Modular hangers for product storage and retrieval system

A system for product storage and distribution, comprising:

• a central order-filling facility including:
• a plurality of modular storage units, each modular storage unit including a container for storing goods, a memory having a storage unit ID corresponding to the modular storage unit, and a first electrical connector;
• and
• a central computer coupled to a central database;
• wherein, for each modular storage unit, a set of goods is placed into the modular storage unit, and a list of the set of goods and the storage unit ID of the corresponding modular storage unit are entered into the central computer and stored in the central database;
• a plurality of local distribution centers, each local distribution center including:
• a plurality of hook units, each hook unit having a power receiver and a second electrical connector, each hook unit configured to be coupled together with a modular storage unit thereby forming a modular hanging unit wherein the second electrical connector of the hook unit is removably coupled to the first electrical connector of the modular storage unit, each modular hanging unit having a microprocessor and a transceiver;
• a storage structure having a plurality of rails, each of the rails configured to provide power and support to the modular hanging unit when the hook unit is coupled to the rail;
• and
• a local computer having a local transceiver, the local computer coupled to a local database;
• wherein, the local transceiver receives the list of the set of goods and the storage unit ID from each modular hanging unit when the modular hanging unit is coupled to the rails of the storage structure.