸如（例如）傳送帶、叉車、手推平車、台車、推車的運輸裝置將分選的物件運輸至營地區215。在一些實施例中，營地可為場外儲存設施，諸如倉庫或與FC 200分開的儲存單元。可使用例如遞送卡車將分選的物件運輸至場外儲存設施。可在不等待客戶訂單的其餘物件的情況下將屬於客戶訂單的分選的物件運輸至營地以減少空閒時間。Each of the sorted items may be transported to a corresponding camp. In some embodiments, the camp may be an on-site storage facility (eg, camp area 215 ) within the premises of FC 200 . The sorted items may be transported to the camp area 215 using transport devices such as, for example, conveyor belts, forklifts, dollies, dollies, carts. In some embodiments, the camp may be an off-site storage facility, such as a warehouse or a storage unit separate from the FC 200 . The sorted items may be transported to an off-site storage facility using, for example, a delivery truck. Sorted items belonging to a customer order can be transported to camp without waiting for the remaining items of the customer order to reduce idle time.

在步驟460中，系統100的一或多個電腦實行系統可將顯示基於遞送路線來分選營地中的所揀取物件的指示或警示的指令發送至使用者介面裝置。遞送路線可由系統100的一或多個電腦實行系統基於客戶訂單中的最終遞送目的地來預定。工作者可藉由基於遞送路線將物件置放於儲存單元格（例如，儲存單元格344）中來分選營地中的所揀取物件。工作者可藉由例如掃描物件上的訂單識別符來獲得遞送路線資訊。可藉由路線識別符或子路線識別符來識別出儲存單元格344中的每一者。In step 460, one or more computer-implemented systems of the system 100 may send instructions to the user interface device to display an instruction or alert to sort the picked items in the camp based on the delivery route. A delivery route may be predetermined by one or more computer-implemented systems of system 100 based on the final delivery destination in the customer's order. Workers may sort picked items at the campsite by placing items in storage cells (eg, storage cell 344 ) based on the delivery route. Workers can obtain delivery routing information by, for example, scanning an order identifier on an item. Each of the storage cells 344 can be identified by a route identifier or a sub-route identifier.

在步驟470中，系統100的一或多個電腦實行系統可將顯示將來自儲存單元格344的分選的物件置放至容器（例如，容器350）中的指示或警示的指令發送至使用者介面裝置。每一儲存單元格344可與經組態以容納儲存於對應儲存單元格中的物件的容器相關聯。在一些實施例中，可用包括標識營地及儲存單元格的資訊的容器識別符識別出每一容器。可在不等待同一客戶訂單的其餘物件的情況下將屬於客戶訂單的所揀取物件置放於容器中以減少空閒時間。In step 470, one or more computer-implemented systems of system 100 may send instructions to the user displaying an instruction or alert to place the sorted items from storage cell 344 into a container (eg, container 350) interface device. Each storage cell 344 may be associated with a container configured to hold the items stored in the corresponding storage cell. In some embodiments, each container can be identified with a container identifier that includes information identifying the campsite and the storage cell. Picked items belonging to a customer order can be placed in containers without waiting for the remaining items of the same customer order to reduce idle time.

可將容器350或容器載體360裝載於經組態以容納容器、手提包、輪式籠、推車、台車等的遞送車輛（例如，遞送卡車201）上。容器可以基於例如遞送路線的配置以減少物件遞送期間的卸載時間的方式裝載。遞送卡車上的容器的配置亦可基於因素，所述因素包含但不限於遞送的緊急性、承諾遞送時間、物件是否為易腐性食品等。在一些實施例中，遞送卡車的儲存隔室可包含內置式儲存空間，諸如櫃、單元格、貨架、架、籠或輪式籠。可藉由容器載體識別符（例如，條碼）識別出遞送卡車中的每一容器載體。容器載體識別符可包含與容器載體在遞送卡車的儲存隔室內的位置相關聯的資訊。舉例而言，可抵靠儲存隔室的後壁配置四個容器載體360，自左至右標記為360_1至360_4。因此，可將位於遞送卡車的儲存隔室的左後角的容器載體識別為容器載體360_1，且將位於遞送卡車的儲存隔室的右後角的容器載體識別為容器載體360_4。舉例而言，可由系統100的一或多個電腦實行系統（諸如運輸系統107）產生容器載體360的配置的視覺或表格表示。Container 350 or container carrier 360 may be loaded onto a delivery vehicle (eg, delivery truck 201 ) configured to accommodate containers, totes, wheeled cages, carts, dollies, and the like. Containers may be loaded in a manner that reduces unloading time during item delivery based on, for example, the configuration of the delivery route. The configuration of containers on a delivery truck may also be based on factors including, but not limited to, urgency of delivery, promised delivery time, whether the item is a perishable food item, and the like. In some embodiments, the storage compartment of the delivery truck may comprise built-in storage spaces, such as cabinets, cells, shelves, racks, cages, or wheeled cages. Each container carrier in the delivery truck can be identified by a container carrier identifier (eg, barcode). The container carrier identifier may include information associated with the location of the container carrier within the storage compartment of the delivery truck. For example, four container carriers 360 may be arranged against the rear wall of the storage compartment, labeled 360_1 to 360_4 from left to right. Thus, the container carrier located in the rear left corner of the storage compartment of the delivery truck can be identified as container carrier 360_1 and the container carrier located in the rear right corner of the storage compartment of the delivery truck can be identified as container carrier 360_4. For example, a visual or tabular representation of the configuration of container carrier 360 may be generated by one or more computer-implemented systems of system 100 , such as transport system 107 .

在一些實施例中，可記錄容器載體360上的容器的裝載配置以產生遞送卡車裝載配置的表示。舉例而言，運輸系統107可將顯示掃描置放於容器載體中的所有容器的容器識別符（例如，條碼）且掃描對應容器載體識別符的指示的指令發送至使用者介面裝置。系統可基於掃描的資訊來產生裝載配置的表示。在一些實施例中，裝載配置可以表格或視覺格式呈現給使用者。裝載配置可列印於一張紙上、顯示於使用者介面裝置上，或在開始其遞送輪次之前呈現給使用者。In some embodiments, the loading configuration of the containers on the container carrier 360 may be recorded to generate a representation of the delivery truck loading configuration. For example, the transport system 107 may send an instruction to the user interface device showing an instruction to scan container identifiers (eg, barcodes) of all containers placed in the container carrier and scan the corresponding container carrier identifiers. The system can generate a representation of the loading configuration based on the scanned information. In some embodiments, the loading configuration may be presented to the user in a tabular or visual format. The loading configuration can be printed on a piece of paper, displayed on a user interface device, or presented to the user before starting its delivery round.

在步驟480中，系統100的一或多個電腦實行系統（諸如運輸系統107）例如可將顯示遞送儲存於裝載於遞送卡車上的容器中的物件的指示的指令發送至使用者介面裝置（例如，行動裝置107A至行動裝置107C中的一者）。使用者介面裝置可在出發遞送物件之前顯示請求來自使用者（例如，遞送工作者或裝載員）的輸入以驗證裝載過程完成的指示。使用者介面裝置可接收來自使用者的輸入且將接收到的輸入儲存於與系統100相關聯的資料庫中。In step 480, one or more computer-implemented systems of system 100 (such as transportation system 107), for example, may send instructions to a user interface device (such as , one of the mobile devices 107A to 107C). The user interface device may display an indication requesting input from a user (eg, a delivery worker or loader) to verify completion of the loading process before proceeding to deliver the item. The user interface device may receive input from a user and store the received input in a database associated with system 100 .

在一些實施例中，系統100的一或多個電腦實行系統可將顯示例如藉由掃描訂單識別符來記錄與訂單識別符相關聯的資訊的指示的指令發送至使用者介面裝置。使用者介面裝置可在已揀取物件之後、在基於分選過程的第一步驟中的儲存位置來分選所揀取物件之後、在將分選的物件運輸至營地之前、在到達營地之後、在基於分選過程的第二步驟中的遞送路線來分選所揀取物件之後、在將分選的物件置放於容器中之後、在將容器裝載於遞送卡車上之後顯示記錄訂單識別符資訊的指令。在過程的所有步驟處記錄的資訊可在與系統100相關聯的（例如，與WMS 119或運輸系統107相關聯的或連接至WMS 119或運輸系統107的）資料庫中儲存及更新。In some embodiments, one or more computer-implemented systems of system 100 may send instructions to the user interface device to display an instruction to record information associated with the order identifier, such as by scanning the order identifier. The user interface device may be after the items have been picked, after sorting the picked items based on the storage location in the first step of the sorting process, before transporting the sorted items to the camp, after arriving at the camp, Displaying recorded order identifier information after sorting the picked items based on the delivery route in the second step of the sorting process, after placing the sorted items in containers, after loading the containers on a delivery truck instructions. Information recorded at all steps of the process may be stored and updated in a database associated with system 100 (eg, associated with or connected to WMS 119 or transportation system 107 ).

在一些實施例中，系統100可回應於來自客戶的關於訂單狀態的詢問基於儲存於資料庫中的更新的資訊來產生狀態更新通知訊息。在一些實施例中，系統100可基於儲存於資料庫中的更新的資訊搶先為客戶產生狀態更新通知訊息。In some embodiments, the system 100 may generate a status update notification message based on updated information stored in a database in response to an inquiry from a customer regarding an order status. In some embodiments, the system 100 can pre-emptively generate status update notification messages for customers based on the updated information stored in the database.

在一些實施例中，系統100可動態地改變客戶訂單的運送優先順序。在於步驟420中產生客戶訂單的訂單識別符之後，可在過程400中的任何步驟期間改變訂單的運送優先順序。可藉由系統更新或修改訂單識別符，以在運送訂單之前反映運送優先順序的改變。舉例而言，在步驟450中，系統100的一或多個電腦實行系統可將顯示基於預指定儲存空間（例如，儲存位置320的儲存單元格324）來分選客戶訂單的所揀取物件的指示或警示的指令發送至使用者介面裝置。預指定儲存空間可與並非所揀取物件預期的初始客戶訂單的客戶訂單相關聯。In some embodiments, the system 100 can dynamically change the shipping priority of customer orders. After generating the order identifier for the customer order in step 420, the order's shipping priority may be changed during any step in process 400. The order identifier may be updated or modified by the system to reflect changes in shipping priority prior to shipping the order. For example, in step 450, one or more computer-implemented systems of the system 100 may display the information for sorting the picked items of the customer order based on the pre-designated storage space (eg, the storage cell 324 of the storage location 320). Instructions or warnings are sent to the user interface device. The pre-assigned storage space may be associated with a customer order other than the intended original customer order for the picked item.

