Abstract: A time tracking and indicator system and method are provided for tracking and indicating initialization-to-completion times for order fulfilment operations, such as order packaging and shipping operations. The system includes a put-wall with multiple order storage locations and indicators at each of the storage locations. The indicators are independently addressable by a computer and may include color changeable lights and/or alphanumeric displays. The method and system provide visual prompts to an operator of the put-wall to indicate multiple statuses for an order at a particular storage location. Prompts include indications that (i) an order is ready to be attended to, (ii) an operation time limit has been exceeded, and (iii) that an operation for that location is exceedingly overdue. Time limits and prompts may be preset by a user or may be automatically set and adjusted by the computer based on historic operation completion times.

Abstract: A method for operating an order fulfilment warehouse utilizing a gig-based labor force (e.g. freelance delivery drivers) performing picking functions in the warehouse and subsequently delivering the order to the customer. Preferably, the facility is staffed with only supervisory labor and receiving/putaway labor to replenish the warehouse inventory. The delivery driver may access an order database via a mobile application to accept a customer's online order, such as a grocery item order. The customer's order may additionally include retrieving items from another facility, such as a restaurant. The grocery order may be from a limited or dedicated warehouse facility that has a curated group of items/SKUs. The delivery driver enters the warehouse, checks in, and then proceeds to pick the order from the warehouse. The driver validates the order and then departs the facility and proceeds toward delivery of the order directly to the customer.

Abstract: Methods are provided for optimizing retail inventory receiving and putaway processes within a retail store. The methods include segregating items from inbound inventory loads by unloading and identifying each of the items in the load. Based on the identity of an item, a computer directs the operator to segregate each item to a putwall, such as to a container on a mobile inventory cart. A pick to light (PTL) system is utilized to direct the operator's segregation processes. Each item is segregated into a family or sub-family grouping of inventory items that correspond to a particular department or sub-department of the retail floor of the store. Segregated family or sub-family groupings are distributed to respective departments to be putaway by an associate on the retail floor. The methods may be adapted to process e-commerce orders for shipment out of the store or for in-store customer pickup.

Abstract: A time tracking and indicator system and method are provided for tracking and indicating initialization-to-completion times for order fulfilment operations, such as order packaging and shipping operations. The system includes a put-wall with multiple order storage locations and indicators at each of the storage locations. The indicators are independently addressable by a computer and may include color changeable lights and/or alphanumeric displays. The method and system provide visual prompts to an operator of the put-wall to indicate multiple statuses for an order at a particular storage location. Prompts include indications that (i) an order is ready to be attended to, (ii) an operation time limit has been exceeded, and (iii) that an operation for that location is exceedingly overdue. Time limits and prompts may be preset by a user or may be automatically set and adjusted by the computer based on historic operation completion times.

Abstract: A method for operating an order fulfilment warehouse utilizing a gig-based labor force (e.g. freelance delivery drivers) performing picking functions in the warehouse and subsequently delivering the order to the customer. Preferably, the facility is staffed with only supervisory labor and receiving/putaway labor to replenish the warehouse inventory. The delivery driver may access an order database via a mobile application to accept a customer's online order, such as a grocery item order. The customer's order may additionally include retrieving items from another facility, such as a restaurant. The grocery order may be from a limited or dedicated warehouse facility that has a curated group of items/SKUs. The delivery driver enters the warehouse, checks in, and then proceeds to pick the order from the warehouse. The driver validates the order and then departs the facility and proceeds toward delivery of the order directly to the customer.