Systems and methods for optimizing space utilization of containers at retail storage facilities

Abstract

Automated storage and retrieval systems for managing storage of inventory at a retail facility include a storage structure with storage locations configured to store containers that contain retail products, and a container transport system that transports the containers between the storage locations and a decanting station. A processor-based control circuit identifies a group of eligible containers for topping off (i.e., adding additional products) and determines a utilization value for each of the eligible containers. The control circuit determines an effort value for each of the eligible containers and ranks the eligible containers based on the utilization value and the effort value for each container. The control circuit then selects a subgroup from the eligible containers based on the rankings and causes the container transport system to transport each container in the subgroup of eligible containers from its respective storage location in the storage structure to the decanting station.