圖5示出根據本揭露的一些態樣的由系統100實行的動態包裹優先順序的電腦實行方法500。圖5中所示出的方法500可由系統100中存在的至少一個處理器實行。舉例而言，方法500可由中圖1A描繪的系統中的一或多者執行。在一些實施例中，方法500可由運送授權技術系統101、運送及訂單追蹤系統111、履行最佳化系統113或倉庫管理系統119單獨或與系統100中的其他系統組合執行。另外，方法可由一或多個場外處理器執行，所述一或多個場外處理器諸如與系統100通信的一或多個基於雲端的裝置。FIG. 5 illustrates a computer-implemented method 500 of dynamic package prioritization implemented by the system 100 in accordance with some aspects of the present disclosure. The method 500 shown in FIG. 5 may be performed by at least one processor present in the system 100 . For example, method 500 may be performed by one or more of the systems depicted in FIG. 1A . In some embodiments, method 500 may be performed by shipping authorization technology system 101 , shipping and order tracking system 111 , fulfillment optimization system 113 , or warehouse management system 119 alone or in combination with other systems in system 100 . Additionally, the methods may be performed by one or more off-site processors, such as one or more cloud-based devices in communication with the system 100 .

在步驟505中，接收到第一客戶訂單。第一客戶訂單可用於任何數目的產品或物件。可自系統100內的任何位置以電子方式接收到訂單。舉例而言，可由外部前端系統103自使用者裝置102A、使用者裝置102B、自賣方入口網站109或自系統100內的另一輸入裝置接收到訂單。可經由任何有線或無線通信通道接收到訂單。系統100可接收第一客戶訂單，且產生訂單識別符以允許監視訂單狀態以及追蹤訂單。訂單識別符可特定針對於訂單，且可與訂單的任何物件或細節相關聯。訂單識別符可包含使產品的群組（諸如汽車零件、農產品、浴室物件等）相關聯的元素。訂單識別符可包含與其他資訊相關聯的元素，諸如用於遞送的預期地址、客戶識別符、產品在FC內的位置或與產品、供應商或客戶有關的任何其他資訊。訂單識別符可包含諸如條碼或RFID標籤的機器可讀識別符，或可包含唯一碼、編號或符號。訂單識別符可儲存於記憶體、一或多個資料庫中，且可由系統100的任何部分（諸如由一或多個裝置107A至裝置107C或裝置119A至裝置119C）訪問，或可包含列印標記。系統100亦可產生一或多個唯一子訂單識別符。子訂單識別符可與按次序的任何一或多個物件或與如上文所論述的訂單有關的任何細節相關聯。每一物件可包含識別符或子訂單識別符。In step 505, a first customer order is received. The first customer order can be for any number of products or items. Orders may be received electronically from anywhere within the system 100 . For example, the order may be received by the external front-end system 103 from the user device 102A, the user device 102B, from the vendor portal 109 , or from another input device within the system 100 . Orders may be received via any wired or wireless communication channel. The system 100 can receive a first customer order and generate an order identifier to allow monitoring of order status and tracking of the order. An order identifier may be specific to an order and may be associated with any item or detail of an order. The order identifier may contain elements associating groups of products such as auto parts, produce, bathroom items, and the like. The order identifier may contain elements associated with other information, such as the intended address for delivery, customer identifier, the product's location within the FC, or any other information related to the product, supplier or customer. The order identifier may comprise a machine-readable identifier such as a barcode or RFID tag, or may comprise a unique code, number or symbol. The order identifier can be stored in memory, in one or more databases, and can be accessed by any part of the system 100, such as by one or more of devices 107A-107C or 119A-119C, or can include printing mark. The system 100 can also generate one or more unique sub-order identifiers. A sub-order identifier may be associated with any one or more items in the order or any details relating to the order as discussed above. Each item can contain an identifier or a sub-order identifier.

系統100可向第一客戶訂單（在接收到時）指定第一運送度量。在一些實施例中，運送度量可基於用於判定一或多個訂單的運送優先順序的量測的一或多個可定量或不可定量標準。舉例而言，運送度量可與內部目標有關，所述內部目標諸如特定時間段中包裝的物件數目、生產力或最遲可能打包時間。最遲可能打包時間可包含物件必須在履行中心中包裝以便準備好運送的最遲時間。每一履行中心的內部目標可能不同。舉例而言，每一FC的內部目標可由生產力、財務考量、位於FC中的物件、FC的地理位置、由FC服務的客戶數目、FC中的雇員數目或特定針對於每一FC的任何其他考量驅動。目標可為靜態的，或可基於各種因素動態地改變。舉例而言，目標可與全球或地方市場條件相關聯，且可對應於市場波動而調整。另外，WMS 119可分析與工作流程有關的資料，且相應地調整內部目標。The system 100 can specify (on receipt) a first shipping metric to a first customer order. In some embodiments, a shipping metric may be based on one or more quantifiable or non-quantifiable criteria of a measure used to prioritize shipping for one or more orders. For example, shipping metrics may be related to internal goals, such as the number of items packed in a particular time period, production capacity, or latest possible packing time. The latest possible packing time may contain the latest time an item must be packed in the fulfillment center in order to be ready for shipping. Each fulfillment center may have different internal goals. For example, each FC's internal goals may be determined by productivity, financial considerations, items located in the FC, the geographic location of the FC, the number of customers served by the FC, the number of employees in the FC, or any other consideration specific to each FC drive. Goals can be static, or can change dynamically based on various factors. For example, targets may be associated with global or local market conditions and may be adjusted in response to market fluctuations. In addition, WMS 119 can analyze data related to the workflow and adjust internal goals accordingly.

在一些實施例中，運送度量可與客戶訂單的承諾遞送日期或承諾遞送時間相關聯。承諾遞送日期或承諾遞送時間可基於所請求遞送時間，其可與由客戶選擇的運送方法有關。承諾遞送日期或承諾遞送時間可基於承諾加快運送的項目中的成員資格。舉例而言，參加此項目的客戶可接收所有所下訂單的隔夜運送。In some embodiments, a shipping metric may be associated with a promised delivery date or promised delivery time for a customer order. A promised delivery date or promised delivery time may be based on a requested delivery time, which may be related to the shipping method selected by the customer. Promised Delivery Date or Promised Delivery Time can be based on membership in the program that promises expedited shipping. For example, customers who participate in the program receive overnight shipping on all orders placed.

在一些實施例中，運送度量可涉及與客戶訂單相關聯的位置或地址。位置或地址可以是任何實體位置，諸如家庭地址、商業地址、郵遞信箱或意欲遞送訂單的其他所要地址。舉例而言，客戶可與家庭地址相關聯，但希望將訂單遞送至另一地址（例如在發送禮物給朋友或親屬時）。在此情況下，運送度量可涉及與朋友或親屬相關聯的地址，此是因為此地址是所要遞送位置。In some embodiments, shipping metrics may relate to a location or address associated with a customer order. The location or address may be any physical location, such as a home address, business address, post office box, or other desired address where the order is intended to be delivered. For example, a customer may be associated with a home address, but wish to have their order delivered to another address (such as when sending a gift to a friend or relative). In this case, the delivery metric may relate to the address associated with the friend or relative, since this address is the desired delivery location.

在一些實施例中，運送度量可與運送快遞有關。舉例而言，一個快遞可能需要包裹在特定時間準備好運送，而另一快遞可能需要包裹在稍後時間準備好運送。另外，運送度量可與運送方法有關。舉例而言，加快運送方法可在幾小時內或隔夜遞送包裹。相反，陸地運送方法可花費幾天時間來完成遞送。雖然此處給出運送度量的若干實例，但其決不是詳盡的列表。In some embodiments, a shipping metric may relate to a shipping express. For example, one courier may require packages to be ready for delivery at a certain time, while another courier may require packages to be ready for delivery at a later time. Additionally, shipping metrics can be related to shipping methods. For example, expedited shipping methods can deliver packages within hours or overnight. In contrast, ground shipping methods can take several days to complete delivery. While several examples of shipping metrics are given here, it is by no means an exhaustive list.

在步驟510處，獲取用於運送的物件。與履行中心的雇員相關聯的顯示裝置可接收收集與客戶訂單相關聯的物件的指示。舉例而言，FO 113、WMS 119、SCM 117或SAT 101可產生將警示使用者收集物件的指示發送至使用者介面裝置302或裝置107A至裝置107C或裝置119A至裝置119C的指令。指示可包含通知，且可能可視地、可聽地或觸覺地遞送。指示可經由一或多個網路或其他無線通信通道無線地傳輸至揀貨員擁有的行動裝置。指示可指示雇員（諸如，揀貨員）取得履行中心或倉庫的所需位置中的物件。舉例而言，揀貨員可接收物理上獲取物件且將物件帶至第二位置的指令。指令可包含揀貨員可尋找及移除物件的履行中心的特定部分中的特定貨架的方向的顯示。揀貨員可藉由利用使用者介面裝置302或裝置107A至裝置107C或裝置119A至裝置119C作出回應來確認指示或指令。舉例而言，揀貨員可輸入碼，獲取儲存位置中的物件的圖像，掃描條碼或其他識別符，以及將回應上載至系統100。另外，揀貨員可直接自監督員或其他個人口頭地或書面地（諸如藉由列印標記）接收指令。At step 510, items for shipping are acquired. Display devices associated with employees of the fulfillment center may receive instructions to collect items associated with customer orders. For example, FO 113 , WMS 119 , SCM 117 , or SAT 101 may generate instructions to send instructions alerting users to collect objects to user interface device 302 or device 107A to device 107C or device 119A to device 119C. Instructions may include notifications, and may be delivered visually, audibly, or tactilely. The instructions may be transmitted wirelessly to a mobile device owned by the picker via one or more networks or other wireless communication channels. Instructions may instruct employees, such as pickers, to obtain items in desired locations in a fulfillment center or warehouse. For example, a picker may receive instructions to physically obtain an item and bring the item to a second location. The instructions may include a display of directions for a particular shelf in a particular portion of the fulfillment center where a picker can find and remove items. The picker may acknowledge the instruction or instruction by responding using the user interface device 302 or the device 107A-107C or the device 119A-119C. For example, a picker may enter a code, capture an image of the item in the storage location, scan a barcode or other identifier, and upload the response to the system 100 . Additionally, the picker may receive instructions directly from a supervisor or other individual, either verbally or in writing, such as by printing a label.

