Method and apparatus for managing the allocation of items to processing stations in an order fulfillment process
US8952284B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 16, 2008 |
| Grant date | Feb 10, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 2, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG05B15/02
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
Various embodiments of a method and apparatus for managing the allocation of items to processing stations in an order fulfillment process are described. The apparatus for managing the allocation of items to processing stations in an order fulfillment process may include a conveyance mechanism including at least one item inducted into the conveyance mechanism. The apparatus for managing the allocation of items to processing stations in an order fulfillment process may also include an item allocation component. The item allocation component may be configured to assign the item to a particular sorting station of a group of multiple sorting stations. The item allocation component may determine the particular sorting station to which the item is assigned based upon a determined quantity of other items located at the particular sorting station and a determined quantity of other items en route to the particular sorting station.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.