Delivery management server and delivery management system

Abstract

To provide a delivery management server which allows delivery processing to be efficiently performed without reducing the convenience.SOLUTION: The delivery management server according to an embodiment comprises a storage unit, an information processing unit, and an output unit. A primary delivery reservation list in which primary delivery reservations relating to primary deliveries in a first allowable delivery period are registered and a secondary delivery reservation list in which secondary delivery reservations relating to secondary deliveries in a second allowable delivery period longer than the first allowable delivery period are stored in the storage unit. The information processing unit detects a prescribed secondary delivery reservation including a second reservation ID and a prescribed delivery destination, from the secondary delivery reservation list on the basis of a prescribed primary delivery reservation registered in the primary delivery reservation list and including a first reservation ID and the prescribed delivery destination and generates delivery information for delivering a primary delivery of the first reservation ID and a secondary delivery of the second reservation ID to the prescribed delivery destination on the same day. The output unit outputs the delivery information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a delivery management server and a delivery management system. [Background technology]

[0002] As the trading of goods over the Internet and other means becomes more active, the number of goods handled by logistics companies has increased significantly, and there is a demand for more efficient delivery of goods. For example, consider a case in which a specific user purchases multiple items from one or more sellers at different times and specifies the same delivery destination, and these multiple items are handled by the same logistics company. Even in such a case, the logistics company may process each item separately and deliver them to the same destination in multiple shipments. There is a demand for more efficient delivery of such items. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2002-92110 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In order to make deliveries more efficient, a system may be considered in which other products are delivered at the same time as a product entrusted to a certain retailer is delivered. However, since the allowable delivery period varies depending on the individual circumstances of the products to be delivered, simply attempting to deliver them all at once may result in the risk of not being able to deliver them within the expected delivery period.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a delivery management server and a delivery management system that can improve the efficiency of delivery processing without impairing convenience. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The delivery management server according to the embodiment includes a storage unit, an information processing unit, and an output unit. The storage unit stores a primary delivery reservation list in which a primary delivery reservation for a primary delivery item in a first delivery allowance period is registered, and a secondary delivery reservation list in which a secondary delivery reservation for a secondary delivery item in a second delivery allowance period longer than the first delivery allowance period is registered. The information processing unit detects a secondary delivery reservation including a second reservation ID and the specified delivery destination from the secondary delivery reservation list based on a specified primary delivery reservation including a first reservation ID and a specified delivery destination registered in the primary delivery reservation list, and generates delivery information for delivering the primary delivery item of the first reservation ID and the secondary delivery item of the second reservation ID to the specified delivery destination on the same day. The output unit outputs the delivery information. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a delivery management system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an example of a customer management server according to an embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an example of a delivery management server according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an example of a delivery management terminal according to the embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a customer list according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a primary delivery reservation list and a secondary delivery reservation list according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a secondary delivery list according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the consolidated delivery process in the delivery management server according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of a recommendation process in the delivery management server according to the embodiment. [Figure 10]FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a response process in response to a delivery reservation inquiry in the delivery management server according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the single delivery information output process in the delivery management server according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] Hereinafter, a delivery management system according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The delivery management system of this embodiment handles various types of delivery items. The delivery items handled include products sold by retailers, and may also include products sold directly by logistics companies. In this embodiment, a delivery item that is required to be delivered within a first delivery allowance period is defined as a primary delivery item, and a delivery item that is required to be delivered within a second delivery allowance period that is longer than the first delivery allowance period is defined as a secondary delivery item. For example, a primary delivery item is one that a user needs relatively early, and the first delivery allowance period is assumed to be 1 to 7 days. A secondary delivery item is one that a user does not need early, and the second delivery allowance period is assumed to be 8 to 30 days.

[0009] In this embodiment, by focusing on the difference between the primary delivery date and the delivery allowable period of the secondary delivery, it is possible to deliver the primary delivery and the secondary delivery to the same delivery destination on the same day without compromising convenience (without making the delivery wait beyond the allowable period). By delivering the primary delivery and the secondary delivery to the same delivery destination on the same day, it is possible to improve delivery efficiency.

[0010] [composition] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a delivery management system according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the delivery management system includes a customer management server 1, a delivery management server 2, and a delivery management terminal 3. The customer management server 1, the delivery management server 2, and the delivery management terminal 3 are connected via a network, either wired or wirelessly. In addition, a sales company server 4 and a customer terminal 5 are connected to the delivery management system via the network. The customer management server 1, the delivery management server 2, the delivery management terminal 3, the sales company server 4, and the customer terminal 5 communicate and cooperate directly or indirectly. Delivery management through cooperation will be explained in detail later.

