U.S. patent application number 17/149030 was filed with the patent office on 2021-05-13 for computer-implemented systems and methods for transferring a return item to fulfillment centers for inventory management.
The applicant listed for this patent is COUPANG CORP.. Invention is credited to GyeongSuk JIN, Hyun Yop JUNG, Jae Hyun KIM, Jongwon LEE, Woojung PARK.
Application Number | 20210142278 17/149030 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005348540 |
Filed Date | 2021-05-13 |
![](/patent/app/20210142278/US20210142278A1-20210513\US20210142278A1-2021051)
United States Patent
Application |
20210142278 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
LEE; Jongwon ; et
al. |
May 13, 2021 |
COMPUTER-IMPLEMENTED SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TRANSFERRING A RETURN
ITEM TO FULFILLMENT CENTERS FOR INVENTORY MANAGEMENT
Abstract
Disclosed embodiments provide systems and methods related to
managing inventory by transferring return items to fulfillment
centers. A method for managing inventory comprises predicting a
zone within a fulfillment center for storing a return item,
generating identifiers, to be affixed at a tote containing at least
one return item, that facilitate receiving process at the predicted
fulfillment center, receiving, from a mobile device associated with
a fulfillment center, the generated identifiers for the tote
containing at least one return item, determining whether the tote
is transferred to correct fulfillment center, and storing at least
one return item contained in the tote in a database storing
inventory associated with the predicted fulfillment center.
Inventors: |
LEE; Jongwon; (Seoul,
KR) ; JIN; GyeongSuk; (Goyang, KR) ; PARK;
Woojung; (Hongcheon, KR) ; JUNG; Hyun Yop;
(Seoul, KR) ; KIM; Jae Hyun; (Seoul, KR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
COUPANG CORP. |
Seoul |
|
KR |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005348540 |
Appl. No.: |
17/149030 |
Filed: |
January 14, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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16738438 |
Jan 9, 2020 |
10922644 |
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17149030 |
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16534649 |
Aug 7, 2019 |
10565544 |
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16738438 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q 10/087 20130101;
G06Q 10/0837 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G06Q 10/08 20060101
G06Q010/08 |
Claims
1-20. (canceled)
21. A computer-implemented system for managing inventory by
transferring return items to fulfillment centers, comprising: one
or more memory devices storing instructions; and one or more
processors configured to execute the instructions to perform
operations comprising: receiving a return item identifier from a
first mobile device; determining the target fulfillment center
based on the received return item identifier; predicting a zone
within the target fulfillment center for stowing a return item
based on one or more parameters associated with the return item
identifier, the return item identifier being associated with the
return item; assigning the return item identifier to a return
identifier; assigning the predicted zone to the return identifier;
assigning the target fulfillment center to the return identifier;
receiving, from a second mobile device, the return identifier and a
location of the second mobile device, wherein the return identifier
is captured by the second mobile device from a tote; retrieving the
target fulfillment center and the predicted zone and comparing both
against the received location of the second mobile device;
transmitting, to the second mobile device and based on the
comparing, a request for stowing the return item; and assigning the
return item identifier to the predicted zone.
22. The computer-implemented system of claim 21, wherein the return
identifier is captured by the second mobile device scanning a
physical identifier affixed to the tote.
23. The computer-implemented system of claim 22, wherein the
physical identifier comprises at least one of: a barcode or a radio
frequency identifier (RFID) tag.
24. The computer-implemented system of claim 23, wherein the
physical identifier comprises a barcode printed by the first mobile
device in response to a request received from the one or more
processors.
25. The computer-implemented system of claim 23, wherein the
physical identifier is a barcode printed by a printer in response
to a request received from the one or more processors.
26. The computer-implemented system of claim 21, wherein at least
one of the parameters comprises at least one of: a priority level
of the return item identifier, a dimension of the return item, a
volume of the return item, a weight of the return item, a
temperature for storing the return item, a return item grade
associated with the return item identifier, or an expiration date
of the return item.
27. The computer-implemented system of claim 21, the operations
further comprising substituting the return item identifier for at
least one of: a waybill number, a reservation number, or a purchase
number associated with an inbound item.
28. The computer-implemented system of claim 21, the operations
further comprising enabling at least one customer device to order
the return item.
29. The computer-implemented system of claim 21, the operations
further comprising: determining a stowing error; and transmitting a
notification of the stowing error to the second mobile device.
30. The computer-implemented system of claim 21, wherein the return
identifier includes one or more tote identifiers.
31. The computer-implemented system of claim 21, wherein the
operations further comprise: receiving, from the second mobile
device, a workstation identifier; retrieving workstation
identifiers; determining whether the received workstation
identifier matches one of the retrieved workstation identifiers;
and when the received workstation identifier matches one of the
retrieved workstation identifiers: providing, for presentation via
the second mobile device, a first user interface; or when the
received workstation identifier does not match one of the retrieved
workstation identifiers: storing the received workstation
identifier, and transmitting, to the second mobile device, a second
user interface.
32. The computer-implemented system of claim 31, wherein: the first
user interface comprises a message indicating another device
associated with a worker is working at a workstation associated
with the received workstation identifier; and the second user
interface comprises a request for a return item identifier.
33. The computer-implemented system of claim 32, wherein the first
user interface further comprises a selectable interface element for
assigning the workstation to the second mobile device.
34. The computer-implemented system of claim 32, wherein the return
item identifier comprises a stock keeping unit (SKU) associated
with the return item.
35. The computer-implemented system of claim 21, wherein the return
identifier includes one or more tote identifiers.
36. The computer-implemented system of claim 21, wherein the
operations further comprise providing, for presentation via the
second mobile device, a user interface that includes a selectable
interface element for canceling the return identifier.
37. The computer-implemented system of claim 21, wherein the
operations further comprise: receiving, from the second mobile
device, a return item identifier which is not included in the
received return identifier; and providing, based on receiving the
return item identifier which is not included in the received return
identifier, a user interface for presentation via the first mobile
device.
38. The computer-implemented system of claim 21, wherein the
operations further comprise: determining identical return item
identifiers among the received return item identifiers; and
providing, based on determining identical return item identifiers
among the received return item identifiers, a user interface for
presentation via the first mobile device.
39. A computer-implemented method for managing inventory by
transferring return items to fulfillment centers, comprising:
receiving a return item identifier from a first mobile device;
determining the target fulfillment center based on the received
return item identifier; predicting a zone within the target
fulfillment center for stowing a return item based on one or more
parameters associated with the return item identifier, the return
item identifier being associated with the return item; assigning
the return item identifier to a return identifier; assigning the
predicted zone to the return identifier; assigning the target
fulfillment center to the return identifier; receiving, from a
second mobile device, the return identifier and a location of the
second mobile device, wherein the return identifier is captured by
the second mobile device from a tote; retrieving the target
fulfillment center and the predicted zone and comparing both
against the received location of the second mobile device;
transmitting, to the second mobile device and based on the
comparing, a request for stowing the return item; and assigning the
return item identifier to the predicted zone.
40. A computer-implemented system for managing inventory by
transferring return items to fulfillment centers, comprising: one
or more memory devices storing instructions; and one or more
processors configured to execute the instructions to perform
operations comprising: receiving a return item identifier from a
first mobile device; determining the target fulfillment center
based on the received return item identifier; predicting a zone
within the target fulfillment center for stowing a return item
based on one or more parameters associated with the return item
identifier, the return item identifier being associated with the
return item; assigning the return item identifier to a return
identifier; assigning the predicted zone to the return identifier;
assigning the target fulfillment center to the return identifier;
receiving, from a second mobile device, the return identifier and a
location of the second mobile device, wherein the return identifier
is captured by the second mobile device from a tote; retrieving the
target fulfillment center and the predicted zone and comparing both
against the received location of the second mobile device;
transmitting, to the second mobile device and based on the
comparing, a request for stowing the return item; assigning the
return item identifier to the predicted zone; enabling at least one
customer device to order the return item; and receiving an order
request for the return item from the at least one customer device.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to computerized
systems and methods for inventory management in fulfillment
centers. In particular, embodiments of the present disclosure
relate to inventive and unconventional systems relate to
computer-implemented systems, methods, and user interfaces for
efficiently transferring a return item from a return center to
fulfillment centers.