在一些實施例中，可由一或多個機器人裝置獲取用於運送的物件（步驟520）。回應於由系統100的電腦實行系統中的一者（例如FO 113、WMS 119、SCM 117或SAT 101）產生的信號，諸如自動導引車、自動儲存及檢索系統、共同作業機器人或鉸接式機器人臂的機器人裝置可收集一或多個物件。一旦獲取，所收集物件可接著由一或多個機器人裝置帶至FC內的所需位置，諸如包裝區211。In some embodiments, the item for delivery may be retrieved by one or more robotic devices (step 520). Responsive to signals generated by one of the computer-implemented systems of system 100 (e.g., FO 113, WMS 119, SCM 117, or SAT 101), such as an automated guided vehicle, automated storage and retrieval system, co-working robot, or articulated robot The robotic device of the arm can collect one or more objects. Once captured, the collected items may then be brought by one or more robotic devices to a desired location within the FC, such as packing area 211 .

在一些實施例中，可獲取用於運送的物件（在自第三方或其他來源接收到時）。在此情形下，可能針對缺貨物件下客戶訂單。系統100中的一或多個電腦化系統可查詢與每一履行中心處的存貨中的物件相關聯的一或多個資料庫，且產生物件不可用或缺貨的指示。在一些實施例中，賣方入口網站109可產生對於缺貨物件的請求。請求可廣泛地分佈或發送至特定第三方或其他來源。在系統100諸如藉由經由內部前端系統105掃描條碼或手動地輸入物件的接收數量來識別已在所要FC處接收到的物件時，可產生通知。In some embodiments, items for shipping (as received from third parties or other sources) may be acquired. In this case, a customer order may be placed for the back-of-stock shipment. One or more computerized systems in system 100 may query one or more databases associated with items in inventory at each fulfillment center and generate an indication that the item is unavailable or out of stock. In some embodiments, the seller portal 109 may generate a request for an out-of-stock item. Requests may be distributed widely or directed to specific third parties or other sources. Notifications may be generated when the system 100 identifies that an item has been received at the desired FC, such as by scanning a barcode via the internal front-end system 105 or manually entering the received quantity of the item.

在接收到初始第一客戶訂單之前、接收到初始第一客戶訂單之後或與第一客戶訂單同時的一些時間，系統100可接收包括物件數目的第二客戶訂單，其中物件中的至少一者是與第一客戶訂單中的物件（在步驟505中接收到的）相同的物件。系統100可接著向第二客戶訂單指定運送度量。第二客戶訂單的運送度量可包含與第一訂單的運送度量相同的量測標準，或可具有不同的量測標準。舉例而言，在一個態樣中，第一運送度量及第二運送度量均可基於承諾遞送日期。在另一態樣中，第一運送度量可基於承諾遞送日期，而第二運送度量可基於最遲可能打包時間。取決於履行中心中的每一者內的考量，用於指定運送度量的基礎可為動態的。At some time before receiving the initial first customer order, after receiving the initial first customer order, or at some time concurrently with the first customer order, the system 100 may receive a second customer order including a number of items, wherein at least one of the items is The same items as in the first customer order (received in step 505). The system 100 can then specify shipping metrics to the second customer order. The shipping metric for the second customer order may contain the same metrics as the shipping metric for the first order, or may have different metrics. For example, in one aspect, both the first shipping metric and the second shipping metric can be based on a promised delivery date. In another aspect, the first shipping metric may be based on a promised delivery date, and the second shipping metric may be based on a latest possible packing time. Depending on considerations within each of the fulfillment centers, the basis for specifying shipping metrics may be dynamic.

在步驟515處，系統100可搜尋任何未履行的客戶訂單。未履行的客戶訂單可以是尚未包裝或以其他方式標註為完成的訂單。系統可搜尋任何資料庫或系統（諸如SAT 101、FO 113、SOT 111或WMS 119）以識別任何未履行的客戶訂單。搜尋可受各種參數限制。舉例而言，系統100可僅搜尋特定時間框內接收到的客戶訂單。另外，搜尋可由系統100中發生的事件發起。舉例而言，在包裝區211處的工作者利用使用者介面裝置302掃描準備好包裝的物件的情況下，可發起搜尋。At step 515, the system 100 can search for any unfulfilled customer orders. An unfulfilled customer order may be an order that has not yet been packaged or otherwise marked as complete. The system may search any database or system such as SAT 101, FO 113, SOT 111 or WMS 119 to identify any outstanding customer orders. Searches can be limited by various parameters. For example, the system 100 may only search for customer orders received within a certain time frame. Additionally, searches may be initiated by events occurring in system 100 . For example, a search may be initiated where a worker at packing area 211 utilizes user interface device 302 to scan an item ready for packing.

在步驟520處，系統100比較共用共同物件的任何未履行的客戶訂單的運送度量。舉例而言，系統100可比較第一運送度量與第二運送度量以判定第一客戶訂單及第二客戶訂單的優先順序。比較可包含允許對待獲得的客戶訂單的優先順序進行排序的對值、分數或資料的任何計算或操控。在一些實施例中，SAT 101、FO 113、SOT 111或WMS 119可藉由直接比較第一運送度量與第二運送度量來判定優先順序。在此情況下，判定具有較高值（且由此，優先順序）的運送度量具有最高優先順序。在一些實施例中，SAT 101、FO 113、SOT 111或WMS 119可經由統計分析或用以判定運送優先順序的其他資料分析來判定優先順序。At step 520, the system 100 compares the shipping metrics of any outstanding customer orders that share a common item. For example, the system 100 can compare the first shipping metric and the second shipping metric to determine the priority of the first customer order and the second customer order. A comparison may include any calculation or manipulation of values, scores or data that allows prioritization of customer orders to be obtained. In some embodiments, SAT 101 , FO 113 , SOT 111 or WMS 119 may determine the priority by directly comparing the first shipping metric with the second shipping metric. In this case, the shipping metric that is determined to have a higher value (and thus priority) has the highest priority. In some embodiments, SAT 101 , FO 113 , SOT 111 , or WMS 119 may determine priorities via statistical analysis or other data analysis used to determine shipping priorities.

如圖5中所示出，在系統100藉由比較第一運送度量與第二運送度量來判定第一客戶訂單優先於第二客戶訂單時，接著在步驟525處繼續第一訂單的運送。可將列印第一客戶訂單的運送標記的指示發送至輸出裝置。亦可將指示包裝員包裝物件的指示發送至使用者介面裝置302或裝置107A至裝置107C或裝置119A至裝置119C中的一或多者。物件經包裝且運送至與第一客戶訂單相關聯的遞送位置或地址。同時，在步驟530處，系統產生填寫第二訂單的通知。通知可發送至使用者介面裝置302或裝置107A至裝置107C或裝置119A至裝置119C中的一或多者，以告知揀貨員視需要自緩衝區205、卸貨區207或揀貨區209獲得物件。通知可包含如上文所論述的聽覺警示、視覺警示或觸覺警示，且可經由任何通信通道傳輸。在一些實施例中，可將獲得物件的通知傳輸至一或多個機器人裝置。As shown in FIG. 5 , when the system 100 determines that the first customer order is prioritized over the second customer order by comparing the first shipping metric to the second shipping metric, shipping of the first order then continues at step 525 . An instruction to print a shipping indicia for the first customer order may be sent to the output device. Instructions instructing the packer to pack the item may also be sent to the user interface device 302 or one or more of the devices 107A-107C or the devices 119A-119C. The items are packaged and shipped to the delivery location or address associated with the first customer order. Simultaneously, at step 530, the system generates a notification to fill the second order. A notification can be sent to one or more of the user interface device 302 or the device 107A-107C or the device 119A-119C to inform the picker to obtain an item from the buffer zone 205, unloading area 207, or picking area 209 as needed . Notifications may include audible, visual or tactile alerts as discussed above, and may be transmitted via any communication channel. In some embodiments, a notification of the acquired item may be transmitted to one or more robotic devices.

在步驟535處，獲取第二客戶訂單的物件。可以如上文所論述的任何方式獲取物件。物件可遵循圖3及圖4中所描述的過程，以在步驟540處將物件運送至與第二客戶訂單相關聯的遞送位置或地址結束。At step 535, items for the second customer order are retrieved. Objects can be obtained in any of the ways discussed above. The item may follow the process described in FIGS. 3 and 4 , concluding at step 540 with shipping the item to the delivery location or address associated with the second customer order.

在系統100判定第二運送度量應具有比第一運送度量更高的優先順序時，向第二客戶訂單重新指定先前在步驟510處為第一客戶訂單獲取的物件，如步驟545處所示出。指示可包含由SAT 101、FO 113、SOT 111或WMS 119產生的向第二訂單重新指定所獲取第一物件的指令。指令可包含使第一訂單的訂單識別符解除關聯且使訂單識別符與第二訂單相關聯。在一些實施例中，指令可包含將通知發送至使用者介面裝置302或裝置107A至裝置107C或裝置119A至裝置119C中的一或多者。指示可包含經由有線或無線通信通道向系統100的一部分重新指定可自SAT 101、FO 113、SOT 111或WMS 119發送的訂單的指令。舉例而言，指令可由SAT 101發送至運送及訂單追蹤（SOT）系統111，以向第二客戶訂單重新指定共同物件。此可包含更新檔案或資料庫以反映共同物件的指定中的改變。作為回應，運送及訂單追蹤（SOT）系統111可將重新指定的指示傳輸至輸出裝置，諸如使用者介面裝置302或裝置107A至裝置107C或裝置119A至裝置119C。When the system 100 determines that the second shipping metric should have a higher priority than the first shipping metric, the item previously acquired for the first customer order at step 510 is reassigned to the second customer order, as shown at step 545 . The instructions may include instructions generated by the SAT 101 , FO 113 , SOT 111 or WMS 119 to re-specify the acquired first item to a second order. The instructions may include disassociating the order identifier of the first order and associating the order identifier with the second order. In some embodiments, the instruction may include sending a notification to one or more of the user interface device 302 or the device 107A-107C or the device 119A-119C. Instructions may include instructions to reassign an order that may be sent from SAT 101 , FO 113 , SOT 111 or WMS 119 to a portion of system 100 via a wired or wireless communication channel. For example, an instruction may be sent by SAT 101 to shipping and order tracking (SOT) system 111 to re-specify a common item to a second customer order. This may include updating files or databases to reflect changes in the designation of common objects. In response, shipping and order tracking (SOT) system 111 may transmit an indication of the redesignation to an output device, such as user interface device 302 or device 107A to device 107C or device 119A to device 119C.

