Targeted product distribution system and method
First Claim
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1. A method of identifying and correcting errors associated with a product transport tub for products for allowing automatic conveyance of the product transport tub throughout a distribution center, the method comprising the steps of:
- receiving an error signal at a central computer indicating that an error is associated with the product transport tub that will prevent the product transport tub from being automatically conveyed about the distribution center, wherein a touch-screen monitor is in communication with the central computer;
storing information related to the product transport tub and the error associated therewith in a database associated with the central computer;
transmitting from the central computer a first conveying signal for diverting the product transport tub from a normal workflow and conveying the product transport tub to a workstation for correction of the error;
receiving object identifier information originating from an object identifier located on the product transport tub from at least one of a bed scanner, a handheld scanner, a keyboard and the touch-screen monitor;
storing the object identifier information in the database associated with the central computer;
determining at the central computer a first set of instructions to transmit to the touch-screen monitor associated with the workstation and in communication with the central computer, the first set of instructions comprising a proper method of correcting the error associated with the product transport tub, based on information in the database;
transmitting the first set of instructions to the touch-screen monitor for displaying the first set of instructions on the touch-screen monitor;
receiving at the central computer a confirmation signal from a user that the first set of instructions have been implemented;
updating the database with correction information including information relating to the correction of the error; and
transmitting from the central computer a second conveying signal from the central computer for conveying the product transport tub back to the normal workflow within the distribution center.
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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.
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Citations
21 Claims
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1. A method of identifying and correcting errors associated with a product transport tub for products for allowing automatic conveyance of the product transport tub throughout a distribution center, the method comprising the steps of:
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receiving an error signal at a central computer indicating that an error is associated with the product transport tub that will prevent the product transport tub from being automatically conveyed about the distribution center, wherein a touch-screen monitor is in communication with the central computer; storing information related to the product transport tub and the error associated therewith in a database associated with the central computer; transmitting from the central computer a first conveying signal for diverting the product transport tub from a normal workflow and conveying the product transport tub to a workstation for correction of the error; receiving object identifier information originating from an object identifier located on the product transport tub from at least one of a bed scanner, a handheld scanner, a keyboard and the touch-screen monitor; storing the object identifier information in the database associated with the central computer; determining at the central computer a first set of instructions to transmit to the touch-screen monitor associated with the workstation and in communication with the central computer, the first set of instructions comprising a proper method of correcting the error associated with the product transport tub, based on information in the database; transmitting the first set of instructions to the touch-screen monitor for displaying the first set of instructions on the touch-screen monitor; receiving at the central computer a confirmation signal from a user that the first set of instructions have been implemented; updating the database with correction information including information relating to the correction of the error; and transmitting from the central computer a second conveying signal from the central computer for conveying the product transport tub back to the normal workflow within the distribution center. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A method of identifying and correcting errors associated with a product transport tub for allowing automatic conveyance of the product transport tub throughout a distribution center, the method comprising the steps of:
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receiving an error signal at a central computer indicating that an error is associated with the product transport tub that will prevent the product transport tub from being automatically conveyed about the distribution center, wherein a touch-screen monitor is in communication with the central computer; storing information related to the product transport tub and the error associated therewith in a database associated with the central computer; transmitting from the central computer a first conveying signal for diverting the product transport tub from a normal workflow and conveying the product transport tub to a workstation for correction of the error; receiving object identifier information originating from an object identifier located on the product transport tub from at least one of a bed scanner, a handheld scanner, a keyboard and the touch-screen monitor; confirming that the object identifier information accurately identifies and describes the product transport tub and the contents thereof; storing the object identifier information in the database associated with the central computer; determining at the central computer a first set of instructions to transmit to the touch-screen monitor associated with the workstation and in communication with the central computer, the first set of instructions comprising a proper method of correcting the error associated with the product transport tub, based on information in the database; transmitting the first set of instructions to the touch-screen monitor for displaying the first set of instructions on the touch-screen monitor; correcting the error associated with the product transport tub based on the information contained in the first set of instructions; receiving at the central computer a confirmation signal from a user that the first set of instructions have been implemented; updating the database with correction information including information relating to the correction of the error; and transmitting a second conveying signal from the central computer for conveying the product transport tub back to the normal workflow within the distribution center. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
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Specification