Continuous barcode tape based inventory location tracking

A method comprising:

• determining that a layout diagram of a distribution center includes a shelf;
• calculating a number of segments associated with the shelf based on a forecasted allocation of an inventory on the shelf;
• automatically generating a bar code tape having a globally unique identifier (GUID) associated with each segment of the number of shelves using a processor and a memory of a central inventory tracking system;
• and
• validating that a particular item is placed in a location consistent with a plan of the distribution center when a particular GUID associated with the particular item is scanned during an inventory replenishment process,
• wherein the bar code tape is a continuous bar code tape where a reader device to read any GUID along with a length of the shelf of the distribution center,
• wherein the bar code tape is comprised of a series of discrete bar codes placed adjacent to each other,
• wherein the bar code tape includes a series of infrared dots of a fixed size and placed at a varying distance apart from each other to facilitate faster reads of a bar code through a mobile device, and
• wherein the mobile device is able to more quickly focus and read data of the bar code tape by first identifying the infrared dots of the bar code tape when identifying the location of an item of the inventory.

A method of a central inventory tracking system comprising:

• calculating a number of segments associated with a shelf based on a forecasted allocation of an inventory on the shelf;
• automatically generating a bar code tape having a globally unique identifier (GUID) associated with each segment of a number of shelves using a processor and a memory of the central inventory tracking system;
• generating a map of where the bar code tape is to be placed on the shelf;
• automatically printing the bar code tape based on a calculation of the number of segments associated with the shelf;
• and
• shipping the map and the bar code tape to a distribution center for placement,
• wherein the bar code tape is a continuous bar code tape where a reader device to read any GUID along with a length of the shelf of the distribution center,
• wherein the bar code tape is comprised of a series of discrete bar codes placed adjacent to each other,
• wherein the bar code tape includes a series of infrared dots of a fixed size and placed at a varying distance apart from each other to facilitate faster reads of a bar code through a mobile device, and
• wherein the mobile device is able to more quickly focus and read data of the bar code tape by first identifying the infrared dots of the bar code tape when identifying the location of an item of the inventory.