在一些實施例中，輸出裝置可包含組態成列印標記或條碼的手持式裝置，諸如PDA。包裝區211中的包裝員可自此PDA上的SOT 111接收包含列印新標記或條碼的指令的指示，從而反映對第二客戶訂單的共同物件的重新指定。在其他實施例中，組列印機可列印待貼附至含有物件的包裹的新運送標記。重新指定的指示可包含通知系統100的一部分、履行中心、履行中心處的人員或系統100的任何其他使用者的任何方式。指示可包含視覺信號、聽覺信號或觸覺指示。In some embodiments, the output device may comprise a handheld device, such as a PDA, configured to print indicia or barcodes. A packer in packing area 211 may receive an instruction from SOT 111 on this PDA including an instruction to print a new label or barcode, reflecting the re-specification of common items for the second customer order. In other embodiments, the group printer may print new shipping marks to be applied to packages containing items. The indication of reassignment may include any means of notifying a portion of the system 100 , the fulfillment center, a person at the fulfillment center, or any other user of the system 100 . Indications may include visual signals, auditory signals, or tactile indications.

在一些實施例中，回應於在步驟545中向第二客戶訂單重新指定物件，WMS 119可判定與第一客戶訂單相關聯的物件或包裹在FC內的位置。WMS 119可接著取決於物件或包裹位於哪一區（例如揀貨區209、包裝區211、樞紐區213或營地區215）來產生指令。舉例而言，若物件或包裹處於包裝區211中，則指令可包含利用輸出裝置列印貼附至包裹的新條碼或標記。然而，若物件或包裹在揀貨區內，則指令可包含向使用者介面裝置302或裝置107A至裝置107C或裝置119A至裝置119C顯示將物件或包裹置放在儲存位置320的特定單元格324中的通知。指令可包含自雇員接收回應以確認接收到通知，以及驗證物件或包裹的新位置。回應可使用裝置107A至裝置107C或裝置119A至裝置119C提交，且可包含掃描條碼或標記，獲取圖像，輸入碼、編號或符號。WMS 119可利用與新位置有關的資訊更新一或多個資料庫。In some embodiments, in response to reassigning the item to the second customer order in step 545, the WMS 119 may determine the location within the FC of the item or package associated with the first customer order. WMS 119 may then generate instructions depending on which zone the item or package is located in (eg, picking zone 209 , packing zone 211 , hub zone 213 , or camp zone 215 ). For example, if the item or package is in the packing area 211, the instructions may include using the output device to print a new barcode or label attached to the package. However, if the item or package is within the picking area, the instructions may include displaying to the user interface device 302 or the device 107A-107C or the device 119A-119C the specific cell 324 where the item or package is placed in the storage location 320 notifications in . The instructions may include receiving a response from the employee confirming receipt of the notification, and verifying the new location of the item or package. Responses may be submitted using Device 107A-107C or Device 119A-119C, and may include scanning barcodes or indicia, capturing images, entering codes, numbers or symbols. WMS 119 may update one or more databases with information about the new location.

在向第二客戶訂單指定物件之後，接著在步驟550處繼續第二訂單的運送。物件經包裝且運送至與第二客戶訂單相關聯的遞送位置或地址。After specifying the item to the second customer order, shipping of the second order then continues at step 550 . The item is packaged and shipped to the delivery location or address associated with the second customer order.

同時，在步驟555處，系統產生填寫第一訂單的通知。通知可發送至使用者介面裝置302或裝置107A至裝置107C或裝置119A至裝置119C中的一或多者，以告知揀貨員視需要自緩衝區205、卸貨區207或揀貨區209獲得物件。通知可包含如上文所論述的聽覺警示、視覺警示或觸覺警示，且可經由任何通信通道傳輸。在一些實施例中，可將獲得物件的通知傳輸至一或多個機器人裝置。在步驟560處，獲取第二客戶訂單的物件。可以如上文所論述的任何方式獲取物件。物件可遵循圖3及圖4中所描述的過程，以在步驟565處將物件運送至與第一客戶訂單相關聯的遞送位置或地址結束。雖然圖5可按依序次序繪示某些步驟，但一些步驟可不按所繪示次序執行。舉例而言，在系統100在接收訂單之後產生填寫訂單的通知的實施例中，填寫第二訂單的通知可在比較第一運送度量與第二運送度量之前出現。Simultaneously, at step 555, the system generates a notification to fill the first order. A notification can be sent to one or more of the user interface device 302 or the device 107A-107C or the device 119A-119C to inform the picker to obtain an item from the buffer zone 205, unloading area 207, or picking area 209 as needed . Notifications may include audible, visual or tactile alerts as discussed above, and may be transmitted via any communication channel. In some embodiments, a notification of the acquired item may be transmitted to one or more robotic devices. At step 560, the items ordered by the second customer are retrieved. Objects can be obtained in any of the ways discussed above. The item may follow the process described in FIGS. 3 and 4 , concluding at step 565 with shipping the item to the delivery location or address associated with the first customer order. While FIG. 5 may depict certain steps in a sequential order, some steps may be performed out of the order depicted. For example, in embodiments where the system 100 generates a notification to fill an order after receiving an order, the notification to fill a second order may occur before comparing the first shipping metric to the second shipping metric.

圖6示出具有共同物件的多個客戶訂單的例示性動態包裝操作600。在此實例中，接收到第一電子客戶訂單610。可自系統100內的任何位置以電子方式自客戶接收到訂單。舉例而言，可由外部前端系統103自使用者裝置102A、使用者裝置102B、自賣方入口網站109或自系統100內的另一輸入裝置接收到訂單。可經由任何有線或無線通信通道接收到訂單。系統100可包含識別符相關聯物件615，且使識別符與第一客戶訂單相關聯。舉例而言，物件615的SKU可儲存於資料庫中。資料庫亦可包含與產品615有關的其他資訊，諸如物件615在履行中心中的位置。在接收物件615的訂單之後，系統100可使產品編號與第一客戶訂單相關聯。系統可產生如上文所論述的通知以允許獲取物件615。系統100向第一客戶訂單610指定如上文所論述的運送度量。FIG. 6 shows an exemplary dynamic packaging operation 600 for multiple customer orders with common items. In this example, a first electronic customer order 610 is received. Orders may be received from customers electronically from any location within system 100 . For example, the order may be received by the external front-end system 103 from the user device 102A, the user device 102B, from the vendor portal 109 , or from another input device within the system 100 . Orders may be received via any wired or wireless communication channel. The system 100 can include an identifier associating item 615 and associate the identifier with the first customer order. For example, the SKU of item 615 may be stored in a database. The database may also contain other information about the product 615, such as the location of the item 615 in the fulfillment center. After receiving an order for item 615, system 100 can associate a product number with the first customer order. The system may generate a notification as discussed above to allow acquisition of the item 615 . The system 100 specifies shipping metrics to the first customer order 610 as discussed above.

在第一客戶訂單之後但第一訂單已關閉之前的一些時間，在系統100中接收到物件615的第二電子客戶訂單620。在一些實施例中，在訂單由客戶取消或遞送至與訂單相關聯的地址或位置時，可認為訂單關閉。系統100可使物件615的識別符與第二客戶訂單相關聯。在稍後時間，但在第一訂單及第二訂單已關閉之前，在系統100中接收到第三電子客戶訂單630。系統100可使物件615的識別符與第三客戶訂單相關聯。在稍後時間，但在第一訂單、第二訂單以及第三訂單已關閉之前，在系統100中接收到第四電子客戶訂單640。系統100可使物件615的識別符與第四客戶訂單相關聯。在此實例中，第一客戶訂單610、第二客戶訂單620、第三客戶訂單630以及第四客戶訂單包含物件615的識別符。A second electronic customer order 620 for item 615 is received in system 100 some time after the first customer order but before the first order has been closed. In some embodiments, an order may be considered closed when it is canceled by the customer or delivered to the address or location associated with the order. System 100 can associate the identifier of item 615 with the second customer order. At a later time, but before the first and second orders have been closed, a third electronic customer order 630 is received in the system 100 . System 100 can associate the identifier of item 615 with the third customer order. At a later time, but before the first order, the second order, and the third order have been closed, a fourth electronic customer order 640 is received in the system 100 . System 100 can associate the identifier of item 615 with the fourth customer order. In this example, first customer order 610 , second customer order 620 , third customer order 630 , and fourth customer order include an identifier for item 615 .

