System and method for automated cross-dock operations

Abstract

Disclosed herein is an automated cross-dock management system configured to optimize moves on a cross-dock. The automated cross-dock management system uses inbound manifest data to calculate ordered move instructions for all inbound movable platforms, inbound modular decks, and inbound freight. The ordered move instructions can be assigned to be carried out by manual conveyance vehicles or by automated guided vehicles based upon a plurality of criteria. The automated cross-dock management system is also able to detect damaged freight on the cross-dock using a combination of streams from video cameras.

1 . A cross-dock management system comprising:
 a cross-dock having a plurality of doors at opposing ends of the cross-dock for receiving inbound trailers and for loading outbound trailers   a plurality of spaces arranged in a grid pattern on the cross-dock,   wherein the grid pattern comprises at least three rows and at least three columns, and   wherein the separated spaces are angled approximately 30-45° with respect to the plurality of doors;   a plurality of movable platforms arranged on the cross-dock in the separated spaces,   wherein an area of each movable platform is substantially the same as an area of the separated spaces;   wherein the plurality of movable platforms comprise:
 a plurality of vertical posts; and 
 a plurality of engagement members on each vertical post configured to receive modular decks placed on the plurality of engagement members at varying heights; 
   a plurality of conveyance vehicles,
 wherein a first subset of the plurality of conveyance vehicles are manually operated conveyance vehicles, and 
 wherein a second subset of the plurality of conveyance vehicles are automated guided vehicles (AGVs); 
   a local database for storing received manifest data,   wherein the manifest data includes information classifying inbound movable platforms, inbound modular decks, and inbound freight as AGV-compatible or AGV-incompatible; and   an initial setup optimization server for determining a plurality of ordered move instructions for moving the inbound movable platforms, the inbound modular decks, and the inbound freight based upon the manifest data,   wherein a first subset of the ordered move instructions are assigned to and performed by the AGVs, and   wherein a second subset of the ordered move instructions are assigned to and performed by the manually operated conveyance vehicles.   
     
     
         2 . The cross-dock management system according to  claim 1 , wherein the ordered move instructions are divided into movable platform instructions, modular deck instructions, and freight instructions. 
     
     
         3 . The cross-dock management system according to  claim 2 , wherein all movable platform instructions are included in the first subset of the ordered move instructions. 
     
     
         4 . The cross-dock management system according to  claim 2 , wherein all modular deck instructions are included in the first subset of the ordered move instructions. 
     
     
         5 . The cross-dock management system according to  claim 4 , wherein all freight instructions are included in the second subset of the ordered move instructions.