Abstract: A method and system provide for the control of resource allocation within a build-to-order manufacturing environment. One example embodiment of a method according to the present disclosure includes an operation for monitoring a work-in-process (WIP) profile that represents dynamic attributes of an area in a manufacturing facility. A user interface in a control center for the manufacturing facility may be automatically updated to depict one or more of the dynamic attributes in substantially real time, based on one or more of the WIP profiles. After the user interface is updated, user input that specifies a desired reallocation of resources for the manufacturing facility may be received. The user input may trigger communications with one or more areas in the manufacturing facility to implement the desired reallocation of resources. Alternative embodiments may include additional or alternative features, such as features for error detection and recovery.

Abstract: A method for managing a distribution facility may include a step of receiving descriptions of multiple orders from an order-management subsystem. A determination may be made that a particular order among the multiple orders is currently fillable, based the descriptions from the order-management subsystem. In response, shipping rate information may be obtained by automatically communicating with a rate subsystem. The particular order may be automatically assigned to a carrier, based on the information from the rate subsystem. In response, a transportation subsystem may automatically be caused to transport items for the particular order to one or more distribution stations.

Abstract: A method for shipping items from a distribution facility according to customer orders may include a step of determining that the distribution facility contains all items requested in a customer order. The method may also include a step of determining that the requested items are a less-than-trailer-load (LTL) shipment. In response to determining that the distribution facility contains the requested items, a determination may be made as to whether sufficient pallet-build squares are available in the distribution facility to accommodate the requested items. In response to determining that sufficient pallet-build squares are available, the requested items may be automatically transported to an LTL dock in the distribution facility via one or more of the available pallet-build squares.

Abstract: A method for preparing items for shipment in a distribution facility with multiple pallet-build squares may include a step of identifying an available pallet-build square among the multiple pallet-build squares. An item may then be transported to an operator for the available pallet-build square. Item data from a scan of a barcode on the item may then be received, and in response, a display may be automatically updated to identify the available pallet for the operator.

Abstract: A method for managing a distribution facility may include a step of receiving descriptions of multiple orders from an order-management subsystem. A determination may be made that a particular order among the multiple orders is currently fillable, based the descriptions from the order-management subsystem. In response, shipping rate information may be obtained by automatically communicating with a rate subsystem. The particular order may be automatically assigned to a carrier, based on the information from the rate subsystem. In response, a transportation subsystem may automatically be caused to transport items for the particular order to one or more distribution stations.

Abstract: In accordance with teachings of the present disclosure, a method, system and facility are described for controlling resource allocation within a build to order manufacturing environment. A system for providing a control center for a manufacturing facility is disclosed. The system includes a plurality of information sources operably associated with manufacturing products within the manufacturing facility. A user interface of the system displays selective information associated with portions of the manufacturing facility within a control center operable to manage production within the manufacturing facility. The system further includes a resource allocator operably coupled to the control center and the plurality of information sources and the resource allocator is operable to monitor work in process within the manufacturing facility.

Abstract: A method for shipping items from a distribution facility according to customer orders may include a step of determining that the distribution facility contains all items requested in a customer order. The method may also include a step of determining that the requested items are a less-than-trailer-load (LTL) shipment. In response to determining that the distribution facility contains the requested items, a determination may be made as to whether sufficient pallet-build squares are available in the distribution facility to accommodate the requested items. In response to determining that sufficient pallet-build squares are available, the requested items may be automatically transported to an LTL dock in the distribution facility via one or more of the available pallet-build squares.

Abstract: A distribution facility according to the present disclosure includes a less-than-trailer-load (LTL) dock and a virtual bill-of-lading system having a display within the LTL dock. The display provides a pallet identifier and a box count for each pallet in a shipment of products, such that a carrier representative can determine how many boxes belong on each pallet by reference to the display. The LTL dock includes a pallet staging area that occupies no more than approximately thirty-five square feet. A manufacturing facility according to the present disclosure receives components and packaging through portions of first and third walls and discharges finished products though a second wall and a portion of the third wall.

Abstract: A method for preparing items for shipment in a distribution facility with multiple pallet-build squares may include a step of identifying an available pallet-build square among the multiple pallet-build squares. An item may then be transported to an operator for the available pallet-build square. Item data from a scan of a barcode on the item may then be received, and in response, a display may be automatically updated to identify the available pallet for the operator.