BACKGROUND
[0002] A return process is as important as sales for online
retailers. If the return process is challenging or leaves customers
frustrated, that negatively can lead to losing any future sales
from the frustrated customers. This can also lead to poor customer
satisfaction, and a review from the dissatisfied customer may
discourage potential sales from other buyers. However, the returns
processing is costly to retailers in two ways. First are the
shipping and handling costs. The process of reversing an online
order has many steps and includes the cost of the delivery as well
as the many touches, each of which comes with a labor cost, to move
a return item back into inventory stored in fulfillment centers. It
is inevitable that the expense will reduce profit margins. The
second type of cost is more difficult to quantify but the longer a
return item stays out of circulation and is unable to sold, the
less value it has and loss for the retailers.
[0003] To mitigate such problems, conventional inventory management
systems transfer a return item without defects from a return center
storing the return item to a fulfillment center for resale. In
order to transfer the return item from the return center, workers
in the return center place at least one return item in a pallet.
The return item, placed in the pallet, is then transferred to the
fulfillment center for resale. When the return item arrives at the
fulfillment center, it goes through receiving processes of a kind
that new products undergo. For example, when a return item arrives
at the fulfillment center, a worker associated with the fulfillment
center removes the return item from the pallet, scans a barcode
attached to the return item, counts a quantity of the return item,
places the return item in a tote, and scans a tote barcode
associated with the tote. When the worker scans the tote barcode,
the return item is stored in a database storing inventory within
the fulfillment in the conventional management systems. The
resources, however, may be better utilized by simplifying the
processes for transferring a return item from a return center to a
fulfillment center and receiving the return item at the fulfillment
center. For example, a computerized system may provide
unloading/receiving processes of a fulfillment center to a return
center enabling a return item to undergo unloading/receiving
processes at the return center to facilitate unloading/receiving
and stowing processes at the fulfillment center.
[0004] Therefore, there is a need for improved methods and systems
for transferring a return item from a return center to a
fulfillment center.
SUMMARY
[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a method
for managing inventory by transferring a return item from a return
center to a fulfillment center. The method may comprise operations.
The operations comprise receiving, from a first mobile device, a
return item identifier and a request for a return identifier to be
affixed to a tote containing return items for transferring to a
fulfillment center. The operations further comprise predicting a
zone within a predicted fulfillment center for stowing a return
item associated with the received return identifier. After
predicting a zone for stowing, the operations further comprise
modifying a database to assign a return item identifier to a return
identifier and a tote identifier associated with a tote containing
at least one return item, assign the predicted zone to the tote
identifier, and assign the fulfillment center and the tote
identifier to the return identifier. The operations further
comprise receiving, from a second mobile device, a return
identifier and a tote identifier. After receiving the identifiers,
the operations further comprise retrieving, from the database, a
fulfillment center assigned to the received return identifier and a
predicted zone assigned to the received tote identifier and
comparing both against a location of the second mobile. Based on
the comparison, the operations further comprise transmitting a
request, to the second mobile device, to stow the return items in
the tote in the target fulfillment center when the proper transfer
was processed, and modifying the database to assign a return item
identifier assigned to the received tote identifier to a predicted
zone assigned to the received tote identifier .
[0006] Another aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a
computer-implemented system for managing inventory by transferring
a return item from a return center to fulfillment centers. The
computer implemented system may include one or more memory devices
storing instructions. The computer-implemented system may also
include one or more processors configured to execute the
instructions to perform operations as discussed above.
[0007] Yet another aspect of the present disclosure is directed to
a computer-implemented system for resale of a return item including
processes from receiving a return request to stowing a return item
associated with the return request in a fulfillment center. The
computer implemented system may include one or more memory devices
storing instructions. The computer-implemented system may also
include one or more processors configured to execute the
instructions to perform operations as discussed above. The
operations further comprise receiving, from a user device
associated with a customer, a return request and a reason for
return, transmitting a pickup request to a mobile device associated
with a delivery worker to pick up a return item associated with the
return request and deliver the return item to a return center based
on the determination, and generating a return item identifier if
the return item is in condition of resale to be affixed to the
return item.
[0008] Other systems, methods, and computer-readable media are also
discussed herein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1A is a schematic block diagram illustrating an
exemplary embodiment of a network comprising computerized systems
for communications enabling shipping, transportation, and logistics
operations, consistent with the disclosed embodiments.
[0010] FIG. 1B depicts a sample Search Result Page (SRP) that
includes one or more search results satisfying a search request
along with interactive user interface elements, consistent with the
disclosed embodiments.
[0011] FIG. 1C depicts a sample Single Display Page (SDP) that
includes a product and information about the product along with
interactive user interface elements, consistent with the disclosed
embodiments.
[0012] FIG. 1D depicts a sample Cart page that includes items in a
virtual shopping cart along with interactive user interface
elements, consistent with the disclosed embodiments.
[0013] FIG. 1E depicts a sample Order page that includes items from
the virtual shopping cart along with information regarding purchase
and shipping, along with interactive user interface elements,
consistent with the disclosed embodiments.
[0014] FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic illustration of an exemplary
fulfillment center configured to utilize disclosed computerized
systems, consistent with the disclosed embodiments.
[0015] FIG. 3 is an exemplary flow chart of process for generating
identifiers to transfer at least one return item from a return
center to fulfillment center, consistent with the disclosed
embodiments.
[0016] FIG. 4 is an exemplary flow chart of process for receiving a
transferred return item at fulfillment center, consistent with the
disclosed embodiments.
[0017] FIG. 5A depicts an exemplary user interface of a mobile
device for requesting a workstation identifier in the form of a
barcode affixed to a workstation, consistent with the disclosed
embodiments.
[0018] FIG. 5B depicts an exemplary user interface 501 of a mobile
device 119B for requesting a return identifier in the form of a
barcode (RTO Barcode) affixed to a tote, consistent with the
disclosed embodiments.
[0019] FIG. 5C depicts an exemplary user interface 502 of a mobile
device 119B for requesting a tote identifier in the form of a
barcode affixed to a tote, consistent with the disclosed
embodiments.
[0020] FIG. 5D depicts an exemplary user interface of a mobile
device for displaying information associated with return items
associated with a return identifier affixed to a tote, consistent
with the disclosed embodiments.
[0021] FIG. 5E depicts an exemplary user interface of a mobile
device for displaying a completion message for transferring a tote
containing at least one return item from a return center to a
fulfillment center, consistent with the disclosed embodiments.
[0022] FIG. 5F depicts an exemplary user interface of a mobile
device for force quitting a process for receiving return items,
consistent with the disclosed embodiments.
[0023] FIG. 5G depicts an exemplary user interface of a mobile
device for displaying a message when a workstation is already
assigned to another mobile device, consistent with the disclosed
embodiments.
[0024] FIG. 5H depicts an exemplary user interface of a mobile
device for canceling the transmitted return identifier when mobile
device transmitted unintended return identifier to warehouse
management system, consistent with the disclosed embodiments.
[0025] FIG. 6 an exemplary flow chart of process 600 for processing
a request for returning an item, consistent with the disclosed
embodiments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0026] The following detailed description refers to the
accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference
numbers are used in the drawings and the following description to
refer to the same or similar parts. While several illustrative
embodiments are described herein, modifications, adaptations and
other implementations are possible. For example, substitutions,
additions, or modifications may be made to the components and steps
illustrated in the drawings, and the illustrative methods described
herein may be modified by substituting, reordering, removing, or
adding steps to the disclosed methods. Accordingly, the following
detailed description is not limited to the disclosed embodiments
and examples. Instead, the proper scope of the invention is defined
by the appended claims.
[0027] Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to
computer-implemented systems and methods configured for managing
inventories by transferring a return item to a fulfillment center.
The disclosed embodiments provide innovative technical features
that simplify processes for transferring a return item from a
return center to a fulfillment center. For example, the disclosed
embodiments predict a fulfillment center and a zone within the
fulfillment center to store a return item, enable a worker
associated with a return center to place a return item in a tote
according to a predefined rule of the predicted fulfillment center,
generate identifiers to be affixed to the tote for use with the
fulfillment center, and enable workers associated with the
fulfillment center to conveniently scan the generated identifiers
to perform unloading and receiving processes. Moreover, the return
item is already placed in the tote, thus it reduces processes of
placing at least one return item in a pallet at the return center
and placing at least one return item from the pallet to a tote at
the fulfillment center.