[0011] Although the case where the customer management server 1 and the delivery management server 2 are realized by independent servers will be described, the customer management server 1 and the delivery management server 2 may be realized by one server. Also, when a delivery company carries out a business of selling delivery items, the delivery management server 2 and the sales company server 4 may be realized by one server.

[0012] FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an example of a customer management server according to an embodiment. The customer management server 1 is a server that manages a customer list in which customer information is registered. For example, the customer information includes a customer ID (identification), customer name, customer address (delivery destination), customer contact information (email address, phone number, etc.), and delivery history. The delivery history includes a delivery item ID, item name, quantity, and delivery date and time. The customer management server 1 is one or more general-purpose computers, etc., and is equipped with a processor 11, a memory 12, a storage device 13, a communication interface 14, etc.

[0013] The processor 11 corresponds to the central part of a computer that executes processes related to customer management. The processor 11 executes processes related to customer management based on programs such as system software, application software, or firmware stored in the storage device 13 or the like. The processor 11 is, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), a micro processing unit (MPU), or a digital signal processor (DSP). Alternatively, the processor 11 is a combination of a plurality of these.

[0014] Furthermore, the processor 11 includes an input unit 111, an information processing unit 112, and an output unit 113. The processor 11 executes a program stored in the storage device 13 to realize the functions of each of the input unit 111, the information processing unit 112, and the output unit 113. Alternatively, each of the input unit 111, the information processing unit 112, and the output unit 113 is one or a plurality of processors, and the input unit 111, the information processing unit 112, and the output unit 113 realize the functions of each of the units based on the program stored in the storage device 13.

[0015] For example, the input unit 111 acquires customer information stored in the storage device 13. The information processing unit 112 identifies a predetermined contact address corresponding to a predetermined delivery destination included in a predetermined primary delivery reservation based on the customer information, and generates recommended delivery item information based on the secondary delivery item list. The output unit 113 outputs the generated recommended delivery item information.

[0016] The memory 12 is used as a so-called work area or the like for storing data that is temporarily used when the processor 11 executes various processes.

[0017] The storage device 13 is a non-volatile storage device, and stores programs and the like executed by the processor 11. The storage device 13 also stores data and various setting values ​​used by the processor 11 in carrying out various processes and controls. For example, the storage device 13 functions as a storage unit, and stores a customer list in which customer information is registered.

[0018] The communication interface 14 communicates with external devices by wire or wirelessly. For example, the communication interface 14 functions as a communication unit, communicates with the delivery management server 2, receives various information from the delivery management server 2, and transmits various information to the delivery management server 2. The communication interface 14 also directly or indirectly communicates with the customer terminal 5, transmits recommended delivery item information that recommends the purchase of a secondary delivery item to the customer terminal 5, and receives a secondary delivery reservation from the customer communication device 5.

[0019] FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an example of a delivery management server according to the embodiment. The delivery management server 2 is a server that manages delivery information and outputs the delivery information. The delivery item dispensing device, delivery item sorting device, and person in charge dispense delivery items from the warehouse based on the delivery information and sort the delivery items according to the delivery destination. For example, the delivery information includes a primary delivery reservation for a primary delivery item for a first delivery allowance period, and a secondary delivery reservation for a secondary delivery item for a second delivery allowance period that is longer than the first delivery allowance period. The primary delivery reservation includes a delivery item ID and a delivery destination ID of the primary delivery item. The secondary delivery reservation includes a delivery item ID and a delivery destination ID of the secondary delivery item. The delivery management server 2 is one or more general-purpose computers, etc., and includes a processor 21, a memory 22, a storage device 23, a communication interface 24, etc.

[0020] The processor 21 corresponds to the central part of a computer that executes processes related to delivery management. The processor 21 executes processes related to delivery management based on programs such as system software, application software, or firmware stored in the storage device 23 or the like. The processor 21 is, for example, a CPU, an MPU, or a DSP. Alternatively, the processor 21 is a combination of two or more of these.

