TARGETED PRODUCT DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM AND METHOD
First Claim
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1. A method of selecting products from a plurality of storage areas and shipping the selected products from a distribution center, the method comprising the steps of:
- receiving at a central computer a request, from a store, for product;
generating at the central computer a pick list, comprising a catalog of the products that have been requested by the store and a location for each of the products within the storage areas, wherein the pick list is generated based on information that is stored in a database associated with the central computer;
transmitting the pick list from the central computer to at least one storage area;
receiving a first signal at the central computer indicating that the requested products have been retrieved from storage;
transmitting from the central computer a first conveying signal to convey the retrieved products to a shipping station;
receiving a second signal at the central computer indicating that the retrieved products have arrived at the shipping station;
generating at the central computer a first set of instructions to transmit to a device, the first set of instructions comprising a proper method, order and orientation of manually loading the retrieved products on a truck, based on information in the database;
transmitting from the central computer the first set of instructions to the device;
receiving at the central computer a confirmation signal indicating that the retrieved products have been loaded on to the truck; and
updating the database to reflect which products have been loaded onto the truck.
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Abstract
A targeted product distribution system is described herein with respect to an exemplary management of product flow through a distribution center. Specifically, the system and method described herein is directed to the management and display of direct and easily-understood instructions, such that average individuals, as well as those with mental disabilities, will be able to contribute equally to the overall process.
35 Citations
25 Claims
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1. A method of selecting products from a plurality of storage areas and shipping the selected products from a distribution center, the method comprising the steps of:
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receiving at a central computer a request, from a store, for product; generating at the central computer a pick list, comprising a catalog of the products that have been requested by the store and a location for each of the products within the storage areas, wherein the pick list is generated based on information that is stored in a database associated with the central computer; transmitting the pick list from the central computer to at least one storage area; receiving a first signal at the central computer indicating that the requested products have been retrieved from storage; transmitting from the central computer a first conveying signal to convey the retrieved products to a shipping station; receiving a second signal at the central computer indicating that the retrieved products have arrived at the shipping station; generating at the central computer a first set of instructions to transmit to a device, the first set of instructions comprising a proper method, order and orientation of manually loading the retrieved products on a truck, based on information in the database; transmitting from the central computer the first set of instructions to the device; receiving at the central computer a confirmation signal indicating that the retrieved products have been loaded on to the truck; and updating the database to reflect which products have been loaded onto the truck. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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19. A method of selecting products from a plurality of storage areas and shipping the selected products from a distribution center, the method comprising the steps of:
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receiving at a central computer a request, from a store, for product; generating at the central computer a pick list, comprising a catalog of the products that have been requested by the store and a location for each of the products within the storage areas, wherein the pick list is generated based on information that is stored in a database associated with the central computer; transmitting the pick list from the central computer to at least one storage area; retrieving the products from the plurality of storage areas as indicated by the pick list; receiving a first signal at the central computer indicating that the requested products have been retrieved from storage; transmitting from the central computer a first conveying signal to convey the retrieved products to a shipping station; receiving a second signal at the central computer indicating that the retrieved products have arrived at the shipping station; generating at the central computer a first set of instructions to transmit to a device, the first set of instructions comprising a proper method, order and orientation of manually loading the retrieved products on a truck, based on information in the database; transmitting from the central computer the first set of instructions to the device; conveying the retrieved products from the shipping station to a loading area; arranging the retrieved products in an outline prior to loading the retrieved products on the truck; loading the retrieved products on the truck in the manner prescribed by the first set of instructions; receiving at the central computer a confirmation signal indicating that the retrieved products have been loaded on to the truck; and updating the database to reflect which products have been loaded onto the truck. - View Dependent Claims (20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25)
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Specification