Okay, so KIVA has been up and running for a while now and despite a few bumps along the way, everything is running great. Those little critters are working their circuits to the bone. Last time I talked about some employee's views on KIVA itself and how they liked working with the new system. I heard from a few people how they would like to know how the process works and how it's different from regular putaway or picking. So this is for all those eager young minds yearning for information.

Unlike site manager, which is ran throughout the rest of the warehouse, you don't have to make a new password and type in your login every time. Instead all you have to do is scan your badge with the hand scanner that you use for putaway, or type in your name to get logged in. Easy enough. After the login screen, you are directed to a job option screen. On this screen you choose either putaway or picking/purging. Purging is a tool under picking that helps with picking multiple orders.

Once you choose which job you will be performing, you will be prompted to choose which pods you want to use. There are pods for small and large handbags, shoes, apparel, etc. Once you make your decision, the bots will automatically go and retrieve the appropriate shelving units. Once they bring them, all you have to do is put the items away. The only difference between putting away in KIVA and putting away in the static racks is in KIVA you have to scan the location and then scan the items, while in the static racks you have to scan the item first.

Now that you know the process I bet you can't wait to jump in there and start working, right? Well of course you are. They're just too neat not to want to work with the bots.

Ever wonder what the story is behind the basset hound that looks at you with those droopy eyes, thanking you for your order on Zappos? Wait no more! World…meet Fletch!

Name: Fletch

Birthday: September 15, 1999

Likes: filet mignon treats and long walks in the park with Ned and Andy

We at Zappos love our furry friends and since his arrival into our lives, Fletch has gained quite a following. So much so that he was one of the guests of honor at the recent 1st Annual Basset Hound Picnic.

Andy, Fletch’s owner, said that he was expectedly very excited for this function. When they received the invitation in the mail, there was a sense that he knew exactly what was in store for him. He’d get to spend some quality time with his old friends from the rescue; Gary - the brown and white droopy eyed senior citizen, Henrietta - the blind 5 year old with a plucky spirit, and Boscoe - the quiet, reserved gentleman.

“Like any reunion, the atmosphere was electric when we got there,” said Andy. “Old friends and new ones approached Fletch and I right away, I could sense fear and anxiety in Fletch.”

Fletch certainly wasn’t used to this sudden bombardment of creatures that looked like him. A few standoffs, and nervous urinations later, Fletch finally relaxed. He began gravitating to his old social circle.

Boscoe and Fletch appeared to pick up where they left off. Telepathically Fletch told Boscoe about how he became this big Internet star and how his life was never the same…constant requests for interviews, award shows and endorsement opportunities. Boscoe, not one to be impressed by this, responded by laying a ‘deuce’ next to Fletch’s feet. Un-phased by this, Fletch went on talking about himself, often referring to himself in the 3rd dog.

Fletch has quite a following and you never know…he might just join the conversation on Twitter! (twitter.com/fletch_thedog)

P.S. Check out more of our Zappos.com Critters!