[0028] Referring to FIG. 1A, a schematic block diagram 100
illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a system comprising
computerized systems for communications enabling shipping,
transportation, and logistics operations is shown. As illustrated
in FIG. 1A, system 100 may include a variety of systems, each of
which may be connected to one another via one or more networks. The
systems may also be connected to one another via a direct
connection, for example, using a cable. The depicted systems
include a shipment authority technology (SAT) system 101, an
external front end system 103, an internal front end system 105, a
transportation system 107, mobile devices 107A, 107B, and 107C,
seller portal 109, shipment and order tracking (SOT) system 111,
fulfillment optimization (FO) system 113, fulfillment messaging
gateway (FMG) 115, supply chain management (SCM) system 117,
warehouse management system 119, mobile devices 119A, 119B, and
119C (depicted as being inside of fulfillment center (FC) 200),
3.sup.rd party fulfillment systems 121A, 121B, and 121C,
fulfillment center authorization system (FC Auth) 123, and labor
management system (LMS) 125.
[0029] SAT system 101, in some embodiments, may be implemented as a
computer system that monitors order status and delivery status. For
example, SAT system 101 may determine whether an order is past its
Promised Delivery Date (PDD) and may take appropriate action,
including initiating a new order, reshipping the items in the
non-delivered order, canceling the non-delivered order, initiating
contact with the ordering customer, or the like. SAT system 101 may
also monitor other data, including output (such as a number of
packages shipped during a particular time period) and input (such
as the number of empty cardboard boxes received for use in
shipping). SAT system 101 may also act as a gateway between
different devices in system 100, enabling communication (e.g.,
using store-and-forward or other techniques) between devices such
as external front end system 103 and FO system 113.
[0030] External front end system 103, in some embodiments, may be
implemented as a computer system that enables external users to
interact with one or more systems in system 100. For example, in
embodiments where system 100 enables the presentation of systems to
enable users to place an order for an item, external front end
system 103 may be implemented as a web server that receives search
requests, presents item pages, and solicits payment information.
For example, external front end system 103 may be implemented as a
computer or computers running software such as the Apache HTTP
Server, Microsoft Internet Information Services (IIS), NGINX, or
the like. In other embodiments, external front end system 103 may
run custom web server software designed to receive and process
requests from external devices (e.g., mobile device 102A or
computer 102B), acquire information from databases and other data
stores based on those requests, and provide responses to the
received requests based on acquired information.
[0031] In some embodiments, external front end system 103 may
include one or more of a web caching system, a database, a search
system, or a payment system. In one aspect, external front end
system 103 may comprise one or more of these systems, while in
another aspect, external front end system 103 may comprise
interfaces (e.g., server-to-server, database-to-database, or other
network connections) connected to one or more of these systems.
[0032] An illustrative set of steps, illustrated by FIGS. 1B, 1C,
1D, and 1E, will help to describe some operations of external front
end system 103. External front end system 103 may receive
information from systems or devices in system 100 for presentation
and/or display. For example, external front end system 103 may host
or provide one or more web pages, including a Search Result Page
(SRP) (e.g., FIG. 1B), a Single Detail Page (SDP) (e.g., FIG. 1C),
a Cart page (e.g., FIG. 1D), or an Order page (e.g., FIG. 1E). A
user device (e.g., using mobile device 102A or computer 102B) may
navigate to external front end system 103 and request a search by
entering information into a search box. External front end system
103 may request information from one or more systems in system 100.
For example, external front end system 103 may request information
from FO System 113 that satisfies the search request. External
front end system 103 may also request and receive (from FO System
113) a Promised Delivery Date or "PDD" for each product included in
the search results. The PDD, in some embodiments, may represent an
estimate of when a package containing the product will arrive at
the user's desired location or a date by which the product is
promised to be delivered at the user's desired location if ordered
within a particular period of time, for example, by the end of the
day (11:59 PM). (PDD is discussed further below with respect to FO
System 113.)
[0033] External front end system 103 may prepare an SRP (e.g., FIG.
1B) based on the information. The SRP may include information that
satisfies the search request. For example, this may include
pictures of products that satisfy the search request. The SRP may
also include respective prices for each product, or information
relating to enhanced delivery options for each product, PDD,
weight, size, offers, discounts, or the like. External front end
system 103 may send the SRP to the requesting user device (e.g.,
via a network).
[0034] A user device may then select a product from the SRP, e.g.,
by clicking or tapping a user interface, or using another input
device, to select a product represented on the SRP. The user device
may formulate a request for information on the selected product and
send it to external front end system 103. In response, external
front end system 103 may request information related to the
selected product. For example, the information may include
additional information beyond that presented for a product on the
respective SRP. This could include, for example, shelf life,
country of origin, weight, size, number of items in package,
handling instructions, or other information about the product. The
information could also include recommendations for similar products
(based on, for example, big data and/or machine learning analysis
of customers who bought this product and at least one other
product), answers to frequently asked questions, reviews from
customers, manufacturer information, pictures, or the like.
[0035] External front end system 103 may prepare an SDP (Single
Detail Page) (e.g., FIG. 1C) based on the received product
information. The SDP may also include other interactive elements
such as a "Buy Now" button, a "Add to Cart" button, a quantity
field, a picture of the item, or the like. The SDP may further
include a list of sellers that offer the product. The list may be
ordered based on the price each seller offers such that the seller
that offers to sell the product at the lowest price may be listed
at the top. The list may also be ordered based on the seller
ranking such that the highest ranked seller may be listed at the
top. The seller ranking may be formulated based on multiple
factors, including, for example, the seller's past track record of
meeting a promised PDD. External front end system 103 may deliver
the SDP to the requesting user device (e.g., via a network).
[0036] The requesting user device may receive the SDP which lists
the product information. Upon receiving the SDP, the user device
may then interact with the SDP. For example, a user of the
requesting user device may click or otherwise interact with a
"Place in Cart" button on the SDP. This adds the product to a
shopping cart associated with the user. The user device may
transmit this request to add the product to the shopping cart to
external front end system 103.
[0037] External front end system 103 may generate a Cart page
(e.g., FIG. 1D). The Cart page, in some embodiments, lists the
products that the user has added to a virtual "shopping cart." A
user device may request the Cart page by clicking on or otherwise
interacting with an icon on the SRP, SDP, or other pages. The Cart
page may, in some embodiments, list all products that the user has
added to the shopping cart, as well as information about the
products in the cart such as a quantity of each product, a price
for each product per item, a price for each product based on an
associated quantity, information regarding PDD, a delivery method,
a shipping cost, user interface elements for modifying the products
in the shopping cart (e.g., deletion or modification of a
quantity), options for ordering other product or setting up
periodic delivery of products, options for setting up interest
payments, user interface elements for proceeding to purchase, or
the like. A user at a user device may click on or otherwise
interact with a user interface element (e.g., a button that reads
"Buy Now") to initiate the purchase of the product in the shopping
cart. Upon doing so, the user device may transmit this request to
initiate the purchase to external front end system 103.
[0038] External front end system 103 may generate an Order page
(e.g., FIG. 1E) in response to receiving the request to initiate a
purchase. The Order page, in some embodiments, re-lists the items
from the shopping cart and requests input of payment and shipping
information. For example, the Order page may include a section
requesting information about the purchaser of the items in the
shopping cart (e.g., name, address, e-mail address, phone number),
information about the recipient (e.g., name, address, phone number,
delivery information), shipping information (e.g., speed/method of
delivery and/or pickup), payment information (e.g., credit card,
bank transfer, check, stored credit), user interface elements to
request a cash receipt (e.g., for tax purposes), or the like.
External front end system 103 may send the Order page to the user
device.
[0039] The user device may enter information on the Order page and
click or otherwise interact with a user interface element that
sends the information to external front end system 103. From there,
external front end system 103 may send the information to different
systems in system 100 to enable the creation and processing of a
new order with the products in the shopping cart.