[0021] Further, the processor 21 includes an input unit 211, an information processing unit 212, and an output unit 213. The processor 21 executes a program stored in the storage device 23 to realize the functions of each of the input unit 211, the information processing unit 212, and the output unit 213. Alternatively, each of the input unit 211, the information processing unit 212, and the output unit 213 is one or a plurality of processors, and the input unit 211, the information processing unit 212, and the output unit 213 realize the functions of each of the units based on the program stored in the storage device 23.

[0022] For example, the input unit 211 acquires a predetermined primary delivery reservation including a first reservation ID and a predetermined delivery destination from the primary delivery reservation list stored in the storage device 23. The information processing unit 212 detects a predetermined secondary delivery reservation including a second reservation ID and a predetermined delivery destination (i.e., the same delivery destination as the predetermined delivery destination included in the primary delivery reservation) from the secondary delivery reservation list stored in the storage device 23 based on the predetermined primary delivery reservation, and generates delivery information for delivering a primary delivery item of the first reservation ID and a secondary delivery item of the second reservation ID to the predetermined delivery destination on the same day. The output unit 213 outputs the generated delivery information.

[0023] The input unit 211 also acquires customer information stored in the storage device 13 of the customer management server 1. The information processing unit 212 identifies a predetermined contact address corresponding to a predetermined delivery destination included in a predetermined primary delivery reservation based on the customer information, and generates recommended delivery item information based on the secondary delivery item list. The output unit 213 outputs the generated recommended delivery item information.

[0024] The memory 22 is used as a so-called work area for storing data that is temporarily used when the processor 21 executes various processes.

[0025] The storage device 23 is a non-volatile storage device, and stores programs executed by the processor 21. The storage device 23 also stores data or various setting values ​​used by the processor 21 when performing various processes and controls. For example, the storage device 23 functions as a storage unit, and stores a primary delivery reservation list in which primary delivery reservations for primary delivery items are registered, a secondary delivery reservation list in which secondary delivery reservations for secondary delivery items are registered, and a secondary delivery item list including multiple types of secondary delivery items, and stores delivery information generated at a predetermined timing.

[0026] The communication interface 24 communicates with external devices via a wired or wireless connection. For example, the communication interface 24 functions as a communication unit, communicates with the customer management server 1, receives various information from the customer management server 1, and transmits various information to the customer management server 1. The communication interface 24 also directly or indirectly communicates with the delivery management terminal 3, receives a delivery reservation inquiry from the delivery management terminal 3, and transmits the inquiry result to the delivery management terminal 3.

[0027] FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an example of a delivery management terminal according to the embodiment. The delivery management terminal 3 reads the reservation ID assigned to the delivery item, sends a delivery reservation inquiry including the reservation ID to the delivery management server 2, and receives the inquiry result from the delivery management server 2. Alternatively, the delivery management terminal 3 reads the reservation ID assigned to the delivery item, and sends tracking information including the reservation ID and location information, etc. to the delivery management server 2. The delivery management terminal 3 is a tablet-type communication device or the like, and includes a processor 31, memory 32, a storage device 33, a communication interface 34, a user interface 35, a scanner 36, etc.

[0028] The processor 31 corresponds to the central part of a computer that executes processes related to delivery management. The processor 31 executes processes related to delivery management based on programs such as system software, application software, or firmware stored in the storage device 33 or the like. The processor 31 is, for example, a CPU, an MPU, or a DSP. Alternatively, the processor 31 is a combination of two or more of these. For example, the processor 31 functions as a second information processing unit and generates and outputs reservation inquiry information.

[0029] The memory 32 is used as a so-called work area or the like for storing data that is temporarily used when the processor 31 executes various processes.

[0030] The storage device 33 is a non-volatile storage device, and stores programs and the like executed by the processor 31. The storage device 33 also stores data or various setting values ​​used by the processor 31 when performing various processes and controls.

[0031] The communication interface 34 wirelessly communicates with external devices. For example, the communication interface 34 communicates with the delivery management server 2, transmits a delivery reservation inquiry including a delivery item ID to the delivery management server 2, and receives an inquiry result transmitted from the delivery management server 2. Alternatively, the communication interface 34 transmits tracking information including a delivery item ID and location information to the delivery management server 2.

[0032] The user interface 35 is equipped with a touch panel display or the like, and displays various information and accepts input of various information. For example, the user interface 35 displays the inquiry results sent from the delivery management server 2, and supports loading of delivery items onto trucks or work immediately prior to delivery on the delivery day.

