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: 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: 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 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 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.