Abstract: A customer return management system operates to categorize reverse items for resale, such as returned items or overstock inventory, and deliver the categorized items through a variety of different reverse supply chains in a way to increase a net recovery rate. The system employs a two-step process for sorting the reverse items into different reverse supply channels. In a first step, the items can be scanned and divided into two categories based on their value, such as high value items and low value items. The low value items can be quickly liquidated as a bulk. The high value items can be categorized into a number of different sorts, which are taken to different resale channels.

Abstract: A customer return management system operates to categorize reverse items for resale, such as returned items or overstock inventory, and deliver the categorized items through a variety of different reverse supply chains in a way to increase a net recovery rate. The system uses a sortation system that performs a two-step process for sorting the reverse items into different reverse supply channels. In a first step, the items can be scanned and divided into two categories based on their value, such as high value items and low value items. The low value items can be quickly liquidated as a bulk. In a second step, high value items can be categorized into a number of different sorts, which are taken to different resale channels.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for sorting items to final destinations in a storage facility. The system includes a first staging area configured to receive and stage the inbound items for routing throughout the storage facility; at least one conveyance system configured to route the staged items from the first staging area; a second staging area configured to receive and sort the items based on geographic information along the first path of the conveyance system; an outbound delivery area configured to receive and dispatch the sorted items into one or more delivery vehicles associated with the storage facility; a local delivery staging area configured to receive a second portion of the staged items along a second path of the at least one conveyance system; and a local delivery outbound area configured to receive the sorted items from the local delivery staging area.

Abstract: Systems and methods can enhance efficiencies of order fulfillment processes. For example, this document describes systems and methods for efficiently processing direct-to-customer shipments at a last mile delivery (“LMD”) facility. The systems and methods are focused on rapid loading, unloading and cycling of LMD delivery vehicles through the operation in a space-efficient manner. In some embodiments, the delivery vehicles are cycled through the LMD facility in organized batches to allow high throughput with fast cycle time.

Abstract: Warehouse automation and methods of automatically sorting and sequencing items can be implemented to streamline and expedite order fulfillment and store replenishment processes in a cost-effective manner. Some embodiments described herein include sorting items to a truck-level and inducting those items for a first truck into a buffering and sequencing system. Items can temporarily accumulate in the buffering and sequencing system and thereafter be discharged in a desired sequence as the items become available within the buffering and sequencing system. In some embodiments, the buffering and sequencing system is used to sequence items for loading one or more store aisle-ready carts in a sequence that corresponds to a store aisle layout.

Abstract: A spear-throwing apparatus including a spear-thrower with a magnet spur, the projecting end of which extends substantially along the body of the spear-thrower. The spear-thrower may contain a recessed loading groove to receive a spear shaft (projectile) that has a socket with a metallic element embedded in it to receive the magnet spur. During use, the magnetic spur connects magnetically to the embedded metal element to join the spear-thrower and the spear shaft with enough force to be suspended without a need for force or pressure from a practitioner.

Abstract: Warehouse automation and methods of automatically sorting and sequencing items can be implemented to streamline and expedite order fulfillment and store replenishment processes in a cost-effective manner. Some embodiments described herein include sorting items to a truck-level and inducting those items for a first truck into a buffering and sequencing system. Items can temporarily accumulate in the buffering and sequencing system and thereafter be discharged in a desired sequence as the items become available within the buffering and sequencing system. In some embodiments, the buffering and sequencing system is used to sequence items for loading one or more store aisle-ready carts in a sequence that corresponds to a store aisle layout.

Abstract: A cross-selling optimization method and system for allocating marketing and selling effort in the cross-selling environment. The computer-implemented method and system optimally allocates resources based on results from data warehousing and data mining methodologies. These methodologies form the basis for collecting information for understanding customer relationships and potential market growth. The method and system preferably uses linear programming to determine the optimal way in which to allocate limited cross-selling resources to marketing various products so that the highest possible return on one's marketing investment (ROI) is achieved. The optimal allocations are quantified through one or more cross-selling opportunities metrics (e.g., the optimal amounts of cross-selling effort to achieve the highest possible ROI).