[0033] The scanner 36 reads the reservation ID including the delivery item ID etc., which is assigned to the delivery item. For example, the scanner 36 is a barcode reader that reads the barcode (reservation ID) assigned to the delivery item. Alternatively, the scanner 36 is a two-dimensional code reader that reads the two-dimensional code (reservation ID) assigned to the delivery item.

[0034] The sales company server 4 is one or more general-purpose computers, etc., and manages sales sites, etc. that can be accessed via the Internet. The sales company server 4 accepts order information from the customer terminal 5 via the sales sites, etc., and transmits a delivery request based on the order information to the delivery management server 2.

[0035] The customer terminal 5 is a communication device such as a personal computer or a smartphone, and is equipped with a processor, memory, a storage device, a communication interface, and a user interface, etc., and accesses sales sites managed by the sales company server 4 via the Internet, etc., and transmits order information for products (primary delivery items or secondary delivery items).

[0036] [Various information] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a customer list according to the embodiment. The storage device 13 of the customer management server 1 stores a customer list. As shown in Fig. 5, the customer list includes customer information, which includes a customer ID, customer name, customer address (delivery destination), customer contact information (email address, telephone number, etc.), and delivery history. Note that the customer list may be a list that groups customer information of the same customer address (delivery destination) in order to improve the efficiency of delivery management to the same customer address.

[0037] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a primary delivery reservation list and a secondary delivery reservation list according to the embodiment. The storage device 23 of the delivery management server 2 stores a primary delivery reservation list and a secondary delivery reservation list. As shown in FIG. 6, the primary delivery reservation list includes a primary delivery reservation for a primary delivery item with a first delivery allowance period, and the secondary delivery reservation list includes a secondary delivery reservation for a secondary delivery item with a second delivery allowance period longer than the first delivery allowance period. The primary delivery reservation includes a reservation ID, a delivery item ID, a delivery item name, a delivery allowance period, a priority, a customer ID, a customer name, a customer address (delivery destination), and a customer contact. The secondary delivery reservation includes a reservation ID, a delivery item ID, a delivery item name, a delivery allowance period, a priority, a customer ID, a customer name, a customer address (delivery destination), and a customer contact. The priority may be a value set in advance or may be a value set at the time of ordering. For example, a high priority is assigned to an item that needs to be delivered urgently, and a low priority is assigned to an item that needs to be delivered less urgently.

[0038] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a secondary delivery list according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7, the secondary delivery item list is a list of secondary delivery items with a second delivery allowable period that is longer than the first delivery allowable period. The secondary delivery item list includes a delivery item ID, a delivery item name, a delivery allowable period, and a priority. The secondary delivery item list may include items sold by a sales business and items sold by a delivery business. For example, the secondary delivery item list is a list of items that a sales business wants to promote and items that are easy for a delivery business to deliver. For example, items that are easy to deliver are small in size and have a long expiration date.

[0039] [Operation] <Bulk delivery processing> FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the consolidated delivery process in the delivery management server according to the embodiment. The delivery management server 2 suspends delivery of secondary deliveries when a secondary delivery reservation (delivery address A) for a secondary delivery item with a relatively long delivery allowance period is registered by the consolidated delivery process, and generates delivery information for consolidating primary and secondary deliveries with the same delivery destination and delivering them on the same day when a primary delivery reservation (delivery address A) for a primary delivery item with a relatively short delivery allowance period is registered. Details are as follows.

[0040] In response to the user's input operation to purchase a product, the customer terminal 5 transmits order information including customer information to the seller server 4. For example, the customer terminal 5 transmits order information including a secondary delivery reservation to the seller server 4. A few days later, the customer terminal 5 transmits order information including a primary delivery reservation to the seller server 4. Note that the order information including the secondary delivery reservation and the order information including the primary delivery reservation may be transmitted simultaneously, or the order information including the secondary delivery reservation may be transmitted after the order information including the primary delivery reservation is transmitted.

[0041] The seller server 4 sends a delivery request including a secondary delivery reservation based on order information including a secondary delivery reservation, and several days later sends a delivery request including a primary delivery reservation based on order information including a primary delivery reservation. Alternatively, the seller server 4 simultaneously sends a delivery request including a secondary delivery reservation and a delivery request including a primary delivery reservation. Alternatively, the seller server 4 sends a delivery request including a primary delivery reservation, and several days later sends a delivery request including a secondary delivery reservation.