[0040] In some embodiments, external front end system 103 may be
further configured to enable sellers to transmit and receive
information relating to orders.
[0041] Internal front end system 105, in some embodiments, may be
implemented as a computer system that enables internal users (e.g.,
employees of an organization that owns, operates, or leases system
100) to interact with one or more systems in system 100. For
example, in embodiments where network 101 enables the presentation
of systems to enable users to place an order for an item, internal
front end system 105 may be implemented as a web server that
enables internal users to view diagnostic and statistical
information about orders, modify item information, or review
statistics relating to orders. For example, internal front end
system 105 may be implemented as a computer or computers running
software such as the Apache HTTP Server, Microsoft Internet
Information Services (IIS), NGINX, or the like. In other
embodiments, internal front end system 105 may run custom web
server software designed to receive and process requests from
systems or devices depicted in system 100 (as well as other devices
not depicted), acquire information from databases and other data
stores based on those requests, and provide responses to the
received requests based on acquired information.
[0042] In some embodiments, internal front end system 105 may
include one or more of a web caching system, a database, a search
system, a payment system, an analytics system, an order monitoring
system, or the like. In one aspect, internal front end system 105
may comprise one or more of these systems, while in another aspect,
internal front end system 105 may comprise interfaces (e.g.,
server-to-server, database-to-database, or other network
connections) connected to one or more of these systems.
[0043] Transportation system 107, in some embodiments, may be
implemented as a computer system that enables communication between
systems or devices in system 100 and mobile devices 107A-107C.
Transportation system 107, in some embodiments, may receive
information from one or more mobile devices 107A-107C (e.g., mobile
phones, smart phones, PDAs, or the like). For example, in some
embodiments, mobile devices 107A-107C may comprise devices operated
by delivery workers. The delivery workers, who may be permanent,
temporary, or shift employees, may utilize mobile devices 107A-107C
to effect delivery of packages containing the products ordered by
users. For example, to deliver a package, the delivery worker may
receive a notification on a mobile device indicating which package
to deliver and where to deliver it. Upon arriving at the delivery
location, the delivery worker may locate the package (e.g., in the
back of a truck or in a crate of packages), scan or otherwise
capture data associated with an identifier on the package (e.g., a
barcode, an image, a text string, an RFID tag, or the like) using
the mobile device, and deliver the package (e.g., by leaving it at
a front door, leaving it with a security guard, handing it to the
recipient, or the like). In some embodiments, the delivery worker
may capture photo(s) of the package and/or may obtain a signature
using the mobile device. The mobile device may send information to
transportation system 107 including information about the delivery,
including, for example, time, date, GPS location, photo(s), an
identifier associated with the delivery worker, an identifier
associated with the mobile device, or the like. Transportation
system 107 may store this information in a database (not pictured)
for access by other systems in system 100. Transportation system
107 may, in some embodiments, use this information to prepare and
send tracking data to other systems indicating the location of a
particular package.
[0044] In some embodiments, certain users may use one kind of
mobile device (e.g., permanent workers may use a specialized PDA
with custom hardware such as a barcode scanner, stylus, and other
devices) while other users may use other kinds of mobile devices
(e.g., temporary or shift workers may utilize off-the-shelf mobile
phones and/or smartphones).
[0045] In some embodiments, transportation system 107 may associate
a user with each device. For example, transportation system 107 may
store an association between a user (represented by, e.g., a user
identifier, an employee identifier, or a phone number) and a mobile
device (represented by, e.g., an International Mobile Equipment
Identity (IMEI), an International Mobile Subscription Identifier
(IMSI), a phone number, a Universal Unique Identifier (UUID), or a
Globally Unique Identifier (GUID)). Transportation system 107 may
use this association in conjunction with data received on
deliveries to analyze data stored in the database in order to
determine, among other things, a location of the worker, an
efficiency of the worker, or a speed of the worker.
[0046] Seller portal 109, in some embodiments, may be implemented
as a computer system that enables sellers or other external
entities to electronically communicate with one or more systems in
system 100. For example, a seller may utilize a computer system
(not pictured) to upload or provide product information, order
information, contact information, or the like, for products that
the seller wishes to sell through system 100 using seller portal
109.
[0047] Shipment and order tracking system 111, in some embodiments,
may be implemented as a computer system that receives, stores, and
forwards information regarding the location of packages containing
products ordered by customers (e.g., by a user using devices
102A-102B). In some embodiments, shipment and order tracking system
111 may request or store information from web servers (not
pictured) operated by shipping companies that deliver packages
containing products ordered by customers.
[0048] In some embodiments, shipment and order tracking system 111
may request and store information from systems depicted in system
100. For example, shipment and order tracking system 111 may
request information from transportation system 107. As discussed
above, transportation system 107 may receive information from one
or more mobile devices 107A-107C (e.g., mobile phones, smart
phones, PDAs, or the like) that are associated with one or more of
a user (e.g., a delivery worker) or a vehicle (e.g., a delivery
truck). In some embodiments, shipment and order tracking system 111
may also request information from warehouse management system (WMS)
119 to determine the location of individual products inside of a
fulfillment center (e.g., fulfillment center 200). Shipment and
order tracking system 111 may request data from one or more of
transportation system 107 or WMS 119, process it, and present it to
a device (e.g., user devices 102A and 102B) upon request.
[0049] Fulfillment optimization (FO) system 113, in some
embodiments, may be implemented as a computer system that stores
information for customer orders from other systems (e.g., external
front end system 103 and/or shipment and order tracking system
111). FO system 113 may also store information describing where
particular items are held or stored. For example, certain items may
be stored only in one fulfillment center, while certain other items
may be stored in multiple fulfillment centers. In still other
embodiments, certain fulfillment centers may be designed to store
only a particular set of items (e.g., fresh produce or frozen
products). FO system 113 stores this information as well as
associated information (e.g., quantity, size, date of receipt,
expiration date, etc.).
[0050] FO system 113 may also calculate a corresponding PDD
(promised delivery date) for each product. The PDD, in some
embodiments, may be based on one or more factors. For example, FO
system 113 may calculate a PDD for a product based on a past demand
for a product (e.g., how many times that product was ordered during
a period of time), an expected demand for a product (e.g., how many
customers are forecast to order the product during an upcoming
period of time), a network-wide past demand indicating how many
products were ordered during a period of time, a network-wide
expected demand indicating how many products are expected to be
ordered during an upcoming period of time, one or more counts of
the product stored in each fulfillment center 200, which
fulfillment center stores each product, expected or current orders
for that product, or the like.
[0051] In some embodiments, FO system 113 may determine a PDD for
each product on a periodic basis (e.g., hourly) and store it in a
database for retrieval or sending to other systems (e.g., external
front end system 103, SAT system 101, shipment and order tracking
system 111). In other embodiments, FO system 113 may receive
electronic requests from one or more systems (e.g., external front
end system 103, SAT system 101, shipment and order tracking system
111) and calculate the PDD on demand.
[0052] Fulfillment messaging gateway (FMG) 115, in some
embodiments, may be implemented as a computer system that receives
a request or response in one format or protocol from one or more
systems in system 100, such as FO system 113, converts it to
another format or protocol, and forward it in the converted format
or protocol to other systems, such as WMS 119 or 3.sup.rd party
fulfillment systems 121A, 121B, or 121C, and vice versa.
[0053] Supply chain management (SCM) system 117, in some
embodiments, may be implemented as a computer system that performs
forecasting functions. For example, SCM system 117 may forecast a
level of demand for a particular product based on, for example,
based on a past demand for products, an expected demand for a
product, a network-wide past demand, a network-wide expected
demand, a count products stored in each fulfillment center 200,
expected or current orders for each product, or the like. In
response to this forecasted level and the amount of each product
across all fulfillment centers, SCM system 117 may generate one or
more purchase orders to purchase and stock a sufficient quantity to
satisfy the forecasted demand for a particular product.
[0054] Warehouse management system (WMS) 119, in some embodiments,
may be implemented as a computer system that monitors workflow. For
example, WMS 119 may receive event data from individual devices
(e.g., devices 107A-107C or 119A-119C) indicating discrete events.
