Delivery management device and delivery management method

Abstract

To reduce delays in the overall delivery schedule caused by re-delivery.SOLUTION: A delivery management device includes: a delivery plan information generation unit that generates delivery plan information regarding a delivery plan indicating the delivery order of a plurality of delivery objects that a delivery person will deliver in a predetermined period and a scheduled delivery time frame for each of the plurality of delivery objects; a candidate information generation unit that generates candidate information regarding a candidate for a time frame, which is a time frame included in the predetermined period and when a delivery object to be re-delivered can be re-delivered based on the delivery plan information, when the delivery object to be re-delivered occurs while the delivery person is making a delivery according to the delivery plan, on the premise that each delivery object to be delivered subsequently can be delivered within the scheduled delivery time frame; and a communication unit that transmits the candidate information to a recipient terminal of a recipient of the delivery object to be re-delivered, receives selected candidate information from the recipient terminal regarding re-deliverable time frame candidate selected by the recipient, and transmits re-delivery instruction information based on the selected candidate information to a delivery person terminal.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a technique for managing deliveries of mail, parcel services, and the like. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, redelivery of mail, parcels, etc. has become a social problem, as it increases carbon dioxide emissions and aggravates the driver shortage. Therefore, in order to reduce redelivery, it is recommended to utilize various receiving methods, such as leaving parcels at the door, parcel lockers, and convenience store pickup.

[0003] However, the above-mentioned receiving methods cannot be used for face-to-face deliveries that require face-to-face receipt, such as cash on delivery and COD. Therefore, if the recipient is absent in a face-to-face delivery, redelivery is required.

[0004] As a method for preventing the recipient from being absent at the time of delivery, the recipient generally specifies a delivery time slot in advance, or the recipient is notified of the delivery time slot in advance. The delivery time slot can be specified, for example, as morning (9:00-12:00), afternoon (12:00-16:00), evening (16:00-19:00), or nighttime (19:00-21:00). Receiving the parcel during the delivery time slot specified by the recipient is achieved when the recipient is at home during the delivery time slot and the delivery person visits the recipient's house during the delivery time slot.

[0005] In this case, the recipient is expected to be at home during the designated delivery time. However, problems may occur where the recipient is unable to receive the delivery because they are temporarily out on urgent business, in the bathroom, or so engrossed in music that they do not hear the doorbell (door chime, etc.) and are unable to meet the delivery person.

[0006] On the other hand, delivery persons also try to visit the delivery destination during the designated delivery time. However, there are cases where the delivery person cannot visit during the designated delivery time due to traffic congestion, bad weather, delivery trouble, etc. In such cases, it is expected that the delivery person will contact the recipient by phone or the like to inform them that they cannot visit during the designated delivery time, but it is possible that the recipient will not be able to be at home outside the designated delivery time because they have other plans, which may result in the recipient being unable to receive the delivery.

[0007] As a solution to this problem, for example, a method such as that disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2, in which the scheduled delivery time in hours and minutes is notified immediately before delivery, may be considered.

[0008] Patent Document 1 discloses a device that automatically calls the delivery destination to check whether the delivery person is at home when the distance between the delivery vehicle's current location and the delivery destination or the estimated arrival time at the delivery destination falls below a certain level, and if the delivery person is at home, it informs the delivery person of the scheduled delivery time and urges them not to go out, and if the answering machine answers, it records an announcement requesting a reply by phone.

[0009] Patent Document 2 discloses a system that, when it detects the entry of a deliverer into an area specified by the location of a delivery destination, notifies the recipient that a package is scheduled to be delivered by sending an email to an email address associated with the delivery destination. The notification includes, for example, the scheduled delivery time of the package.

[0010] By using the methods disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2, the recipient can know the scheduled delivery time, albeit at short notice, and can concentrate on waiting for the delivery person only at that scheduled delivery time, thereby increasing the probability of receiving the delivery and reducing redelivery. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0011] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 9-35192 [Patent Document 2] JP 2010-92398 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0012] However, even if the methods disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2 are used, there are still many recipients who are absent, and redelivery may be required. For example, when the method disclosed in Patent Document 2 is used, it is possible that the recipient does not see or is unable to see the notification (email), and redelivery may be required. This can also occur when the recipient is notified of the delivery time slot in advance as described above.

[0013] When redelivery occurs in this way, it also affects regular deliveries that are not redelivery, causing delays in the overall delivery schedule.

