Abstract: The present invention is directed generally toward item management systems and associated methods. Aspects of the invention are directed toward a method and system for managing physical items for remote entities wherein a plurality of physical items associated with at least one of the remote entities are received in a location remote from the entities. The system determines which of the remote entities is associated with the items, and the system collects data about the items, including data about the size of each item. The system is configured to store each item in a discrete storage location and to associate the discrete storage location of each item with information related to the item. The system is also configured to retrieve a plurality of items for a selected remote entity from the discrete storage locations, wherein the items are retrieved in a progressive size order based upon the size data; and sequentially collected in the progressive size order.

Abstract: The present invention is directed generally toward item management systems and associated methods. Aspects of the invention are directed toward receiving items, inducting the items into the item management system and storing the items. In certain embodiments, inducting the item can include imaging at least a portion of the item and providing that image to a remote user. Other aspects of the invention include retrieving the items form storage and processing the items. In selected embodiments, processing an item can include processing the item in accordance with instructions provided by a remote user. In certain embodiments, at least some of the items that have been processed can then be returned to storage. Still other aspects of the invention can include monitoring various portions of the item management process. In selected embodiments, various aspects of the invention can be automated and/or computer controlled.