For example, WMS 119 may receive event data indicating the use of
one of these devices to scan a package. As discussed below with
respect to fulfillment center 200 and FIG. 2, during the
fulfillment process, a package identifier (e.g., a barcode or RFID
tag data) may be scanned or read by machines at particular stages
(e.g., automated or handheld barcode scanners, RFID readers,
high-speed cameras, devices such as tablet 119A, mobile device/PDA
1198, computer 119C, or the like). WMS 119 may store each event
indicating a scan or a read of a package identifier in a
corresponding database (not pictured) along with the package
identifier, a time, date, location, user identifier, or other
information, and may provide this information to other systems
(e.g., shipment and order tracking system 111).
[0055] WMS 119, in some embodiments, may store information
associating one or more devices (e.g., devices 107A-107C or
119A-119C) with one or more users associated with system 100. For
example, in some situations, a user (such as a part- or full-time
employee) may be associated with a mobile device in that the user
owns the mobile device (e.g., the mobile device is a smartphone).
In other situations, a user may be associated with a mobile device
in that the user is temporarily in custody of the mobile device
(e.g., the user checked the mobile device out at the start of the
day, will use it during the day, and will return it at the end of
the day).
[0056] WMS 119, in some embodiments, may maintain a work log for
each user associated with system 100. For example, WMS 119 may
store information associated with each employee, including any
assigned processes (e.g., unloading trucks, picking items from a
pick zone, rebin wall work, packing items), a user identifier, a
location (e.g., a floor or zone in a fulfillment center 200), a
number of units moved through the system by the employee (e.g.,
number of items picked, number of items packed), an identifier
associated with a device (e.g., devices 119A-119C), or the like. In
some embodiments, WMS 119 may receive check-in and check-out
information from a timekeeping system, such as a timekeeping system
operated on a device 119A-119C.
[0057] 3.sup.rd party fulfillment (3PL) systems 121A-121C, in some
embodiments, represent computer systems associated with third-party
providers of logistics and products. For example, while some
products are stored in fulfillment center 200 (as discussed below
with respect to FIG. 2), other products may be stored off-site, may
be produced on demand, or may be otherwise unavailable for storage
in fulfillment center 200. 3PL systems 121A-121C may be configured
to receive orders from FO system 113 (e.g., through FMG 115) and
may provide products and/or services (e.g., delivery or
installation) to customers directly. In some embodiments, one or
more of 3PL systems 121A-121C may be part of system 100, while in
other embodiments, one or more of 3PL systems 121A-121C may be
outside of system 100 (e.g., owned or operated by a third-party
provider).
[0058] Fulfillment Center Auth system (FC Auth) 123, in some
embodiments, may be implemented as a computer system with a variety
of functions. For example, in some embodiments, FC Auth 123 may act
as a single-sign on (SSO) service for one or more other systems in
system 100. For example, FC Auth 123 may enable a user to log in
via internal front end system 105, determine that the user has
similar privileges to access resources at shipment and order
tracking system 111, and enable the user to access those privileges
without requiring a second log in process. FC Auth 123, in other
embodiments, may enable users (e.g., employees) to associate
themselves with a particular task. For example, some employees may
not have an electronic device (such as devices 119A-119C) and may
instead move from task to task, and zone to zone, within a
fulfillment center 200, during the course of a day. FC Auth 123 may
be configured to enable those employees to indicate what task they
are performing and what zone they are in at different times of
day.
[0059] Labor management system (LMS) 125, in some embodiments, may
be implemented as a computer system that stores attendance and
overtime information for employees (including full-time and
part-time employees). For example, LMS 125 may receive information
from FC Auth 123, WMA 119, devices 119A-119C, transportation system
107, and/or devices 107A-107C.
[0060] The particular configuration depicted in FIG. 1A is an
example only. For example, while FIG. 1A depicts FC Auth system 123
connected to FO system 113, not all embodiments require this
particular configuration. Indeed, in some embodiments, the systems
in system 100 may be connected to one another through one or more
public or private networks, including the Internet, an Intranet, a
WAN (Wide-Area Network), a MAN (Metropolitan-Area Network), a
wireless network compliant with the IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n Standards, a
leased line, or the like. In some embodiments, one or more of the
systems in system 100 may be implemented as one or more virtual
servers implemented at a data center, server farm, or the like.
[0061] FIG. 2 depicts a fulfillment center 200. Fulfillment center
200 is an example of a physical location that stores items for
shipping to customers when ordered. Fulfillment center (FC) 200 may
be divided into multiple zones, each of which are depicted in FIG.
2. These "zones," in some embodiments, may be thought of as virtual
divisions between different stages of a process of receiving items,
storing the items, retrieving the items, and shipping the items. So
while the "zones" are depicted in FIG. 2, other divisions of zones
are possible, and the zones in FIG. 2 may be omitted, duplicated,
or modified in some embodiments.
[0062] Inbound zone 203 represents an area of FC 200 where items
are received from sellers who wish to sell products using system
100 from FIG. 1A. For example, a seller may deliver items 202A and
202B using truck 201. Item 202A may represent a single item large
enough to occupy its own shipping pallet, while item 202B may
represent a set of items that are stacked together on the same
pallet to save space.
[0063] A worker will receive the items in inbound zone 203 and may
optionally check the items for damage and correctness using a
computer system (not pictured). For example, the worker may use a
computer system to compare the quantity of items 202A and 202B to
an ordered quantity of items. If the quantity does not match, that
worker may refuse one or more of items 202A or 202B. If the
quantity does match, the worker may move those items (using, e.g.,
a dolly, a handtruck, a forklift, or manually) to buffer zone 205.
Buffer zone 205 may be a temporary storage area for items that are
not currently needed in the picking zone, for example, because
there is a high enough quantity of that item in the picking zone to
satisfy forecasted demand. In some embodiments, forklifts 206
operate to move items around buffer zone 205 and between inbound
zone 203 and drop zone 207. If there is a need for items 202A or
202B in the picking zone (e.g., because of forecasted demand), a
forklift may move items 202A or 202B to drop zone 207.
[0064] Drop zone 207 may be an area of FC 200 that stores items
before they are moved to picking zone 209. A worker assigned to the
picking task (a "picker") may approach items 202A and 202B in the
picking zone, scan a barcode for the picking zone, and scan
barcodes associated with items 202A and 202B using a mobile device
(e.g., device 119B). The picker may then take the item to picking
zone 209 (e.g., by placing it on a cart or carrying it).
[0065] Picking zone 209 may be an area of FC 200 where items 208
are stored on storage units 210. In some embodiments, storage units
210 may comprise one or more of physical shelving, bookshelves,
boxes, totes, refrigerators, freezers, cold stores, or the like. In
some embodiments, picking zone 209 may be organized into multiple
floors. In some embodiments, workers or machines may move items
into picking zone 209 in multiple ways, including, for example, a
forklift, an elevator, a conveyor belt, a cart, a handtruck, a
dolly, an automated robot or device, or manually. For example, a
picker may place items 202A and 202B on a handtruck or cart in drop
zone 207 and walk items 202A and 202B to picking zone 209.
[0066] A picker may receive an instruction to place (or "stow") the
items in particular spots in picking zone 209, such as a particular
space on a storage unit 210. For example, a picker may scan item
202A using a mobile device (e.g., device 119B). The device may
indicate where the picker should stow item 202A, for example, using
a system that indicate an aisle, shelf, and location. The device
may then prompt the picker to scan a barcode at that location
before stowing item 202A in that location. The device may send
(e.g., via a wireless network) data to a computer system such as
WMS 119 in FIG. 1A indicating that item 202A has been stowed at the
location by the user using device 1196.
[0067] Once a user places an order, a picker may receive an
instruction on device 119B to retrieve one or more items 208 from
storage unit 210. The picker may retrieve item 208, scan a barcode
on item 208, and place it on transport mechanism 214. While
transport mechanism 214 is represented as a slide, in some
embodiments, transport mechanism may be implemented as one or more
of a conveyor belt, an elevator, a cart, a forklift, a handtruck, a
dolly, a cart, or the like. Item 208 may then arrive at packing
zone 211.