在650處，系統100可比較第一客戶訂單的運送度量、第二客戶訂單的運送度量、第三客戶訂單的運送度量以及第四客戶訂單的運送度量，以判定訂單的優先順序。如上文所論述，比較可包含允許對待獲得的客戶訂單的優先順序進行排序的對值、分數或資料的任何計算或操控。在一些實施例中，SAT 101、FO 113、SOT 111或WMS 119可藉由直接比較第一運送度量、第二運送度量、第三運送度量以及第四運送度量來判定運送優先順序。在此情況下，判定具有較高值（且由此，優先順序）的運送度量具有最高優先順序。在一些實施例中，SAT 101、FO 113、SOT 111或WMS 119可經由統計分析或用以判定運送優先順序的其他資料分析來判定運送優先順序。在此實例中，第三客戶訂單被視為具有最高優先順序。系統100可將重新指定所獲取物件615的指令發送至第三客戶訂單。重新指定可包含利用改變更新資料庫或檔案，以及將重新指定的指示傳輸至輸出裝置，諸如使用者介面裝置302或裝置107A至裝置107C或裝置119A至裝置119C。所獲取物件615可接著經包裝660（若尚未包裝），且遞送至與第三訂單630相關聯的地址或位置。可接著填寫剩餘訂單。在一些實施例中，可再評估剩餘訂單以判定優先順序。At 650, the system 100 may compare the shipping metrics of the first customer order, the second customer order, the third customer order, and the fourth customer order to prioritize the orders. As discussed above, the comparison may include any calculation or manipulation of values, scores, or data that allow prioritization of customer orders to be obtained. In some embodiments, SAT 101 , FO 113 , SOT 111 , or WMS 119 may determine shipment priority by directly comparing the first shipment metric, the second shipment metric, the third shipment metric, and the fourth shipment metric. In this case, the shipping metric that is determined to have a higher value (and thus priority) has the highest priority. In some embodiments, SAT 101 , FO 113 , SOT 111 , or WMS 119 may determine shipping priorities via statistical analysis or other data analysis used to determine shipping priorities. In this example, the third customer order is considered to have the highest priority. The system 100 can send an instruction to respecify the acquired item 615 to the third customer order. Reassignment may include updating a database or file with the changes, and transmitting an indication of the reassignment to an output device, such as user interface device 302 or device 107A to device 107C or device 119A to device 119C. The acquired item 615 may then be packaged 660 (if not already packaged) and delivered to the address or location associated with the third order 630 . The rest of the order can then be filled. In some embodiments, remaining orders may be re-evaluated to determine priority.

在一些實施例中，一旦共同物件的指定已自初始訂單改變至不同訂單且已由輸出裝置列印新標記或條碼，方法結束。舉例而言，若輸出裝置已列印指示向第三訂單630重新指定物件615的新標記，則不管第四客戶訂單640的運送度量可能高至什麼程度，皆不發生對第四客戶訂單640的重新指定。在其他實施例中，可能重新指定物件615直至物件615已遞送為止。舉例而言，與遞送駕駛員相關聯的行動裝置可自系統100接收列印新標記且將其貼附至包裹的通知。In some embodiments, the method ends once the designation of the common item has changed from the original order to a different order and a new indicia or barcode has been printed by the output device. For example, if the output device has printed a new indicia indicating that the item 615 is reassigned to the third order 630, no violation of the fourth customer order 640 will occur regardless of how high the shipping metrics of the fourth customer order 640 may be. Reassign. In other embodiments, item 615 may be reassigned until item 615 has been delivered. For example, a mobile device associated with a delivery driver may receive a notification from the system 100 that a new label is printed and attached to the package.

現參考圖7，其示出動態包裝優先順序的實例及由系統100以及FC的雇員執行的對應任務。在圖7中，行705處指示時間線。在此實例中，時間線705在上午10:00開始且進行至上午10:20。雖然時間線705以分鐘為單位繪示，但應理解，任務或步驟可以更小或更大的時間增量進行。行710示出進入的客戶訂單。如上文所論述，可由外部前端系統103自使用者裝置102A、使用者裝置102B、自賣方入口網站109或自系統100內的另一輸入裝置接收到訂單。行715示出由系統100執行的操作。操作可由系統的任何部分（諸如SAT 101、FO 113、SOT 111或WMS 119）執行。行720示出由揀貨員執行的任務。揀貨員可包含能夠自FC內的位置獲得物件的任何個人或機器人裝置。行725示出由包裝員執行的任務。包裝員可包含能夠包裝或準備用於運送的物件的任何個人或機器人裝置。Reference is now made to FIG. 7, which illustrates an example of dynamic packaging prioritization and corresponding tasks performed by the system 100 and employees of the FC. In FIG. 7 , a timeline is indicated at row 705 . In this example, timeline 705 begins at 10:00 am and proceeds to 10:20 am. Although timeline 705 is depicted in minutes, it should be understood that tasks or steps may be performed in smaller or larger time increments. Row 710 shows incoming customer orders. As discussed above, the order may be received by the external front-end system 103 from the user device 102A, the user device 102B, from the vendor portal 109 , or from another input device within the system 100 . Row 715 illustrates operations performed by system 100 . Operations may be performed by any part of the system, such as SAT 101 , FO 113 , SOT 111 or WMS 119 . Row 720 shows the tasks performed by the pickers. Pickers may include any personal or robotic device capable of obtaining items from locations within the FC. Row 725 shows the tasks performed by the packer. A packer may include any personal or robotic device capable of packing or preparing items for shipping.

如所示出，在上午10:01時間處，由系統100接收到一個單位的物件A的第一客戶訂單（步驟505）。系統產生第一訂單的運送度量。在上午10:02，SAT 101、FO 113、SOT 111或WMS 119可產生獲得一個單位的物件A的通知。通知可經由如上文所論述的任何有線或無線通信通道發送至一或多個雇員、行動裝置或機器人裝置。在一些實施例中，通知可傳輸至與揀貨員相關聯的行動裝置，以指示揀貨員獲得一個單位的物件A。在上午10：05，揀貨員可自揀取區209揀取一個單位的物件A（步驟510）。在物件傳送至包裝區211時，在上午10:10接收到一個單位的物件A的第二客戶訂單。系統100產生第二客戶訂單的運送度量。在上午10:11，SAT 101、FO 113、SOT 111或WMS 119產生獲得與第二客戶訂單相關聯的一個單位的物件A的第二通知。同時，當在包裝區211處接收到時，包裝員掃描與物件A相關聯的產品識別符。回應於接收產品識別符的掃描，系統100執行未履行的訂單的搜尋且識別物件A的所有未履行的訂單（步驟515）。在此實例中，系統100識別第一客戶訂單及第二客戶訂單。系統100接著比較第一客戶訂單的運送度量與第二客戶訂單的運送度量，以判定哪一訂單具有優先順序（步驟520）。在此實例中，第二客戶訂單被視為比第一客戶訂單具有更高的優先順序。接著向第二客戶訂單重新指定物件，且諸如列印機的輸出裝置可列印出具有最高運送優先順序的第二客戶訂單的運送標記（步驟545）。包裝員可接著使用最初針對第一客戶訂單揀取的物件包裝第二客戶訂單。在上午10:14，回應於第二通知而自揀取區209揀取額外單位的物件A（步驟535）。在上午10:18，當在包裝區211中接收到物件A時，包裝員掃描與物件A相關聯的產品識別符，其提示系統100搜尋及識別物件A的任何未履行的訂單（步驟515）。在此實例中，僅保留第一客戶訂單，且因此，所述第一客戶訂單被視為具有最高運送優先順序。輸出裝置可列印出第一客戶訂單的運送標記。包裝員使用由於與第二客戶訂單相關聯的第二揀取任務而揀取的物件來完成對第一客戶訂單的包裝（步驟525）。As shown, at 10:01 am time, a first customer order for one unit of item A is received by system 100 (step 505). The system generates shipping metrics for the first order. At 10:02 AM, SAT 101 , FO 113 , SOT 111 or WMS 119 may generate a notification to acquire one unit of Item A. Notifications may be sent to one or more employees, mobile devices, or robotic devices via any wired or wireless communication channel as discussed above. In some embodiments, a notification may be transmitted to a mobile device associated with the picker, instructing the picker to obtain one unit of item A. At 10:05 am, the picker may pick a unit of item A from the picking area 209 (step 510 ). A second customer order for one unit of item A is received at 10:10 AM as the item is transferred to packing area 211 . The system 100 generates shipping metrics for the second customer order. At 10:11 AM, SAT 101 , FO 113 , SOT 111 or WMS 119 generates a second notification to get one unit of Item A associated with the second customer order. Simultaneously, the packer scans the product identifier associated with item A when received at packing area 211 . In response to receiving the scan of the product identifier, the system 100 performs an unfulfilled order search and identifies all unfulfilled orders for Item A (step 515 ). In this example, the system 100 identifies a first customer order and a second customer order. The system 100 then compares the shipping metrics of the first customer order to the shipping metrics of the second customer order to determine which order has priority (step 520 ). In this example, the second customer order is considered to have higher priority than the first customer order. The item is then reassigned to the second customer order, and an output device such as a printer may print out a shipping indicia for the second customer order with the highest shipping priority (step 545). The packer may then pack the second customer order using the items originally picked for the first customer order. At 10:14 am, an additional unit of item A is picked from the picking area 209 in response to the second notification (step 535 ). At 10:18 AM, when item A is received in packing area 211, the packer scans the product identifier associated with item A, which prompts system 100 to search for and identify any outstanding orders for item A (step 515) . In this example, only the first customer order is kept, and therefore, is considered to have the highest shipping priority. The output device can print out the shipping mark of the first customer order. The packer completes packaging of the first customer order using the items picked due to the second pick task associated with the second customer order (step 525 ).

現參考圖8，其示出與所揭露實施例一致的用於產生遞送車輛的裝載配置的視覺表示的過程800的例示性流程圖。應瞭解，流程圖為過程的步驟的例示性順序，且步驟亦可以其他順序進行。另外，可基於應用及使用者需求來添加、省略、跳過、重複或修改步驟。Reference is now made to FIG. 8 , which shows an illustrative flowchart of a process 800 for generating a visual representation of a delivery vehicle's stowage configuration, consistent with disclosed embodiments. It should be understood that the flowcharts are an exemplary order of steps of a process and that the steps may be performed in other orders. Additionally, steps may be added, omitted, skipped, repeated or modified based on application and user needs.

