ABSTRACT
The order-fulfillment process starts with the receipt of that order —either in a publisher's own office or warehouse, at a warehouse that provides total order-fulfillment services for publishers, or at a data-processing service bureau that performs the paperwork functions necessary before book shipments can be made from a warehouse. Customer identification, particularly for the several "Book Nooks" and "University Bookstores" within the same city, can be difficult. However, a new device should help alleviate the problem. If the customer ordering a book supplies an International Standard Book Number (ISBN), the title, edition, and binding to be shipped are known; if no ISBN is provided on an order, editor are left to determine this information on the basis of other data provided. Depending upon the weight of the shipment and the customer's instructions, the shipment is then sent at book or library rate through the US mails, via United Parcel Service, or by private motor carrier.