[0068] Packing zone 211 may be an area of FC 200 where items are
received from picking zone 209 and packed into boxes or bags for
eventual shipping to customers. In packing zone 211, a worker
assigned to receiving items (a "rebin worker") will receive item
208 from picking zone 209 and determine what order it corresponds
to. For example, the rebin worker may use a device, such as
computer 119C, to scan a barcode on item 208. Computer 119C may
indicate visually which order item 208 is associated with. This may
include, for example, a space or "cell" on a wall 216 that
corresponds to an order. Once the order is complete (e.g., because
the cell contains all items for the order), the rebin worker may
indicate to a packing worker (or "packer") that the order is
complete. The packer may retrieve the items from the cell and place
them in a box or bag for shipping. The packer may then send the box
or bag to a hub zone 213, e.g., via forklift, cart, dolly,
handtruck, conveyor belt, manually, or otherwise.
[0069] Hub zone 213 may be an area of FC 200 that receives all
boxes or bags ("packages") from packing zone 211. Workers and/or
machines in hub zone 213 may retrieve package 218 and determine
which portion of a delivery area each package is intended to go to,
and route the package to an appropriate camp zone 215. For example,
if the delivery area has two smaller sub-areas, packages will go to
one of two camp zones 215. In some embodiments, a worker or machine
may scan a package (e.g., using one of devices 119A-119C) to
determine its eventual destination. Routing the package to camp
zone 215 may comprise, for example, determining a portion of a
geographical area that the package is destined for (e.g., based on
a postal code) and determining a camp zone 215 associated with the
portion of the geographical area.
[0070] Camp zone 215, in some embodiments, may comprise one or more
buildings, one or more physical spaces, or one or more areas, where
packages are received from hub zone 213 for sorting into routes
and/or sub-routes. In some embodiments, camp zone 215 is physically
separate from FC 200 while in other embodiments camp zone 215 may
form a part of FC 200.
[0071] Workers and/or machines in camp zone 215 may determine which
route and/or sub-route a package 220 should be associated with, for
example, based on a comparison of the destination to an existing
route and/or sub-route, a calculation of workload for each route
and/or sub-route, the time of day, a shipping method, the cost to
ship the package 220, a PDD associated with the items in package
220, or the like. In some embodiments, a worker or machine may scan
a package (e.g., using one of devices 119A-119C) to determine its
eventual destination. Once package 220 is assigned to a particular
route and/or sub-route, a worker and/or machine may move package
220 to be shipped. In exemplary FIG. 2, camp zone 215 includes a
truck 222, a car 226, and delivery workers 224A and 224B. In some
embodiments, truck 222 may be driven by delivery worker 224A, where
delivery worker 224A is a full-time employee that delivers packages
for FC 200 and truck 222 is owned, leased, or operated by the same
company that owns, leases, or operates FC 200. In some embodiments,
car 226 may be driven by delivery worker 224B, where delivery
worker 224B is a "flex" or occasional worker that is delivering on
an as-needed basis (e.g., seasonally). Car 226 may be owned,
leased, or operated by delivery worker 224B.
[0072] According to an aspect of the present disclosure,
computer-implemented system for managing inventory may comprise one
or more memory devices storing instructions, and one or more
processors configured to execute the instructions to perform
operations. In some embodiments, the disclosed functionality and
systems may be implemented as part of one or more of FO system 113
or WMS 119. The preferred embodiment comprises implementing the
disclosed functionality and systems on warehouse management system
119, but one of ordinary skill will understand that other
implementations are possible.
[0073] Warehouse management system 119 may transmit a request to
delivery workers 224A and 224B to pick up a return item from a
customer and place the return item in a return center when the
customer requests a return online with a reason for return. The
reason for return may include, but not limited to, a broken item,
wrong item size or wrong product shipped, customers changed their
mind after item purchased, producing did not match the website or
catalog description, the customer ordered the wrong product or
item, excessive amount, the customer found better product price
elsewhere, late delivery of items, product is no longer needed,
product did not meet customer expectations, etc. If the return item
is in good condition for resale, warehouse management system 119
may transfer the return item from the return center to a
fulfillment for resale.
[0074] While embodiments of the present disclosure relate to
scanning a one-dimensional barcode in order to capture identifiers,
one of ordinary skill will understand that other data capture
implementations (e.g., using QR code, RFID tags, NFC communication,
etc.) are possible.
[0075] FIG. 3 is an exemplary flow chart of process 300 for
generating identifiers to transfer at least one return item from a
return center to fulfillment center 200. While FIG. 3 is described
with respect to a mobile device associated with a return center and
warehouse management system 119, one of ordinary skill in the art
will recognize that other configurations are possible. For example,
a mobile device associated with a return center may be a return
center system or any other computer-implemented devices capable of
handling steps described below.
[0076] In step 301, a mobile device associated with a return center
may transmit a return item identifier and a request for a return
identifier to warehouse management system 119. For example, a
worker associated with a mobile device, which is associated with a
return center, may scan a barcode, affixed to a return item,
associated with a return item identifier and the mobile device may
transmit the return item identifier to warehouse management system
119 along with a request for a return identifier.
[0077] In step 302, warehouse management system 119 may receive the
transmitted return item identifier and the request for a return
identifier sent in step 301. The requested identifiers may be
printed in the form of barcodes and affixed to a tote storing the
return item associated with the return item identifier but one of
ordinary skill in the art will recognize that identifiers may be in
other forms.
[0078] In step 303, warehouse management system 119 may predict a
zone within a fulfillment center for stowing the return item
associated with the received return item identifier. By way of
example, warehouse management system 119 may determine a target
fulfillment center by requesting FO system 113 to provide a
fulfillment center which stores the return item associated with the
received return item identifier by transmitting the return item
identifier to the FO system 113 because FO system 113 may store
information describing where particular items are held or stored as
discussed above with respect to FIG. 1A. FO system 113 may find a
fulfillment center storing an item identical to the return item and
provide the fulfillment center to warehouse management system 119.
Based on the determined fulfillment center, warehouse management
system 119 may predict a zone within the determined fulfillment
center for stowing the return item associated with the return item
identifier. Warehouse management system 119 may also predict a
stowing capacity at the predicted zone. By way of example,
warehouse management system 119 may predict a zone for stowing the
return item based on one or more parameters associated with the
return item identifier associated with the return item. For
instance, warehouse management system 119 may predict the zone for
stowing the return item based on an algorithm that aggregates and
weighs one or more parameters associated with the return item
identifier associated with the return item. One or more parameters
associated with the return item identifier may comprise at least
one of a priority level of the return item identifier, a dimension
of the return item associated with the return item identifier, a
volume of the return item associated with the return item
identifier, a weight of the return item associated with the return
item identifier, a temperature in which the return item associated
with the return item identifier needs to be stored, a return item
grade associated with the return item identifier, or an expiration
date of the return item associated with the return item identifier.
One or more of these parameters may be used to predict the zone for
stowing the return item. By way of example, all return item
identifiers with a first return item grade and a volume greater
than 100,000 cm.sup.3 may be directed to a particular zone for
stowing.
[0079] In step 305, warehouse management system 119 may generate a
return identifier for the received return item identifier. The
return identifier may identify the return item within the predicted
fulfillment center once the return item has been transferred to the
predicted fulfillment center. For example, warehouse management
system 119 may store a return item contained in a tote received in
fulfillment center 200 as well as details associated with the
return item in a database storing inventory within the fulfillment
center 200. The return identifier may represent a number generated
for a transfer from a return center to the predicted fulfillment
center from step 303. The return identifier may further represent a
statement including a plurality of return items associated with the
return identifiers. The return identifier may include at least one
return item identifier which may be presented as a stock keeping
unit. The return identifier may replace a waybill number, a
reservation number or purchase number associated with a new inbound
item. The return identifier may enable a return item associated
with the return identifier to be received by the predicted
fulfillment center without going through processes for
unloading/receiving a new item at fulfillment center 200.
[0080] In step 306, warehouse management system 119 may generate a
tote identifier associated with a tote containing the return item
for stowing at the predicted zone within the predicted fulfillment
center. Warehouse management system 119 may request FO system 113
to provide the tote identifier associated with the predicted
fulfillment center so a worker associated with the predicted
fulfillment center can stow return items in the tote at the
predicted zone as soon as the tote is received.
