METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR AUTOMATING INVENTORY AND DISPATCH PROCEDURES AT A STAGING AREA

摘要

Methods and systems disclosed herein are used to automate inventory and dispatch procedures at a staging area by automatically detecting the arrival or departure of delivery vehicles (16), container devices (18) and other such items. Detection of these items is facilitated by the use of automatic identification tags (14), and other such devices, that are physically associated with each such item. According to one aspect of the invention, the detection of inbound vehicles and related container devices (18) triggers a series of automated communications that facilitate the dispatch of such items within the staging area. Additionally, when a delivery vehicle or container device (18) departs, the system can be configured to check the tag (14) or device associated with each such item so as to confirm that the correct container device(s) (18) are associated with the correct outbound delivery vehicle (16). The system further provides a method of tracking inventories of such items in real time.