Perpetual batch order fulfillment

Abstract

Methods, systems, and devices for implementing and managing order fulfilment processes are generally described. An order fulfilment system may include order management device configured to manage order information associated with a plurality of orders having one or more units orders for the order fulfillment system. The system may also include an order procurement device configured to receive order information from the order management device and to implement the fulfilment of the orders. The order procurement device may transmit completed order information to the order management device. The order management device may assign orders to the order procurement device responsive to receiving an indication that the order procurement device has completed an order. The orders may be assigned based on various order assignment factors, such as travel costs, order ranking, unit characteristics, customer characteristics, or the like.

1 .- 18 . (canceled) 
     
     
         19 . An order procurement device, comprising:
 a processor; and   a non-transitory, computer-readable storage medium in operable communication with the processor, wherein the computer-readable storage medium contains one or more programming instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to:
 receive order information associated with a plurality of orders assigned to the order procurement device from an order management device, 
 transmit order completion information to the order management device responsive to completing an order from the plurality of orders, and 
 receive a new order from the order management device. 
   
     
     
         20 . The device of  claim 19 , wherein the order completion information comprises at least one of an order identifier, unit information, or location information of the order procurement device. 
     
     
         21 . The device of  claim 19 , wherein the order information comprises at least one of a stock keeping unit (SKU), radio-frequency identification (RFID) information, bar code information, location information, an order number, and a distance between different orders. 
     
     
         22 . The device of  claim 19 , further comprising a cart. 
     
     
         23 . The device of  claim 22 , wherein the one or more programming instructions further cause the process to:
 transmit, to the order management device, a notification that the cart has reached a threshold of fullness.   
     
     
         24 . The device of  claim 22 , wherein the cart is automated. 
     
     
         25 . The device of  claim 24 , further comprising elements configured to reach and grasp units to place the units in the cart. 
     
     
         26 . The device of  claim 22 , wherein the cart is configured to be pushed by a person. 
     
     
         27 . The device of  claim 22 , wherein the cart is configured to move around the pick line on at least one of: a track, a conveyor, or wheels. 
     
     
         28 . The device of  claim 22 , wherein the cart comprises a plurality of bins.