[0081] In step 307, warehouse management system 119 may modify a
database to assign the return item identifier to the generated
return identifier and the generated tote identifier associated with
a tote containing at least one return item, assign the predicted
zone to the generated tote identifier, assign the determined
fulfillment center and the generated tote identifier to the
generated return identifier. For example, the stored return
identifier may include the return item identifier, the stored tote
identifier which further includes the return item identifier and
the predicted zone, and the determined fulfillment center.
[0082] In step 308, warehouse management system 119 may transmit
the generated return identifier and the generated tote identifier
to the mobile device associated with the return center. For
example, warehouse management system 119 may transmit a user
interface providing a generated return identifier from and a
generated tote identifier from. In another example, a warehouse
management system 119 may transmit a request to a printer, close to
the mobile device associated with the return center, to print the
generated return identifier and the tote identifier. A worker
associated with the mobile device may affix the printed identifiers
on a tote containing the return item.
[0083] In step 309, the mobile device associated with the return
center may receive the transmitted return identifier and the
transmitted tote identifier sent in step 308. The mobile device may
print the received return identifier and the received tote
identifier and affix the printed identifiers to a tote containing
the return item. For example, the mobile device may present a user
interface of the transmitted return identifier and the transmitted
tote identifier along with a button for printing the
identifiers.
[0084] Return items with identical return identifier and tote
identifier may be stored in the same tote for a transfer from a
return center to a predicted fulfillment center. The return
identifier and the tote identifier may be updated when new return
item identifier generated the identical return identifier and tote
identifier. By updating the return identifier and the tote
identifier, rather than generating new return identifier and new
tote identifier, warehouse management system 119 may need less
storage for keeping track of all generated identifiers thus
improving technology by saving resources such as storages. Once the
return identifier and the tote identifier are updated, the updated
identifiers may be transmitted to a mobile device associated with
the return center and a worker associated with the mobile device
may print and affix the updated identifiers on the tote containing
return items. Warehouse management system 119 may not generate
identical tote identifier for items with identical return item
identifiers.
[0085] FIG. 4 is an exemplary flow chart of process 400 for
receiving a transferred return item at fulfillment center 200.
While FIG. 4 is described with respect to mobile device 1196 and
warehouse management system 119, one of ordinary skill in the art
will recognize that other configurations are possible.
[0086] In step 401, mobile device 119B may transmit a workstation
identifier to warehouse management system 119. For example, a
worker associated with mobile device 1196 may scan a workstation
identifier in the form of barcode affixed to a workstation and the
mobile device 119B may automatically transmit the workstation
identifier to warehouse management system 119. An exemplary user
interface for requesting a workstation identifier is illustrated in
FIG. 5A and will be described in more detail.
[0087] In step 402, warehouse management system 119 may receive the
workstation identifier sent in step 401. The received workstation
identifier may indicate, for example, a worker associated with
mobile device 1196 wants to verify an assignment of the workstation
to receive/unload a return item transferred from a return
center.
[0088] In step 403, warehouse manage system 119 may retrieve stored
workstation identifiers. A workstation identifier is stored when it
is assigned to a mobile device associated with fulfillment center
200.
[0089] In step 404, warehouse manage system 119 may determine
whether the received workstation identifier matches one of the
retrieved workstation identifiers from step 403. If the received
workstation identifier matches one of the retrieved workstation
identifiers, a workstation associated with the received workstation
identifier may not be assigned to the mobile device 119B. Warehouse
management system 119 may transmit a message to mobile device 119B
indicating the workstation is already assigned and ask whether the
system should override an assignment to the mobile device 119B if
the received workstation identifier matches one of the retrieved
workstation identifiers. If mobile device 119B provided an input to
override the workstation assignment, warehouse management system
119 may process steps described below with respect to when the
received workstation identifier does not match. An exemplary user
interface for displaying an assignment of workstation and
requesting for override of the assignment is illustrated in FIG. 5G
and will be described in more detail. If the received workstation
identifier does not match one of the retrieved workstation
identifiers or mobile device 119B overrode the assignment of the
workstation, then warehouse management system 119 may store the
received workstation identifier in step 405 and transmit a request
for a return item identifier and a tote identifier to mobile device
119B in step 406.
[0090] In step 407, mobile device 119B may receive the request for
a return identifier and a tote identifier sent in step 406. For
example, the mobile device 119B may present a user interface of the
transmitted request. Exemplary interfaces are discussed below with
respect to FIGS. 5B and 5C.
[0091] In step 408, mobile device 119B may transmit a return
identifier and a tote identifier to warehouse management system
119. The return identifier and the tote identifier, as discussed
above with respect to FIG. 3, provide information associated with
one or more return items.
[0092] In step 409, warehouse management system 119 may receive the
transmitted return identifier and the transmitted tote identifier
sent in step 408. The received return identifier and the received
tote identifier may refer to, for example, a generated return
identifier from step 305 and a generated tote identifier from step
306.
[0093] In step 410, warehouse management system 119 may retrieve,
from the database discussed above with respect to FIG. 3, a
fulfillment center assigned to the received return identifier and a
predicted zone assigned to the received tote identifier and
comparing both against a location of the second mobile. For
example, warehouse management system 119 may compare the retrieved
fulfillment center against a location of mobile device 119B or the
received workstation identifier to determine whether the tote was
transferred to the correct fulfillment center. By way of further
example, warehouse management system 119 may determine whether the
retrieved predicted zone corresponds to the fulfillment center
determined by the location of mobile device 119B or the received
workstation identifier.
[0094] In step 411, warehouse management system 119 may transmit a
request for stowing return items in the tote associated with the
received tote identifier to the mobile device 119B based on the
comparison. For example, warehouse management system 119 may
transmit, to the mobile device 119B, a user interface requesting
stowing return items contained in a tote along with a predicted
zone for stowing the return items included in the tote identifier
when it was generated from step 306 in FIG. 3.
[0095] In step 412, mobile device 119B may receive the request for
stowing return items sent in step 412. For example, mobile device
119B may display a message requesting stowing return items
contained in a tote at predicted zone.
[0096] In step 413, warehouse management system 119B may modify the
database to assign a return item identifier, assigned to the
received tote identifier, to a predicted zone assigned to the
received tote identifier. By storing the return item identifier to
the predicted zone, warehouse management system 119 may utilize a
return item associated with the stored return item identifier as
inventory within the fulfillment center 200 and enable customer to
purchase the return item.
[0097] In step 414, mobile device 119B may process a stowing task.
For example, a worker associated with mobile device 119B may stow
the return item in the predicted zone within the fulfillment center
200. When the stowing is complete, mobile device 119B may
communicate to warehouse management system 119 to cause the
warehouse management system 119 to modify the database to
acknowledge that stowing is complete. During the stowing process,
stowing error may occur. The stowing error may comprise at least
one of an overage or a shortage. When a physical quantity of the at
least one product is less than an expected quantity of the at least
one product, the stowing error may comprise overage. When a
physical quantity of the at least one product is greater than an
expected quantity of the at least one product, the stowing error
may comprise shortage. When the stowing error occurred, warehouse
management system 119 may communicate to a mobile device 119B
associated with the return center to notify mobile device 119B that
a problem occurred while stowing return items in the tote prepared
by a worker associated with the mobile device 119B.
[0098] FIG. 5A depicts an exemplary user interface 500 of a mobile
device 119B for requesting a workstation identifier in the form of
a barcode affixed to a workstation. For example, a worker
associated with mobile device 119B may use the mobile device 119B
to scan the barcode and the mobile device may transmit the
workstation identifier to the warehouse management system 119. The
transmitted workstation identifier may be received by warehouse
management system 119 as discussed above with respect to step 402
in FIG. 4. In some embodiment, once warehouse management system 119
assigns the workstation associated with the workstation identifier
to mobile device 119B, the next interface shown on mobile device
119B may include another interface, such as the interface depicted
in FIG. 5B.
[0099] FIG. 5B depicts an exemplary user interface 501 of a mobile
device 119B for requesting a return identifier in the form of a
barcode (RTO Barcode) affixed to a tote. For example, a worker
associated with mobile device 119B may use the mobile device 119B
to scan the RTO barcode and the mobile device may transmit the
return identifier to the warehouse management system 119. The
transmitted return identifier may be received by warehouse
management system 119 as discussed above with respect to step 409
in FIG. 4. In some embodiments, once warehouse management system
119 determines a tote associated with the received return
identifier was transferred to correct fulfillment center, the next
interface shown on mobile device 119B may include another
interface, such as the interface depicted in FIG. 5C.
