Method and system for replenishing inventory items
AssigneeKiva Systems, Inc.
InventorsMichael C. Mountz, Peter R. Wurman
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A method for storing inventory items in an inventory system includes receiving a replenish request identifying an inventory item to be stored in an inventory system and determining a classification of the inventory item to be stored. The method also includes selecting an inventory holder from a plurality of inventory holders based, at least in part, on the classification of the inventory item to be stored and a classification of one or more other inventory items currently stored in the selected inventory holder. Additionally, the method includes transmitting information identifying the selected inventory holder to a mobile drive unit.
Claims50
A method for storing inventory items in an inventory system, comprising:
- receiving a replenish request identifying an inventory item to be stored in an inventory system;
- determining a classification of the inventory item to be stored;
- selecting an inventory holder from a plurality of inventory holders based, at least in part, on the classification of the inventory item to be stored and a classification of one or more other inventory items currently stored in the selected inventory holder;
- and
- transmitting information identifying the selected inventory holder to a mobile drive unit.
A system for storing inventory items, comprising:
- a plurality of inventory holders operable to store inventory items;
- a plurality of mobile drive units operable to move inventory holders;
- and
- a management module operable to:
- receive a replenish request identifying an inventory item to be stored in an inventory system;
- determine a classification of the inventory item to be stored;
- select an inventory holder from the plurality of inventory holders based, at least in part, on the classification of the inventory item to be stored and a classification of one or more other inventory items currently stored in the selected inventory holder;
- and
- transmit information identifying the selected inventory holder to one of the mobile drive unit.
A computer program stored on a computer-readable medium, the computer program operable to:
- receive a replenish request identifying an inventory item to be stored in an inventory system;
- determine a classification of the inventory item to be stored;
- select an inventory holder from a plurality of inventory holders based, at least in part, on the classification of the inventory item to be stored and a classification of one or more other inventory items currently stored in the selected inventory holder;
- and
- transmit information identifying the selected inventory holder to one of the mobile drive unit.
A system for storing inventory items, comprising:
- means for receiving a replenish request identifying an inventory item to be stored in an inventory system;
- means determining a classification of the inventory item to be stored;
- means for selecting an inventory holder from a plurality of inventory holders based, at least in part, on the classification of the inventory item to be stored and a classification of one or more other inventory items currently stored in the selected inventory holder;
- and
- means for transmitting information identifying the selected inventory holder to a mobile drive unit.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.