System and method for automatically releasing collections of goods for shipment

US6529797B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Dell Products L.P. · US

Inventors

• Richard M. Williams · Austin, US
• Mark Allen Pape · Austin, US
• Branden Clark Bickley · Austin, US
• Brian Hunt · Columbus, US
• William B. Muir · Round Rock, US
• Larry L. Roder · Georgetown, US
• Mariely Franzetti · Round Rock, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 5, 2001
• Grant date: Mar 4, 2003
• Expiry date: Mar 5, 2021

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G06Q10/0875
• WIPO field: IT methods for management
• WIPO sector: Electrical engineering

Abstract

A method for shipping items from a distribution facility according to customer orders may include a step of determining that the distribution facility contains all items requested in a customer order. The method may also include a step of determining that the requested items are a less-than-trailer-load (LTL) shipment. In response to determining that the distribution facility contains the requested items, a determination may be made as to whether sufficient pallet-build squares are available in the distribution facility to accommodate the requested items. In response to determining that sufficient pallet-build squares are available, the requested items may be automatically transported to an LTL dock in the distribution facility via one or more of the available pallet-build squares.