Inventory order fulfillment systems and methods

Abstract

A system and method which allows third-parties to monitor company inventory via the Internet and World Wide Web (“web”) and automatically order needed items. The present invention also provides a forum through which resellers and customers may directly interact to resell surplus and used equipment. The present invention may also allow a third party to act as a broker, thereby assuring that both the equipment purchased is actually delivered, and that the seller is properly compensated.

1 - 23 . (canceled)  
     
     
         24 . An automated order fulfillment method, comprising the steps of: receiving an availability and pricing request from a customer for one or more products; determining acceptable alternatives for said products based on customer preferences; determining quantities available, pricing, quantities necessary for a price break, and anticipated delivery times from one or more suppliers to meet said request, including any acceptable alternatives; selecting products, product quantities, and suppliers that provide the most value while still meeting customer inventory needs; generating product pick and pack slips for each supplier; recording products as they are “picked” from a supplier inventory; recording products as they are packed into shipping packages; generating package packing slips and shipping labels; correlating shipping and packing information; shipping said packages; and tracking said shipments.  
     
     
         25 . The automated order fulfillment method of claim  24 , in which picked products are recorded by electronically scanning identifiers associated with such products.  
     
     
         26 . The automated order fulfillment method of  claim 25 , in which picked products are recorded by electronically scanning identifiers associated with such products using a handheld computing device, to which a barcode scanner is attached.  
     
     
         27 . The automated order fulfillment method of  claim 24 , in which the step of recording products as they are packed further includes the step of scanning an identifier associated with a shipping package prior to scanning individual items packed into a shipping package.  
     
     
         28 . The automated order fulfillment method of  claim 24 , in which the packing and shipping labels include a machine readable identifier.  
     
     
         29 . (canceled)