Automated replenishment notification systems and methods
First Claim
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1. A method for automated replenishment notification for manufacturing pieces, the method comprising:
- (a) positioning one or more manufacturing pieces on a rack;
(b) sensing a removal of one or more of the manufacturing pieces;
(c) automatically generating and sending an electronic order to a supplier of one or more of the removed manufacturing pieces in response to (b).
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Abstract
Automated replenishment notification is provided for manufacturing pieces. The removal of manufacturing pieces is sensed. Notifications, such as orders, are automatically generated and provided to suppliers in response to a sensed removal. Automatic notification allows for a minimum or maximum demand pull system to be implemented without user involvement to place an order or send an order. Order fulfillment may also be tracked. Where a time period passes without replenishment, a reminder or follow up message is automatically generated.
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Citations
31 Claims
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1. A method for automated replenishment notification for manufacturing pieces, the method comprising:
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(a) positioning one or more manufacturing pieces on a rack;
(b) sensing a removal of one or more of the manufacturing pieces;
(c) automatically generating and sending an electronic order to a supplier of one or more of the removed manufacturing pieces in response to (b). - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 27, 28, 29, 30)
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11. A system for automated replenishment notification for manufacturing pieces, the system comprising:
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a gravity feed rack;
a sensor adjacent to the gravity feed rack, the sensor positioned to sense a presence of a manufacturing piece on the gravity feed rack; and
a first processor connected with the sensor, the first processor operable to generate an electronic order in response to a signal from the sensor indicating a lack of the manufacturing piece and operable to communicate the order to a second processor. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 31)
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17. A method for automated replenishment notification for manufacturing pieces, the method comprising;
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(a) positioning a first type of manufacturing pieces on a first rack;
(b) positioning a second type of manufacturing pieces on a second rack;
(c) automatic sensing for removal of manufacturing pieces from the first and second racks;
(d) electronically communicating a first order to a supplier for the fist type of manufacturing pieces where removal of the first type of manufacturing pieces is sensed; and
(e) electronically communicating a second order to a supplier for the second type of manufacturing pieces where removal of the second type of manufacturing pieces is sensed;
wherein the first order is independent of removal of the second type of manufacturing pieces and the second order is independent of removal of the first type of manufacturing pieces. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19)
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20. A system for automated replenishment notification for manufacturing pieces, the system comprising:
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a plurality of racks;
a plurality of sensors adjacent to the plurality of racks, each sensor positioned to sense a presence of a manufacturing piece on a respective one of the plurality of racks; and
a processor connected with the plurality of sensors, the processor operable to generate orders independently for each of the racks in response to the sensors indicating a lack of manufacturing pieces on the racks, the processor operable to communicate the orders to a supplier.
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21. A method for automated replenishment notification for manufacturing pieces, the method comprising:
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(a) positioning one or more manufacturing pieces on a rack;
(b) sensing a removal of one or more of the manufacturing pieces;
(c) automatically generating and sending an electronic order to a supplier of one or more of the removed manufacturing pieces in response to (b);
(d) sensing a lack of replacement of the manufacturing pieces after a time period from one of (b) and (c); and
(e) electronically notifying in response to (d). - View Dependent Claims (22, 23, 24)
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25. A system for automated replenishment notification for manufacturing pieces, the system comprising:
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a rack;
a sensor adjacent to the rack, the sensor positioned to sense a presence of a manufacturing piece on the rack; and
a processor connected with the sensor, the processor operable to generate an electronic order in response to a signal from the sensor indicating a lack of the manufacturing piece, operable to communicate the electronic order to another processor, operable to sense a lack of replacement of the manufacturing piece after a time period in response to the sensor and operable to generate a notification in response to the lack of replacement. - View Dependent Claims (26)
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Specification