在步驟810中，系統100的一或多個電腦實行系統可識別包括儲存空間的遞送車輛（例如，遞送卡車201）。在一些實施例中，系統100的運輸系統107可基於例如儲存空間需求、遞送路線特性、遞送卡車工作者經歷或分類或其他資料來識別遞送車輛。舉例而言，運輸系統107可識別用於具有狹窄道路的遞送路線的小型遞送車輛，且值班的遞送卡車工作者（例如，卡車駕駛員）可僅具有針對小型運輸車輛的有效駕駛許可證。在一些實施例中，運輸系統107可基於儲存空間需求來識別遞送車輛。舉例而言，若存在裝滿待在一個遞送路線或子路線上遞送的物件的20個容器，則系統100可推薦包括更多儲存空間的更大遞送車輛。In step 810 , one or more computer-implemented systems of system 100 may identify a delivery vehicle (eg, delivery truck 201 ) that includes storage space. In some embodiments, the transportation system 107 of the system 100 may identify a delivery vehicle based on, for example, storage space requirements, delivery route characteristics, delivery truck worker experience or classification, or other data. For example, the transportation system 107 may identify small delivery vehicles for delivery routes with narrow roads, and delivery truck workers (eg, truck drivers) on duty may only have valid driving permits for small delivery vehicles. In some embodiments, the transportation system 107 may identify delivery vehicles based on storage space requirements. For example, if there are 20 containers full of items to be delivered on one delivery route or sub-route, the system 100 may recommend a larger delivery vehicle that includes more storage space.

在步驟820中，系統100的一或多個電腦實行系統（諸如運輸系統107）可將顯示判定遞送卡車內的儲存空間的配置的指示的指令發送至使用者介面裝置。在一些實施例中，遞送卡車可包括儲存隔室中的內置式儲存空間，例如櫃、架、貨架、籠等。舉例而言，遞送卡車可包括儲存隔室以容納諸如輪式籠的可移式儲存單元。In step 820, one or more computer-implemented systems of system 100, such as transportation system 107, may send instructions to the user interface device to display instructions determining the configuration of storage spaces within the delivery truck. In some embodiments, the delivery truck may include built-in storage spaces, such as cabinets, racks, shelves, cages, etc., in storage compartments. For example, a delivery truck may include storage compartments to accommodate removable storage units such as wheeled cages.

在一些實施例中，可使用儲存空間識別符或容器載體識別符來識別出遞送卡車中的每一儲存空間。容器載體識別符可包括條碼、標記、標籤或QR碼。容器載體識別符可包含與容器載體360在遞送卡車的儲存隔室內的位置相關聯的資訊。舉例而言，可抵靠儲存隔室的後壁配置四個容器載體360，自左至右標記為360_1至360_4（圖3中未示出）。因此，可將位於遞送卡車的儲存隔室的左後角的容器載體識別為容器載體360_1，且將位於遞送卡車的儲存隔室的右後角的容器載體識別為容器載體360_4。在一些實施例中，遞送卡車可包括內置式儲存空間，每一儲存空間具有儲存空間識別符。In some embodiments, each storage space in a delivery truck may be identified using a storage space identifier or a container carrier identifier. Container carrier identifiers may include barcodes, labels, labels or QR codes. The container carrier identifier may include information associated with the location of the container carrier 360 within the storage compartment of the delivery truck. For example, four container carriers 360 , labeled 360_1 to 360_4 from left to right (not shown in FIG. 3 ), can be arranged against the rear wall of the storage compartment. Thus, the container carrier located in the rear left corner of the storage compartment of the delivery truck can be identified as container carrier 360_1 and the container carrier located in the rear right corner of the storage compartment of the delivery truck can be identified as container carrier 360_4. In some embodiments, the delivery truck may include built-in storage spaces, each storage space having a storage space identifier.

在一些實施例中，遞送卡車工作者（例如，駕駛員或裝載員）可例如藉由掃描儲存空間識別符來記錄遞送卡車中的內置式儲存空間的配置。在一些實施例中，系統100的資料庫可包括與遞送卡車中的儲存空間的配置相關聯的資訊。舉例而言，資料庫可包括與遞送卡車中的儲存空間的配置相關聯的資訊。In some embodiments, a delivery truck worker (eg, driver or loader) may record the configuration of the built-in storage space in the delivery truck, eg, by scanning the storage space identifier. In some embodiments, the database of system 100 may include information associated with the configuration of storage spaces in delivery trucks. For example, the database may include information associated with the configuration of storage spaces in delivery trucks.

在步驟830中，系統100的一或多個電腦實行系統（諸如運輸系統107）可針對每一容器產生容器識別符。容器識別符可包括條碼、標記、標籤或QR碼。容器識別符可包含與至少營地相關聯的資訊及用於含於容器中的物件的遞送路線。在一些實施例中，可基於待沿著路線遞送的物件的數目將一或多個容器指定給遞送路線。容器識別符可充當容器中的物件的最終預期遞送目的地的快速參考或指示。In step 830, one or more computer-implemented systems of system 100, such as transportation system 107, may generate a container identifier for each container. Container identifiers may include barcodes, labels, labels or QR codes. The container identifier may include information associated with at least a campsite and a delivery route for items contained in the container. In some embodiments, one or more containers may be assigned to a delivery route based on the number of items to be delivered along the route. The container identifier may serve as a quick reference or indication of the final intended delivery destination of the items in the container.

在步驟840中，系統100的一或多個電腦實行系統（諸如運輸系統107）可將顯示將容器裝載於遞送卡車的儲存空間中的指示的指令發送至使用者介面裝置。可以使得能夠在遞送期間快速接近物件以卸載的方式將容器裝載於遞送卡車上。In step 840, one or more computer-implemented systems of system 100, such as transport system 107, may send instructions to the user interface device displaying instructions to load the container into the storage space of the delivery truck. The container may be loaded onto the delivery truck in a manner that enables quick access to the item for unloading during delivery.

在步驟850中，系統100的一或多個電腦實行系統（諸如運輸系統107）可將顯示使每一容器與其置放於其中的儲存空間相關聯的指示的指令發送至使用者介面裝置。舉例而言，運輸系統107可將顯示掃描置放於儲存空間中的所有容器的容器識別符（例如，條碼）且掃描對應儲存空間識別符的指示的指令發送至使用者介面裝置。在一些實施例中，指令可包括使容器與儲存空間相關聯且將資訊上載至系統100的資料庫的步驟至步驟指令。In step 850, one or more computer-implemented systems of system 100, such as transport system 107, may send instructions to the user interface device to display an indication associating each container with the storage space in which it is placed. For example, the transportation system 107 may send an instruction to the user interface device showing an instruction to scan container identifiers (eg, barcodes) of all containers placed in the storage space and scan the corresponding storage space identifiers. In some embodiments, the instructions may include step-to-step instructions for associating a container with a storage space and uploading the information to a database of the system 100 .

在步驟860中，系統100的一或多個電腦實行系統（諸如運輸系統107）可基於在步驟850中建立的關聯來產生容器及儲存空間的裝載配置的視覺表示。在一些實施例中，裝載配置可以表格或視覺格式呈現給使用者（例如，遞送卡車駕駛員）。裝載配置可列印於紙上、顯示於使用者介面裝置上，或在開始其遞送輪次之前呈現給使用者。In step 860 , one or more computer-implemented systems of system 100 , such as transport system 107 , may generate a visual representation of the stowage configuration of the containers and storage spaces based on the associations established in step 850 . In some embodiments, the loading configuration may be presented to a user (eg, a delivery truck driver) in a tabular or visual format. The loading configuration can be printed on paper, displayed on a user interface device, or presented to the user before commencing its delivery round.

在一些實施例中，遞送卡車的裝載配置可顯示於遞送車輛的使用者介面顯示器上，例如遞送卡車的圖形使用者介面顯示螢幕上。在一些實施例中，可在完成遞送時更新裝載配置的視覺表示。舉例而言，當遞送卡車駕駛員將物件遞送至客戶且容器為空時，裝載配置的顯示器可指示已遞送置放於所述儲存空間中的容器中的物件。可在資料庫中更新此資訊，從而允許運輸系統107及/或系統100判定是否滿足承諾遞送日期及時間。In some embodiments, the loading configuration of the delivery truck may be displayed on a user interface display of the delivery vehicle, such as a graphical user interface display screen of the delivery truck. In some embodiments, the visual representation of the loading configuration may be updated when delivery is complete. For example, when a delivery truck driver delivers an item to a customer and the container is empty, the display of the loading configuration may indicate that the item placed in the container in the storage space has been delivered. This information can be updated in the database, allowing transportation system 107 and/or system 100 to determine whether the promised delivery date and time was met.

儘管已參考本揭露的特定實施例繪示及描述本揭露，但應理解，可在不修改的情況下在其他環境中實踐本揭露。已出於示出的目的呈現前述描述。前述描述並不詳盡且不限於所揭露的精確形式或實施例。修改及調適對所屬技術領域中具有通常知識者將自本說明書的考量及所揭露實施例的實踐顯而易見。另外，儘管將所揭露實施例的態樣描述為儲存於記憶體中，但所屬技術領域中具有通常知識者應瞭解，此等態樣亦可儲存於其他類型的電腦可讀媒體上，諸如次級儲存裝置，例如硬碟或CD ROM，或其他形式的RAM或ROM、USB媒體、DVD、藍光，或其他光碟機媒體。Although the disclosure has been illustrated and described with reference to particular embodiments thereof, it should be understood that the disclosure may be practiced in other environments without modification. The foregoing description has been presented for purposes of illustration. The foregoing description is not exhaustive and is not limited to the precise forms or embodiments disclosed. Modifications and adaptations will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the disclosed embodiments. Additionally, although aspects of the disclosed embodiments are described as being stored in memory, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that such aspects can also be stored on other types of computer-readable media, such as A secondary storage device such as a hard disk or CD ROM, or other form of RAM or ROM, USB media, DVD, Blu-ray, or other optical drive media.

基於書面描述及所揭露方法的電腦程式在有經驗開發者的技能內。各種程式或程式模組可使用所屬技術領域中具有通常知識者已知的技術中的任一者來創建或可結合現有軟體來設計。舉例而言，程式區段或程式模組可以或藉助於.Net框架（.Net Framework）、.Net緊密框架（.Net Compact Framework）（及相關語言，諸如視覺培基（Visual Basic）、C等）、爪哇（Java）、C++、目標-C（Objective-C）、HTML、HTML/AJAX組合、XML或包含爪哇小程式的HTML來設計。Computer programs based on the written description and disclosed methods are within the skill of experienced developers. Various programs or program modules can be created using any of the techniques known to those of ordinary skill in the art or can be designed in conjunction with existing software. For example, a program section or a program module can be implemented by means of .Net Framework (.Net Framework), .Net Compact Framework (.Net Compact Framework) (and related languages, such as Visual Basic, C, etc. ), Java (Java), C++, Objective-C (Objective-C), HTML, HTML/AJAX combination, XML, or HTML containing Java applets.