[0042] In the delivery management server 2, the communication interface 24 receives a delivery request including a secondary delivery reservation (ST101), and the storage device 13, based on the fact that the received delivery request includes a secondary delivery reservation (ST102, NO), registers the secondary delivery reservation in the secondary delivery reservation list (ST104). Also, the communication interface 24 receives a delivery request including a primary delivery reservation (ST101), and the storage device 13, based on the fact that the received delivery request includes a primary delivery reservation (ST102, YES), registers the primary delivery reservation in the primary delivery reservation list (ST103).

[0043] For example, the processor 21 monitors the primary delivery reservation list and the secondary delivery reservation list stored in the storage device 23. The input unit 211 of the processor 21 inputs the primary delivery reservation list and the secondary delivery reservation list from the storage device 23 at a predetermined timing. The information processing unit 212 attempts to detect a predetermined secondary delivery reservation from the secondary delivery reservation list based on the primary delivery reservation list. For example, the information processing unit 212 attempts to detect a predetermined secondary delivery reservation including a second reservation ID and a predetermined delivery destination (delivery address A) from the secondary delivery reservation list based on a predetermined primary delivery reservation including a first reservation ID and a predetermined delivery destination (delivery address A) registered in the primary delivery reservation list (ST105). In other words, the information processing unit 212 attempts to detect a primary delivery item and a secondary delivery item to be delivered to the same delivery destination.

[0044] When the information processing unit 212 detects a predetermined secondary delivery reservation based on a predetermined primary delivery reservation (ST106, YES), it generates delivery information for delivering the primary delivery item of the first reservation ID and the secondary delivery item of the second reservation ID to a predetermined delivery destination (delivery address A) on the same day (ST107). The output unit 213 outputs the generated delivery information (ST109).

[0045] Furthermore, when the information processing unit 212 does not detect a predetermined secondary delivery reservation based on the predetermined primary delivery reservation (ST106, NO), it generates delivery information for delivering the primary delivery item of the first reservation ID to a predetermined delivery destination (ST108).The output unit 213 outputs the generated delivery information (ST109).

[0046] The delivery item dispensing device, the delivery item sorting device, and the person in charge dispensing the delivery items from the warehouse based on the generated delivery information, and sorting the delivery items according to their destinations.

[0047] As described above, the delivery management system of this embodiment generates delivery information for consolidating delivery items with different delivery deadlines and delivering them to the same delivery destination on the same day, thereby improving delivery efficiency. For the orderer, the number of times they need to receive the item can be reduced, improving convenience. In addition, delivery companies can obtain new business opportunities by selling secondary delivery items.

[0048] <Recommendation processing> FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of a recommendation process in the delivery management server according to the embodiment. The delivery management server 2 transmits recommended delivery item information based on the delivery history to the customer terminal 5 through the recommendation process, actively accepts secondary delivery items, and promotes the consolidated delivery process. In this embodiment, the recommendation process in the delivery management server 2 is described, but the recommendation process may be executed in the customer management server 1. Details are as follows.

[0049] In the delivery management server 2, the storage device 23 stores a secondary delivery item list including a plurality of types of secondary delivery items. The information processing unit 212 of the processor 21 generates a delivery history based on the generation of delivery information shown in ST107 and ST108 of FIG. 8 (ST201). The information processing unit 212 detects a secondary delivery item to be recommended from the secondary delivery item list based on the delivery history (ST202), and generates recommended delivery item information related to the secondary delivery item to be recommended (ST203). For example, the information processing unit 212 detects the top N delivery items among those delivered within a certain period based on the delivery history as the secondary delivery item to be recommended. The output unit 213 outputs the recommended delivery item information (ST204).

[0050] For example, the information processing unit 212 may detect a secondary delivery item to be recommended for a specific delivery destination based on the delivery history corresponding to the specific delivery destination, and generate recommended delivery item information for the specific delivery destination. In this case, it is possible to make recommendations according to the ordering trends of the specific delivery destination (individual or family). In addition, the information processing unit 212 may detect a secondary delivery item to be recommended for a specific delivery destination based on the delivery history of a specific delivery area corresponding to the specific delivery destination, and generate recommended delivery item information for the specific delivery destination. In this case, it is possible to make recommendations according to the ordering trends of a specific delivery area (region).

