Abstract: A system includes a inventory pier and a mobile drive unit. The inventory pier includes a first side and a second side. The first side includes defined areas at which inventory holders are designated to be stationed. The inventory pier is operable to receive inventory items from at least one of the inventory holders at least one of the defined areas. The mobile drive unit is operable to transport an order holder along the second side of the inventory pier, wherein the order holder is operable to receive an inventory item from the inventory pier at a location along the second side of the inventory pier.

Abstract: A system includes an inventory pier, a mobile drive unit, and a management module. The inventory pier includes a defined area arranged to station an inventory holder. The inventory holder stores an inventory item. The mobile drive unit is operable to transport an order holder. The management module is operable to calculate a metric associated with demand for the inventory item. Based at least in part upon the metric, the management module is operable to select, from a plurality of inventory holders, the inventory holder storing the inventory item to be stationed at the defined area of the inventory pier. The management module is further operable to receive an order for the inventory item and instruct the mobile drive unit to transport the order holder to the inventory pier. The order holder is operable to receive the inventory item from the inventory holder proximate to the defined area.

Abstract: A method for fulfilling orders at an inventory pier includes receiving orders. The orders are examined to identify an inventory item stored by an inventory holder stationed at an inventory pier. A first order is grouped with a second order based at least in part upon determining that the first order and the second order include requests for the inventory item. A first container associated with the first order and a second container associated with the second order are arranged on an order holder at an induction station. The first container and the second container are operable to receive the inventory item. The mobile drive unit is instructed to transport the order holder from the induction station to the inventory pier. The order holder receives the inventory item from the inventory pier at a location opposite to the inventory holder.