此外，儘管本文中已描述示出性實施例，但所屬技術領域中具有通常知識者將基於本揭露瞭解具有等效元件、修改、省略、（例如，各種實施例中的態樣的）組合、調適及/或更改的任何及所有實施例的範圍。申請專利範圍中的限制應基於申請專利範圍中所採用的語言來廣泛地解釋，且不限於本說明書中所描述或在本申請案的審查期間的實例。實例應視為非排他性的。另外，所揭露方法的步驟可以包含藉由對步驟重新排序及/或***或刪除步驟的任何方式修改。因此，希望僅將本說明書及實例視為示出性的，其中藉由以下申請專利範圍及其等效物的完整範圍指示真實範圍及精神。 Additionally, while illustrative embodiments have been described herein, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize, based on this disclosure, equivalent elements, modifications, omissions, combinations (eg, of aspects of various embodiments), scope of any and all embodiments for adaptation and/or modification. The limitations in the claims should be interpreted broadly based on the language employed in the claims and not limited to the examples described in this specification or during the prosecution of this application. Examples should be considered non-exclusive. In addition, the steps of the disclosed methods may include modification in any manner by reordering the steps and/or inserting or deleting steps. Accordingly, it is intended that the specification and examples be considered illustrative only, with a true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims and the full range of equivalents thereof.

100:網路 101:運送授權技術系統 102A、107A、107B、107C、119A、119B、119C:行動裝置 102B:電腦 103:外部前端系統 105:內部前端系統 107:運輸系統 109:賣方入口網站 111:運送及訂單追蹤系統 113:履行最佳化系統 115:履行通信報閘道 117:供應鏈管理系統 119:倉庫管理系統 121A、121B、121C:第3方履行系統 123:履行中心授權系統 125:勞動管理系統 200:履行中心 201、222:卡車 202A、202B、208:物件 203:入站區 205:緩衝區 206:叉車 207:卸貨區 209:揀貨區 210:儲存單元 211:包裝區 213:樞紐區 214:運輸機構 215:營地區 216:牆 218、220:包裹 224A、224B:遞送工作者 226:汽車 300:電腦實行系統 301:合流工作者 302:使用者介面裝置 305:訂單識別符 305A、305B、305C:子訂單識別符 320:第一儲存位置 324、324_1、324_2、344:儲存單元格 340:營地 342:儲存空間 350:容器 355:容器識別符 360、360_1~360_4:容器載體 400:過程 410、420、430、440、450、460、480、505、510、515、520、525、530、535、540、545、550、555、560、565、650、810、820、830、840、850、860:步驟 500、800:方法 600:操作 610:第一電子客戶訂單 615:識別符相關聯物件 620:第二電子客戶訂單 630:第三電子客戶訂單 640:第四電子客戶訂單 660:經包裝物件 705、710、715、720、725:行 100: Internet 101: Shipping Authorization Technology System 102A, 107A, 107B, 107C, 119A, 119B, 119C: mobile device 102B: Computer 103:External front-end system 105:Internal front-end system 107: Transportation system 109:Seller Portal 111: Shipping and Order Tracking System 113: Fulfillment Optimization System 115: Fulfillment communication report gateway 117: Supply chain management system 119: Warehouse management system 121A, 121B, 121C: 3rd party fulfillment systems 123: Fulfillment Center Authorization System 125: Labor management system 200: Fulfillment Center 201, 222: Trucks 202A, 202B, 208: objects 203: Inbound area 205: buffer 206: forklift 207: unloading area 209: Picking area 210: storage unit 211: Packing area 213: Hub area 214: Transport Agency 215: Camp area 216: wall 218, 220: Parcel 224A, 224B: delivery workers 226: car 300: Computer implementation system 301: Merge workers 302: User interface device 305: order identifier 305A, 305B, 305C: sub-order identifiers 320: the first storage location 324, 324_1, 324_2, 344: storage cells 340:Camp 342: storage space 350: container 355: container identifier 360, 360_1~360_4: container carrier 400: process 410, 420, 430, 440, 450, 460, 480, 505, 510, 515, 520, 525, 530, 535, 540, 545, 550, 555, 560, 565, 650, 810, 820, 830, 840, 850, 860: steps 500, 800: method 600: Operation 610: First electronic customer order 615: Identifier associated object 620: Second Electronic Customer Order 630: Third electronic customer order 640: Fourth electronic customer order 660: Packaged items 705, 710, 715, 720, 725: row

圖1A為與所揭露實施例一致的示出包括用於實現運送、運輸以及物流操作的通信的電腦化系統的網路的例示性實施例的示意性方塊圖。 圖1B描繪與所揭露實施例一致的包含滿足搜尋請求的一或多個搜尋結果以及交互式使用者介面元素的樣本搜尋結果頁（Search Result Page；SRP）。 圖1C描繪與所揭露實施例一致的包含產品及關於所述產品的資訊以及交互式使用者介面元素的樣本單一顯示頁（Single Display Page；SDP）。 圖1D描繪與所揭露實施例一致的包含虛擬購物車中的物件以及交互式使用者介面元素的樣本購物車頁。 圖1E描繪與所揭露實施例一致的包含來自虛擬購物車的物件以及關於購買及運送的資訊以及交互式使用者介面元素的樣本訂單頁。 圖2為與所揭露實施例一致的經組態以利用所揭露電腦化系統的例示性履行中心的圖解圖示。 圖3為與所揭露實施例一致的經組態以利用所揭露電腦化系統的例示性電腦化單一化包裹遞送系統的圖解說明。 圖4為與所揭露實施例一致的用於單一化包裹遞送的例示性過程流程的示意圖。 圖5為與所揭露實施例一致的用於動態包裝優先順序的例示性過程流程的示意圖。 圖6示出與所揭露實施例一致的例示性動態包裝優先順序操作。 圖7示出與所揭露實施例一致的動態包裝優先順序的實例及所執行的對應任務。 圖8為與所揭露實施例一致的用於產生遞送車輛的裝載配置的表示的例示性過程流程的示意圖。 FIG. 1A is a schematic block diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a network including a computerized system of communications for enabling shipping, transportation, and logistics operations, consistent with disclosed embodiments. FIG. 1B depicts a sample Search Result Page (SRP) including one or more search results and interactive user interface elements satisfying a search request, consistent with disclosed embodiments. FIG. 1C depicts a sample Single Display Page (SDP) including a product and information about the product, as well as interactive user interface elements, consistent with disclosed embodiments. Figure ID depicts a sample shopping cart page including items in a virtual shopping cart and interactive user interface elements consistent with disclosed embodiments. FIG. 1E depicts a sample order page including items from a virtual shopping cart along with information about purchase and shipping and interactive user interface elements consistent with disclosed embodiments. 2 is a diagrammatic illustration of an exemplary fulfillment center configured to utilize the disclosed computerized system, consistent with disclosed embodiments. 3 is a diagrammatic illustration of an exemplary computerized unitary package delivery system configured to utilize the disclosed computerized system, consistent with disclosed embodiments. 4 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary process flow for singularized package delivery consistent with disclosed embodiments. 5 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary process flow for dynamic packaging prioritization, consistent with disclosed embodiments. FIG. 6 illustrates exemplary dynamic wrapping prioritization operations consistent with disclosed embodiments. 7 illustrates an example of dynamic packaging prioritization and corresponding tasks performed consistent with disclosed embodiments. 8 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary process flow for generating a representation of a stowage configuration for a delivery vehicle, consistent with disclosed embodiments.

500:方法 500: method

505、510、515、520、525、530、535、540、545、550、555、560、565:步驟 505, 510, 515, 520, 525, 530, 535, 540, 545, 550, 555, 560, 565: steps

Claims (20)