[0051] The output unit 213 outputs the recommended delivery item information to a predetermined contact address corresponding to the predetermined delivery destination. The communication interface 24 transmits the recommended delivery item information to the predetermined contact address.

[0052] The customer terminal 5 corresponding to the predetermined contact information receives and displays the recommended delivery item information. The recommended delivery item information includes the delivery item ID of one or more secondary delivery items to be recommended, the delivery date name, the discounted price and corresponding delivery allowance period (second delivery allowance period), and the non-discounted price and corresponding delivery allowance period (first delivery allowance period).

[0053] The customer terminal 5 transmits order information including customer information to the seller server 4 in response to the user's input to purchase a product corresponding to the recommended delivery item information. For example, the customer terminal 5 transmits order information including a secondary delivery reservation that specifies a second allowable delivery period to the seller server 4 in response to the selection of a discounted price. Also, the customer terminal 5 transmits order information including a secondary delivery reservation that specifies a first allowable delivery period to the seller server 4 in response to the selection of a non-discounted price.

[0054] The sales company server 4 transmits a delivery request including a secondary delivery reservation or a primary delivery reservation based on order information including a secondary delivery reservation or a primary delivery reservation. In the delivery management server 2, the communication interface 24 receives the delivery request including a secondary delivery reservation or a primary delivery reservation, and the storage device 13 registers the secondary delivery reservation in the secondary delivery reservation list based on the fact that the received delivery request includes a secondary delivery reservation, and registers the primary delivery reservation in the primary delivery reservation list based on the fact that the received delivery request includes a primary delivery reservation.

[0055] This kind of recommendation process makes it possible to proactively accept secondary delivery items and promote consolidated delivery. In addition, the recommended delivery item information includes a delivery allowance period corresponding to a discounted price (a second delivery allowance period) and a delivery allowance period corresponding to a non-discounted price (a first delivery allowance period), allowing users to use the recommended delivery item information according to their purpose, which is highly convenient.

[0056] Next, an example of the timing of transmitting the recommended delivery item information will be described. For example, the delivery management server 2 transmits the recommended delivery item information using the tracking information of the delivery item as a trigger.

[0057] A reservation ID is assigned to the primary delivery item and the secondary delivery item. These primary delivery items and secondary delivery items are transported by a conveyor or the like from the warehouse to a sorting station, and from the sorting station to a truck. In each transport process, the scanner 36 of the delivery management terminal 3 reads the reservation ID assigned to the primary delivery item or the secondary delivery item, and outputs tracking information including the scanner ID, location information, delivery item ID, and passing date and time. For example, by installing the scanner 36 in an appropriate position, if the scanner 36 reads the delivery item IDs from all delivery items, tracking information can be obtained for all delivery items.

[0058] The delivery management server 2 receives the tracking information via the communication interface 24, and the storage device 23 stores the tracking information. The input unit 211 inputs the tracking information, and the information processing unit 212, triggered by the timing of inputting the tracking information, specifies the output of the recommended delivery item information. For example, based on the tracking information of a first reservation ID included in a predetermined primary delivery reservation, the information processing unit 212 specifies the output of the recommended delivery item information to a contact corresponding to the delivery destination of the first reservation ID, and the output unit 213 outputs the recommended delivery item information to the contact in response to the output specification. The communication interface 24 transmits the recommended delivery item information to the contact.

[0059] As a result, for example, when a primary delivery item with a first reservation ID passes through the sorting station, recommended delivery item information is sent to the contact information corresponding to the delivery destination of the first reservation ID. If a secondary delivery reservation is registered at this point, the primary delivery item with the first reservation ID and the secondary delivery item with the second reservation ID included in the registered secondary delivery reservation can be delivered together on the same day.

[0060] <Delivery reservation inquiry> FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a response process in response to a delivery reservation inquiry in the delivery management server according to the embodiment. A reservation ID is assigned to the primary delivery item and the secondary delivery item. When loading the delivery item onto the truck or when delivering it to each delivery destination, the person in charge can use the delivery management terminal 3 to inquire about the reservation for the delivery item. For example, the scanner 36 of the delivery management terminal 3 reads the reservation ID assigned to the primary delivery item or the secondary delivery item, and the processor 31 functions as an information processing unit and generates a delivery reservation inquiry including the scanner ID, the delivery item ID, and the current date and time. The communication interface 34 transmits the delivery reservation inquiry.

