Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for reliably picking up and controlling a cup stack sealed in a bag or sleeve are disclosed. A gripper comprising a plurality of fingers is mounted to one end of a robotic arm. The gripper may comprise a first component mounted on a first finger of the plurality of fingers and a second component mounted on a second finger of the plurality of fingers. The first component may be cone-shaped and the second component may comprise a paddle that is curved to accommodate a cup stack. The first component and the second component may grip a plastic sleeved cup stack. The robotic arm may push the plastic sleeved cup stack against a guiderail to compress the cup stack. Compressing the cup stack may allow for reliable transport and placement into a shipping box. The disclosed devices, systems and methods may be fully or partially automated.

Abstract: Computer-implemented systems and methods provide for attribute-based inventory management. In the attribute-based inventory management, any one or more discrete attributes of an inventory item can be used to manage the inventory item. Management of the inventory item includes, for example, identifying the availability of the inventory item and identifying a rate to be charged for the inventory item. This attributes-based model for inventory management is highly flexible and scalable.

Abstract: Computer-implemented systems and methods provide use an allocation process for allocating inventory items based on categories and attributes associated with the inventory items. The systems and methods allocate the inventory in accordance with a predefined hierarchy of the categories and attributes so as to effectively balance current reservations while accounting for overbook and/or retention criteria. The systems and methods facilitate the tracking of upgraded inventory reservations relative to non-upgraded inventory reservations. The inventory allocation can occur in real time and/or in accordance with a user-defined schedule. The inventory allocation can be substantially automated.