一種用於包裹遞送的電腦實行系統，包括： 至少一個處理器，經組態以： 經由網路接收物件的第一電子客戶訂單，所述第一電子客戶訂單包括所述物件的識別符； 向所述第一電子客戶訂單指定第一運送度量； 將獲取所述第一電子客戶訂單的所述物件的指令傳輸至行動裝置； 接收指示已獲取第一物件的所述物件的產品識別符的掃描； 識別所述物件的第二電子客戶訂單； 比較所述第一運送度量與所述物件的所述第二電子客戶訂單的運送度量，以判定所述第一電子客戶訂單及所述第二電子客戶訂單的優先順序；以及 將所判定優先順序的指示傳輸至輸出裝置。 A computer-implemented system for package delivery comprising: At least one processor configured to: receiving a first electronic customer order for an item via a network, the first electronic customer order including an identifier for the item; assigning a first shipping metric to the first electronic customer order; transmitting to a mobile device instructions for obtaining said items of said first electronic customer order; receiving a scan of a product identifier of the item indicating that the first item has been acquired; identifying a second electronic customer order for the item; comparing the first shipping metric to shipping metrics for the second electronic customer order for the item to prioritize the first electronic customer order and the second electronic customer order; and An indication of the determined priority is transmitted to an output device. 如請求項1所述的用於包裹遞送的電腦實行系統，其中所述運送度量包含最遲可能打包時間、承諾遞送日期、承諾遞送時間、位置、地址、運送快遞以及運送方法中的至少一者。The computer-implemented system for package delivery of claim 1, wherein the shipping metrics include at least one of latest possible packing time, promised delivery date, promised delivery time, location, address, shipping courier, and shipping method . 如請求項1所述的用於包裹遞送的電腦實行系統，其中所述輸出裝置包括經組態以基於所判定的所述優先順序列印運送標記的列印機。A computer-implemented system for package delivery as recited in claim 1, wherein said output device includes a printer configured to print shipping indicia based on said determined priority. 如請求項1所述的用於包裹遞送的電腦實行系統，其中所述至少一個處理器更經組態以： 在所述第二電子客戶訂單的所述運送度量高於所述第一運送度量的情況下向所述第二電子客戶訂單重新指定所述物件。 The computer-implemented system for package delivery of claim 1, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to: The item is reassigned to the second electronic customer order if the shipping metric of the second electronic customer order is higher than the first shipping metric. 如請求項4所述的用於包裹遞送的電腦實行系統，其中所述至少一個處理器更經組態以： 將重新獲取所述第一電子客戶訂單的所述物件的指令傳輸至行動裝置。 The computer-implemented system for package delivery of claim 4, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to: Instructions are transmitted to a mobile device to reacquire the items of the first electronic customer order. 如請求項1所述的用於包裹遞送的電腦實行系統，其中所述輸出裝置包括行動裝置。The computer-implemented system for package delivery of claim 1, wherein the output device comprises a mobile device. 如請求項1所述的用於包裹遞送的電腦實行系統，其中所述至少一個處理器更經組態以： 識別所述物件的第三電子客戶訂單； 比較所述第一運送度量、所述第二電子客戶訂單的運送度量以及所述第三電子客戶訂單的運送度量，以判定所述第一電子客戶訂單、所述第二電子客戶訂單以及所述第三電子客戶訂單的優先順序；以及 將所判定的所述優先順序的指示傳輸至輸出裝置。 The computer-implemented system for package delivery of claim 1, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to: identifying a third electronic customer order for the item; comparing the first shipping metric, the second electronic customer order's shipping metric, and the third electronic customer order's shipping metric to determine the first electronic customer order, the second electronic customer order, and the Priority for Third Electronic Customer Orders; and An indication of the determined priority order is transmitted to an output device. 如請求項7所述的用於包裹遞送的電腦實行系統，其中所述至少一個處理器更經組態以： 將獲取未判定有優先順序的電子客戶訂單的所述物件的指令傳輸至行動裝置。 The computer-implemented system for package delivery of claim 7, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to: Instructions are transmitted to the mobile device to acquire the items of the electronic customer orders that have not been prioritized. 如請求項1所述的用於包裹遞送的電腦實行系統，其中所述第一電子客戶訂單另外包括多個物件，且其中所述至少一個處理器更經組態以： 產生揀取所述物件的通知且將所述通知發送至第一行動裝置；以及 產生包裝所述物件的通知且將所述通知發送至第二行動裝置，而不考慮所述多個物件中的剩餘物件的狀態。 The computer-implemented system for package delivery of claim 1, wherein said first electronic customer order additionally includes a plurality of items, and wherein said at least one processor is further configured to: generating a notification of picking the item and sending the notification to the first mobile device; and A notification to pack the item is generated and sent to the second mobile device regardless of the status of remaining items of the plurality of items. 一種用於包裹遞送的電腦實行系統，包括： 至少一個處理器，經組態以： 經由網路接收第一物件的第一電子客戶訂單，所述第一電子客戶訂單包括所述第一物件的識別符； 向所述第一電子客戶訂單指定第一運送度量； 將獲取所述第一電子客戶訂單的所述第一物件的指令傳輸至行動裝置； 經由所述網路接收所述第一物件的第二電子客戶訂單，所述第二電子客戶訂單包括所述第一物件的所述識別符； 向所述第二電子客戶訂單指定第二運送度量； 比較所述第一運送度量與所述第二運送度量以判定所述第一電子客戶訂單及所述第二電子客戶訂單的優先順序；以及 基於判定所述第二運送度量應具有比所述第一運送度量更高的優先順序： 將向所述第二電子客戶訂單重新指定所獲取的所述第一物件的指令發送至訂單追蹤系統，以及 將所述重新指定的指示傳輸至輸出裝置。 A computer-implemented system for package delivery comprising: At least one processor configured to: receiving a first electronic customer order for a first item via a network, the first electronic customer order including an identifier for the first item; assigning a first shipping metric to the first electronic customer order; transmitting to a mobile device an instruction to obtain the first item of the first electronic customer order; receiving a second electronic customer order for the first item via the network, the second electronic customer order including the identifier for the first item; assigning a second shipping metric to the second electronic customer order; comparing the first shipping metric to the second shipping metric to prioritize the first electronic customer order and the second electronic customer order; and Based on determining that the second shipping metric should have a higher priority order than the first shipping metric: sending instructions to an order tracking system to redesignate said acquired first item to said second electronic customer order, and An indication of the reassignment is transmitted to an output device. 如請求項10所述的用於包裹遞送的電腦實行系統，其中所述第一運送度量及所述第二運送度量的每一者包含最遲可能打包時間、承諾遞送日期、承諾遞送時間、位置、地址、運送快遞以及運送方法中的至少一者。The computer-implemented system for package delivery of claim 10, wherein each of said first shipping metric and said second shipping metric comprises latest possible packing time, promised delivery date, promised delivery time, location , address, shipping courier, and shipping method. 如請求項10所述的用於包裹遞送的電腦實行系統，其中所述輸出裝置包括列印機。The computer-implemented system for package delivery as recited in claim 10, wherein said output device comprises a printer. 如請求項10所述的用於包裹遞送的電腦實行系統，其中所述輸出裝置包括行動裝置。The computer-implemented system for package delivery of claim 10, wherein the output device comprises a mobile device. 如請求項10所述的用於包裹遞送的電腦實行系統，其中傳輸運送的所述優先順序的指示包含無線地傳輸所述指示。The computer-implemented system for package delivery of claim 10, wherein transmitting said indication of priority for shipment comprises wirelessly transmitting said indication. 如請求項10所述的用於包裹遞送的電腦實行系統，其中所述至少一個處理器更經組態以： 經由所述網路接收所述第一物件的第三電子客戶訂單，所述第三電子客戶訂單包括所述第一物件的所述識別符； 向所述第三電子客戶訂單指定第三運送度量； 比較所述第一運送度量、所述第二運送度量以及所述第三運送度量，以判定所述第一電子客戶訂單、所述第二電子客戶訂單以及所述第三電子客戶訂單的優先順序；以及 基於判定所述第三運送度量應具有比所述第一運送度量或所述第二運送度量更高的優先順序： 將向所述第三電子客戶訂單重新指定所獲取的所述第一物件的指令發送至所述訂單追蹤系統，以及 將所述重新指定的指示傳輸至所述輸出裝置。 The computer-implemented system for package delivery of claim 10, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to: receiving a third electronic customer order for the first item via the network, the third electronic customer order including the identifier for the first item; assigning a third shipping metric to said third electronic customer order; comparing the first shipping metric, the second shipping metric, and the third shipping metric to prioritize the first electronic customer order, the second electronic customer order, and the third electronic customer order ;as well as Based on determining that the third shipping metric should have a higher priority than either the first shipping metric or the second shipping metric: sending instructions to the order tracking system to redesignate the acquired first item to the third electronic customer order, and The indication of the reassignment is transmitted to the output device. 如請求項15所述的用於包裹遞送的電腦實行系統，其中所述至少一個處理器更經組態以： 在所述輸出裝置已列印運送標記的情況下防止重新指定所述第一物件。 The computer-implemented system for package delivery of claim 15, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to: Preventing reassignment of the first item if the output device has printed a shipping mark. 如請求項10所述的電腦實行系統，其中所述至少一個處理器更經組態以： 在所述輸出裝置已列印運送標記的情況下防止重新指定所述第一物件。 The computer-implemented system of claim 10, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to: Preventing reassignment of the first item if the output device has printed a shipping mark. 如請求項15所述的電腦實行系統，其中所述第一電子客戶訂單另外包括多個物件，且其中所述至少一個處理器更經組態以： 產生揀取所述第一物件的通知；以及 產生包裝所述第一物件的通知，而不考慮所述多個物件中的剩餘物件的狀態。 The computer-implemented system of claim 15, wherein the first electronic customer order additionally includes a plurality of items, and wherein the at least one processor is further configured to: generating a notification of picking up the first item; and A notification to package the first item is generated regardless of the status of remaining items of the plurality of items. 一種用於包裹遞送的電腦實行系統，包括： 至少一個處理器，經組態以： 經由網路接收第一物件的第一電子客戶訂單，所述第一電子客戶訂單包括所述第一物件的識別符； 向所述第一電子客戶訂單指定第一運送度量； 將獲取所述第一電子客戶訂單的所述第一物件的指令傳輸至行動裝置； 經由所述網路接收所述第一物件的第二電子客戶訂單，所述第二電子客戶訂單包括所述第一物件的所述識別符； 向所述第二電子客戶訂單指定第二運送度量； 經由網路接收所述第一物件的第三電子客戶訂單，所述第三電子客戶訂單包括所述第一物件的所述識別符； 比較所述第一運送度量、所述第二運送度量以及所述第三運送度量，以判定所述第一電子客戶訂單、所述第二電子客戶訂單以及所述第三電子客戶訂單的優先順序；以及 基於判定所述第二運送度量或所述第三運送度量應具有比所述第一運送度量更高的優先順序： 將向所述第二電子客戶訂單或所述第三電子客戶訂單重新指定所獲取的第一物件的指令發送至訂單追蹤系統，以及 將所述重新指定的指示傳輸至輸出裝置。 A computer-implemented system for package delivery comprising: At least one processor configured to: receiving a first electronic customer order for a first item via a network, the first electronic customer order including an identifier for the first item; assigning a first shipping metric to the first electronic customer order; transmitting to a mobile device an instruction to obtain the first item of the first electronic customer order; receiving a second electronic customer order for the first item via the network, the second electronic customer order including the identifier for the first item; assigning a second shipping metric to the second electronic customer order; receiving a third electronic customer order for the first item via a network, the third electronic customer order including the identifier for the first item; comparing the first shipping metric, the second shipping metric, and the third shipping metric to prioritize the first electronic customer order, the second electronic customer order, and the third electronic customer order ;as well as Based on determining that the second shipping metric or the third shipping metric should have a higher priority than the first shipping metric: sending an instruction to an order tracking system to redesignate the acquired first item to said second electronic customer order or said third electronic customer order, and An indication of the reassignment is transmitted to an output device. 如請求項19所述的用於包裹遞送的電腦實行系統，其中所述至少一個處理器更經組態以： 在所述輸出裝置已列印運送標記的情況下防止重新指定。 The computer-implemented system for package delivery of claim 19, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to: Prevents reassignment if the output device has already printed shipping marks.
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