Destination-Based Packing for Automated Fulfillment Orders
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current automated inventory management systems lack the capability to efficiently pack ordered fungible and non-fungible goods according to customer preferences, which is essential for fulfilling customer orders effectively.
Innovation Solution
An automated service model that includes an integrated system with order processing, automated order fulfillment, and delivery fulfillment, utilizing a combination of hardware and software components such as mobile robots and a centralized control system to manage inventory and pack goods based on customer-preferred destinations, employing a packing algorithm that considers item compatibility, dimensions, and weight to optimize bagging and delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If automated mobile robots and storage racks are used for inventory management, then automation extent and productivity are improved, but the capability to pack goods according to customer preferences is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the fulfillment process into distinct modules: automated inventory management, order processing, and destination-based packing. Each module operates independently but integrates through centralized control, allowing automated robots to handle storage while separate packing stations apply customer-specific packing rules for different destinations.
Solution Approach 2:
A centralized control system acts as an intermediary between the automated inventory management system and the packing process. This mediator receives customer preference data, determines optimal packing configurations for different destinations, and coordinates between automated retrieval systems and packing operations, enabling both automation and customization.
2Volume of stationary object
If goods are stored in stacked boxes on pallets in vertical racks, then storage density is improved, but accessibility and picking efficiency for specific destinations deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary sorting and grouping of goods by destination before final packing. Automated systems pre-position items in retrieval locations based on their destination, so when an order is processed, items are already organized and ready for efficient retrieval and packing according to customer-specific destination requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage and retrieval system is designed to be dynamic, with automated mobile robots that can adapt retrieval sequences based on destination priorities. The system dynamically adjusts picking sequences to optimize for current order requirements, allowing efficient access to stacked inventory while maintaining destination-based fulfillment capabilities.
Data Source
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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.