[0100] FIG. 5C depicts an exemplary user interface 502 of a mobile
device 119B for requesting a tote identifier in the form of a
barcode affixed to a tote. For example, a worker associated with
mobile device 119B may use the mobile device 119B to scan the tote
barcode and the mobile device may transmit the tote identifier to
the warehouse management system 119. The transmitted return
identifier may be received by warehouse management system 119 as
discussed above with respect to step 409 in FIG. 4. In some
embodiment, once warehouse management system 119 determines a tote
associated with the received tote identifier corresponds to the
received return identifier as discussed above with respect to step
411 in FIG. 4, the next interface shown on mobile device 119B may
include another interface, such as the interface depicted in FIG.
5E. The exemplary user interface 502 may also include a button 503.
Button 503, when pressed by a worker associated with the mobile
device 119B, may display information associated with return items
associated with the return identifier. Exemplary interface FIG. 5D
may depict information displayed on mobile device 119B when the
button 503 is pressed.
[0101] FIG. 5D depicts an exemplary user interface 504 of a mobile
device 119B for displaying information associated with return items
associated with a return identifier affixed to a tote. The
information may include, but not limited to, an image of return
item, a product name, and a return identifier in form of the stock
keeping unit. The information may provide that unintended return
item is placed in the tote to a user work associated with the
mobile device 119B. Then, the worker may transmit a return item
identifier to warehouse management system 119 along with a message
that unintended return item was placed in the tote. Upon receiving
the message and the transmitted return item identifier, warehouse
management system 119 may transmit a message to the mobile device
which placed return items in the tote in return center that
unintended item was placed in the tote and transferred to
fulfillment center 200.
[0102] FIG. 5E depicts an exemplary user interface 505 of a mobile
device 1196 for displaying a completion message for transferring a
tote containing at least one return item from a return center to a
fulfillment center. Along with the completion message, warehouse
management system 1196 may store at least one return item contained
in the tote identifier in a database storing inventory within the
fulfillment center.
[0103] FIG. 5F depicts an exemplary user interface 506 of a mobile
device 1196 for canceling a process for receiving return items. The
user interface 506 may include a button 507, wherein the button 507
may generate a popup window 508 when the button 507 is pressed. The
popup window 508 may include selectable elements for stopping the
receiving task or stop the canceling process.
[0104] FIG. 5G depicts an exemplary user interface 509 of a mobile
device 1196 for displaying a message when a workstation is already
assigned to another mobile device. When mobile device 119B transmit
a workstation identifier as discussed above with respect to FIG. 5A
or step 402, warehouse management system 119 may determine whether
the received workstation matches one of stored workstation
identifiers (associated with workstations already assigned to
another mobile device). When the workstation associated with the
received workstation identifier is already assigned to another
mobile device, warehouse management system 119 may transmit the
user interface 509 to request an input from mobile device 1196 to
assign the workstation to mobile device 1196 or not.
[0105] FIG. 5H depicts an exemplary user interface 510 of a mobile
device 119B for canceling the transmitted return identifier when
the mobile device 119B transmitted unintended return identifier to
warehouse management system 119. The user interface 510 may include
a button 511, wherein the button 511, when pressed, cancels the
transmitted return identifier thus enabling mobile device 119B to
transmit a different return identifier.
[0106] FIG. 6 is an exemplary flow chart of process 600 for
processing a request for returning an item.
[0107] In step 601, a user device associated with a customer,
transmits a return request for an item the customer purchased with
a return reason to warehouse management system 1196 via external
front end system 103. The return reason may include, but not
limited to, a broken item, wrong item size or wrong product
shipped, customers changed their mind after item purchased,
products did not match the website or catalog description, the
customer ordered the wrong product or item, excessive amount, the
customer found better product price elsewhere, late delivery of
items, product is no longer needed, product did not meet customer
expectations, etc.
[0108] In step 602, warehouse management system 119 may transmit a
pickup request to delivery workers 224A and 224B. The delivery
workers may pick up the return item from the customer and transport
it to a return center.
[0109] In step 603, warehouse management system 1196 may generate a
return item identifier, to be affixed to the return item for
transferring to a fulfillment center for resale, based on the
received return reason. For example, if a return reason associated
with a return item indicates that the return item is in good
condition for sale, without any damages to the return item,
warehouse management system 119B may classify the return item for
transferring to a fulfillment center for resale, wherein a process
for transferring the return item from a return center to
fulfillment center is described above with respect to FIGS. 3 and
4, and generate a return item identifier to be affixed to the
return item.
[0110] In step 604 may transmit the generated return item
identifier to a mobile device associated with the return center.
For example, warehouse management system 119 may transmit a user
interface providing a generated return item identifier. In another
example, a warehouse management system 119 may transmit a request
to a printer, close to the mobile device associated with the return
center, to print the generated return item identifier. A worker
associated with the mobile device may affix the printed return item
identifier on the return item,
[0111] While the present disclosure has been shown and described
with reference to particular embodiments thereof, it will be
understood that the present disclosure can be practiced, without
modification, in other environments. The foregoing description has
been presented for purposes of illustration. It is not exhaustive
and is not limited to the precise forms or embodiments disclosed.
Modifications and adaptations will be apparent to those skilled in
the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the
disclosed embodiments. Additionally, although aspects of the
disclosed embodiments are described as being stored in memory, one
skilled in the art will appreciate that these aspects can also be
stored on other types of computer readable media, such as secondary
storage devices, for example, hard disks or CD ROM, or other forms
of RAM or ROM, USB media, DVD, Blu-ray, or other optical drive
media.
[0112] Computer programs based on the written description and
disclosed methods are within the skill of an experienced developer.
Various programs or program modules can be created using any of the
techniques known to one skilled in the art or can be designed in
connection with existing software. For example, program sections or
program modules can be designed in or by means of .Net Framework,
.Net Compact Framework (and related languages, such as Visual
Basic, C, etc.), Java, C++, Objective-C, HTML, HTML/AJAX
combinations, XML, or HTML with included Java applets.
[0113] One or more memory devices may store data and instructions
used to perform one or more features of the disclosed embodiments.
For example, memory may represent a tangible and non-transitory
computer-readable medium having stored therein computer programs,
sets of instructions, code, or data to be executed by processor.
Memory may include, for example, a removable memory chip (e.g.,
EPROM, RAM, ROM, DRAM, EEPROM, flash memory devices, or other
volatile or non-volatile memory devices) or other removable storage
units that allow instructions and data to be accessed by
processor.
[0114] One or more memory devices may also include instructions
that, when executed by processor, perform operations consistent
with the functionalities disclosed herein. Devices consistent with
disclosed embodiments are not limited to separate programs or
computers configured to perform dedicated tasks. For example,
memory may include one or more programs to perform one or more
functions of the disclosed embodiments.
[0115] One or more processors may include one or more known
processing devices, such as a microprocessor from the Pentium.TM.
or Xeon.TM. family manufactured by Intel.TM., the Turion.TM. family
manufactured by AMD.TM., the "Ax" or "Sx" family manufactured by
Apple.TM., or any of various processors manufactured by Sun
Microsystems. The disclosed embodiments are not limited to any type
of processor(s).
[0116] Moreover, while illustrative embodiments have been described
herein, the scope of any and all embodiments having equivalent
elements, modifications, omissions, combinations (e.g., of aspects
across various embodiments), adaptations and/or alterations as
would be appreciated by those skilled in the art based on the
present disclosure. The limitations in the claims are to be
interpreted broadly based on the language employed in the claims
and not limited to examples described in the present specification
or during the prosecution of the application. The examples are to
be construed as non-exclusive. Furthermore, the steps of the
disclosed methods may be modified in any manner, including by
reordering steps and/or inserting or deleting steps. It is
intended, therefore, that the specification and examples be
considered as illustrative only, with a true scope and spirit being
indicated by the following claims and their full scope of
equivalents.
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