[0061] The communication interface 24 of the delivery management server 2 receives a delivery reservation inquiry (ST301), and the information processing unit 212 detects a corresponding delivery reservation from the primary delivery reservation list and the secondary delivery reservation list based on the reservation ID and the like included in the delivery reservation inquiry (ST302). For example, when the information processing unit 212 detects a specific primary delivery reservation corresponding to a first reservation ID included in the delivery reservation inquiry, or detects a specific secondary delivery reservation corresponding to a second reservation ID included in the delivery reservation inquiry, it identifies delivery information for delivering the primary delivery item of the first reservation ID and the secondary delivery item of the second reservation ID to a specific delivery destination on the same day, and generates a query result including the delivery information (ST303). The output unit 213 outputs the query result including the delivery information in response to the delivery reservation inquiry from the delivery management terminal 3 (ST304).

[0062] The communication interface 34 of the delivery management terminal 3 receives the inquiry result including the delivery information corresponding to the transmitted delivery reservation inquiry. The user interface 35 displays the inquiry result. The inquiry result includes the delivery information, and the delivery information includes information for delivering the primary delivery item of the first reservation ID and the secondary delivery item of the second reservation ID to a specified delivery destination on the same day.

[0063] In other words, by using the delivery management terminal 3 to inquire about the reservation of the delivery item, the person in charge can know that the primary delivery item with the first reservation ID and the secondary delivery item with the second reservation ID will be delivered to the specified delivery destination on the same day. If the person in charge inquires about the timing of loading onto the truck, the secondary delivery item with the second reservation ID can be loaded onto the truck together with the primary delivery item with the first reservation ID. If the person inquires about the timing immediately before delivery to each delivery destination, the secondary delivery item with the second reservation ID can be delivered together with the primary delivery item with the first reservation ID.

[0064] By using the timing inquiry of truck loading, efficient loading can be achieved by narrowing down the delivery items to be delivered. Also, if a certain number of types of secondary delivery items are loaded onto a truck and the truck is set off, and the timing inquiry just before delivery to each delivery destination is used, it is possible to respond to last-minute reservations for secondary delivery.

[0065] <Independent delivery processing> FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the single delivery information output process in the delivery management server according to the embodiment. Although the consolidated delivery process has been described above, a single delivery process will be described here when the remaining period of the delivery allowance period of the secondary delivery falls below the threshold value.

[0066] The information processing unit 212 monitors the primary delivery reservation registered in the primary delivery reservation list and the secondary delivery reservation registered in the secondary delivery reservation list to prevent delivery delays. When the remaining period of the second delivery allowance period included in the specified secondary delivery reservation falls below a threshold without delivery information being generated (ST401, YES), the information processing unit 212 instructs the output of independent delivery guidance information regarding the independent delivery of the secondary delivery item of the second reservation ID included in the specified secondary delivery reservation (ST402).

[0067] For example, if the threshold is set to 8 days, the information processing unit 212 instructs the contact corresponding to the delivery destination included in the specified secondary delivery reservation to output independent delivery guide information when the remaining period of the second permissible delivery period included in the specified secondary delivery reservation becomes less than 8 days. The communication interface 24 transmits the independent delivery guide information to the contact corresponding to the delivery destination included in the specified secondary delivery reservation.

[0068] The customer terminal 5 receives and displays the single delivery guide information. For example, the single delivery guide information includes information that there are no delivery items eligible for consolidated delivery and that the ordered secondary delivery item will be at a non-discounted price. Furthermore, the single delivery guide information may include recommended delivery item information. In response to an input by the user to purchase a product corresponding to the recommended delivery item information, the customer terminal 5 transmits order information including customer information to the sales company server 4, and if consolidated delivery is possible, a discounted price is applied to the ordered secondary delivery item.

[0069] According to the present embodiment described above, it is possible to provide a delivery management server and a delivery management system that can improve the efficiency of delivery processing without compromising convenience. The delivery management server and the delivery management system of this embodiment generate delivery information for consolidating delivery items with different delivery allowance deadlines and delivering them to the same delivery destination on the same day, thereby improving delivery efficiency. For the orderer, the number of times the order is received can be reduced, improving convenience. Furthermore, delivery companies can gain new business opportunities by selling secondary delivery items.

