System for automatic reordering of replenishment stock
A system for automatic reordering of replenishment stock is described herein. The system generally comprises a storage bin defining a first compartment and a second compartment in proximity to the first compartment where the storage bin is configured to store a predetermined product. A cover assembly may normally restrict access to the second compartment. When the product is exhausted from the first compartment, opening the cover assembly to access the product in the second compartment may trigger a sensor in proximity to the second compartment. This triggering causes the sensor to wirelessly transmit a signal to a processor to reorder a quantity of the product.
1. A method for triggering the reorder of stock in a two-bin kanban point of use storage system comprising:
fully enclosing a rear portion of a storage bin with a cover assembly having a top part and a vertical part such that a transmitter and sensing switch are attached to an inner surface of the vertical part, where access to the rear portion of the bin is prevented when the vertical part of the cover assembly is in a closed configuration and separating the storage bin and the sensing switch is contacted against a bottom surface of the storage bin and where the top part is resting along a ledge formed along a top length of the storage bin,
wirelessly transmitting a signal when the cover assembly is rotated via a hinge formed by projections extending from the top part of the cover assembly and which are removably insertable within a corresponding pair of indents, where a plurality of indents are defined along the top length of the storage bin in proximity to the ledge and the transmitter is lifted up away from the bottom surface while the hinge remains connected to the storage bin such that access to the rear portion is opened and the sensing switch is triggered to activate the transmitter being lifted away from the bottom surface, and
initiating a restocking process using the wireless signal for the product stored in the bin.
2. The method of claim 1 where the sensing switch utilizes a mechanical method of detecting opening of the hinged cover assembly.
3. The method of claim 1 where the sensing switch utilizes a proximity method for detecting the opening of the hinged cover assembly.
4. The method of claim 1 where the method of transmitting the signal utilizes a Zigbee specification.
5. The method of claim 1 where the transmitter uses a proprietary wireless technology.
6. The method of claim 1 where the hinged cover assembly utilizes existing provisions in the bin for creating the hinge.
7. The method of claim 1 where the cover assembly has a built-in hinge mechanism.
8. The method of claim 1 where a restock access door is provided as a top cover of the cover assembly.
9. A system for automated reordering of a product, comprising:
a storage bin defining a first compartment and a second compartment in proximity to the first compartment, wherein the storage bin is associated with a predetermined product;
a cover assembly having a top part and a vertical part and a first closed configuration which fully encloses and prevents access to the second compartment by the vertical part separating the storage bin and where the top part is resting along a ledge formed along a top length of the storage bin and a second open configuration which opens access to the second compartment by rotation of a hinge formed by projections extending from the top part of the cover assembly and which are removably insertable within a corresponding pair of indents, where a plurality of indents are defined along the top length of the storage bin while the hinge of the cover assembly remains connected to the storage bin;
a transmitter attached to an inner surface of the vertical part of the cover assembly and in proximity to the second compartment, wherein movement of the cover assembly from the first closed configuration to the second open configuration triggers a switch in contact against a bottom surface of the storage bin which activates the transmitter when the transmitter is lifted up away from the bottom surface of the storage bin and wirelessly transmits a signal to a processor to reorder a quantity of the predetermined product.
10. The system of claim 9 where the sensing switch is a mechanical micro-switch.
11. The system of claim 9 where the sensing switch is a proximity switch.
12. The system of claim 9 where the transmitter uses Zigbee technology.
13. The system of claim 9 where the transmitter uses a proprietary wireless technology.
14. The system of claim 9 where the cover assembly contains the hinge which in turn is attached to the storage bin.
15. The system of claim 9 where a restock access door is provided as a top cover of the cover assembly.