Destination-Based Packing for Customer-Preferred Fulfillment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current automated inventory management systems lack the capability to pack ordered fungible and non-fungible goods according to customer preferences efficiently, especially in a mixed environment of automated and human-operated fulfillment processes.
Innovation Solution
An automated service model that includes a computing system with specialized software and databases, utilizing a combination of order processing, non-fungible goods fulfillment, automated order fulfillment, and delivery fulfillment tools, which allows for customer-preferred packing of goods through a Material Control System (MCS) that directs mobile robots to sort and pack items based on compatibility rules and customer-defined locations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If automated mobile robots are used to move inventory in and out of storage racks, then productivity and automation extent are improved, but the system lacks capability to pack goods according to customer preferences
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the fulfillment process into distinct phases: automated inventory retrieval by mobile robots, human-operated picking and packing at workstations, and automated delivery. This segmentation allows each phase to be optimized independently, with humans handling the complex decision-making for customer-preferred packing while robots handle repetitive transport tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary control system that coordinates between automated robots and human workers. The control system receives customer preferences, determines optimal packing configurations, and directs both robots and human operators, serving as a mediator that integrates automated efficiency with human adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If human operated transportation devices and automated robots are combined, then system versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile robots are designed with multi-functionality, serving both as automated inventory retrieval devices and as transport units that deliver goods to human workers. This universal design reduces the need for separate specialized equipment, thereby managing complexity while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges automated robotic operations with human-operated processes into a unified fulfillment workflow. The control system combines data from both automated inventory management and human packing operations, creating an integrated system that leverages the strengths of both approaches while managing complexity through centralized coordination.
3Ease of operation
If goods are packed according to customer preferences, then customer satisfaction is improved, but packing time and process complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-processing customer preferences and pre-determining optimal packing configurations before the actual packing occurs. The control system analyzes customer preferences in advance and prepares packing instructions, which reduces the time required during the actual packing execution phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where packing performance and customer preferences are continuously analyzed. The control system uses this feedback to optimize packing configurations and improve efficiency over time, balancing customer satisfaction with packing speed through data-driven decision-making.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method are disclosed relating to an automated store or system including an automated fulfillment section having a storage structure for storing fungible and/or non-fungible goods. The fungible and/or non-fungible goods may be retrieved from storage in response to a customer order. The system and method of the present technology allows retrieved fungible and/or non-fungible goods to be sorted and packed in accordance with stored customer preferences.