[0070] The program according to this embodiment may be transferred in a state stored in an electronic device such as the delivery management server 2, or may be transferred in a state not stored in an electronic device. In the latter case, the program may be transferred via a network, or may be transferred in a state recorded on a recording medium. The recording medium is a non-transitory tangible medium. The recording medium is a computer-readable medium. The recording medium may be in any form, such as a CD-ROM or a memory card, as long as it is capable of storing the program and is computer-readable.

[0071] Although some embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0072] 1. Customer management server 2. Delivery management server 3…Delivery management terminal 4. Seller server 5. Customer terminal 11…Processor 12…Memory 13...Storage device 14...Communication interface 21…Processor 22…Memory 23…Storage device 24…Communication interface 31…Processor 32…Memory 33…Storage device 34…Communication interface 35...User Interface 36…Scanner 111...Input section 112...Information processing section 113...Output section 211...input section 212...Information processing section 213...Output section

Claims

1. A storage unit for storing a primary delivery reservation list in which a primary delivery reservation for a primary delivery item having a first delivery allowance period is registered, and a secondary delivery reservation list in which a secondary delivery reservation for a secondary delivery item having a second delivery allowance period longer than the first delivery allowance period is registered; An information processing unit that detects a second reservation ID and a predetermined secondary delivery reservation including the predetermined delivery destination from the secondary delivery reservation list based on a first reservation ID and a predetermined primary delivery reservation including the predetermined delivery destination registered in the primary delivery reservation list, and generates delivery information for delivering a primary delivery item of the first reservation ID and a secondary delivery item of the second reservation ID to the predetermined delivery destination on the same day; an output unit that outputs the delivery information; A delivery management server comprising:

2. The output unit outputs recommended delivery item information to a predetermined contact point corresponding to the predetermined delivery destination, 2. The delivery management server according to claim 1, wherein said storage unit stores said predetermined secondary delivery reservation transmitted in response to said recommended delivery item information in said secondary delivery reservation list.

3. The storage unit stores a secondary delivery item list including a plurality of types of secondary delivery items, The information processing unit detects a secondary delivery item to be recommended from the secondary delivery item list based on a delivery history corresponding to the predetermined delivery destination, The delivery management server according to claim 2 , wherein the output unit outputs the recommended delivery item information relating to the secondary delivery item to be recommended to the predetermined contact point.

4. The delivery management server according to claim 3, wherein the information processing unit detects a secondary delivery item to be recommended from the secondary delivery item list based on a delivery history of a delivery area corresponding to the predetermined delivery destination.

5. The information processing unit specifies output of the recommended delivery item information based on tracking information of the first reservation ID included in the predetermined primary delivery reservation, The delivery management server according to claim 2 , wherein the output unit outputs the recommended delivery item information in response to an output instruction.

6. 2. The delivery management server according to claim 1, wherein said information processing unit detects said predetermined secondary delivery reservation from said secondary delivery reservation list based on a delivery reservation inquiry including said first reservation ID transmitted from a communication device.

7. The information processing unit instructs output of information regarding the independent delivery of the secondary delivery item of the second reservation ID in response to the remaining period of the second delivery allowance period included in the predetermined secondary delivery reservation becoming less than a threshold without the delivery information being generated, The delivery management server according to claim 1 , wherein the output unit outputs information relating to the single delivery to a predetermined contact point corresponding to the predetermined delivery destination.

8. A delivery management system including a delivery management server and a communication device, The delivery management server includes: A storage unit for storing a primary delivery reservation list in which a primary delivery reservation for a primary delivery item having a first delivery allowance period is registered, and a secondary delivery reservation list in which a secondary delivery reservation for a secondary delivery item having a second delivery allowance period longer than the first delivery allowance period is registered; an information processing unit that detects a second delivery reservation including a second reservation ID and the specified delivery destination from the secondary delivery reservation list based on a first delivery reservation including a first reservation ID and a specified delivery destination registered in the primary delivery reservation list, and a delivery reservation inquiry including the first reservation ID transmitted from the communication device, and generates delivery information for delivering a primary delivery item of the first reservation ID and a secondary delivery item of the second reservation ID to the specified delivery destination on the same day; an output unit that outputs the delivery information in response to the delivery reservation inquiry from the communication device; Equipped with The communication device includes: a reader for reading the first reservation ID assigned to the primary delivery item; a second information processing unit that generates the delivery reservation inquiry including the first reservation ID; a communication unit that transmits the delivery reservation inquiry to the delivery management server and receives the delivery information from the delivery management server; a user interface for displaying the delivery information; A delivery management system comprising:

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