[0014] In one aspect, the present invention aims to reduce delays in the overall delivery schedule caused by redelivery. [Means for solving the problem]

[0015] A delivery management device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a delivery plan information generating unit, a candidate information generating unit, and a communication unit. The delivery plan information generating unit generates delivery plan information related to a delivery plan indicating a delivery order of a plurality of deliveries to be delivered by a delivery person in a predetermined period and a scheduled delivery time period for each of the plurality of deliveries. When a deliverer is making a delivery according to the delivery plan and a deliverie is generated, the candidate information generating unit generates candidate information related to candidates for time periods included in the predetermined period during which the deliverie can be redelivered based on the delivery plan information, on the premise that each of the deliveries to be delivered subsequently can be delivered within the scheduled delivery time period. The communication unit transmits the candidate information to a recipient terminal of a recipient of the deliverie to be redelivered, receives selected candidate information related to candidates for time periods during which the deliverie can be redelivered selected by the recipient from the recipient terminal, and transmits redelivery instruction information based on the selected candidate information to a delivery person terminal of the deliverie.

[0016] A delivery management method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes the following steps: generating delivery plan information relating to a delivery plan indicating the delivery order of multiple pieces that a delivery person will deliver in a specified period of time and the scheduled delivery time zone for each of the multiple pieces; when a piece that needs to be redelivered occurs while a delivery person is making a delivery according to the delivery plan, generating candidate information relating to candidate time zones included in the specified period when the piece that needs to be redelivered can be redelivered based on the delivery plan information, assuming that each piece that is delivered subsequently can be delivered within the scheduled delivery time zone; transmitting the candidate information to a recipient terminal of a recipient of the piece that needs to be redelivered; receiving selected candidate information from the recipient terminal regarding the candidate time zones for redelivery selected by the recipient; and transmitting redelivery instruction information based on the selected candidate information to the delivery person terminal of the delivery person. Effect of the Invention

[0017] This can reduce delays in the overall delivery schedule caused by redelivery. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a delivery management system. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a delivery management device. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of delivery information. [Figure 4] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of recipient information. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of delivery person information. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of delivery plan information. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a computer. [Figure 8] 11 is a flowchart illustrating a delivery management process executed in the delivery management device. [Figure 9] 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of last-minute notification and candidate information. FIG. [Figure 10]11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating a specific example of generation of candidate information performed by a candidate information generating unit. [Figure 11] 11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating a specific example of generation of candidate information performed by a candidate information generating unit. [Figure 12] 13 is another diagram illustrating an example of last-minute notification and candidate information. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0019] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0020] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a delivery management system 1.

[0021] 1 includes a delivery management device 10, a delivery person terminal 20, and a recipient terminal 30. The delivery management device 10, the delivery person terminal 20, and the recipient terminal 30 are connected to a communication network 40 wirelessly or by wire, and for example, the delivery management device 10 and the delivery person terminal 20, and the delivery management device 10 and the recipient terminal 30 can communicate with each other via the communication network 40. The communication network 40 includes the Internet.

[0022] The delivery management device 10 is a server that manages the delivery of mail, parcels, etc. The delivery person terminal 20 is an in-vehicle device mounted on a delivery vehicle 60 used by a delivery person 50 to deliver a piece, and has a current location detection function. The delivery person terminal 20 may be a portable information terminal device of the delivery person 50. The recipient terminal 30 is a portable information terminal device of a recipient 70 of the piece. The portable information terminal device is, for example, a smartphone or a tablet terminal.

[0023] For example, the delivery person 50 goes to the recipient's house 80 in a delivery vehicle 60 to deliver the item. If the item is a face-to-face delivery item (such as a cash-on-delivery or cash-on-delivery item), the delivery person 50 hands the item over to the recipient 70 in person, and the recipient 70 receives the item from the delivery person 50 in person.

[0024] For ease of explanation, FIG. 1 shows only one delivery person terminal 20 and one recipient terminal 30, but in reality, there are multiple delivery person terminals 20 (a delivery person terminal 20 mounted on each delivery vehicle 60 of multiple delivery persons 50) and multiple recipient terminals 30 (each recipient terminal 30 of multiple recipients 70).

[0025] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of the delivery management device 10.

[0026] The delivery management device 10 illustrated in FIG. 2 includes a control unit 101, a communication unit 102, and a storage unit 103.

[0027] The control unit 101 controls each unit of the delivery management device 10. The control unit 101 also includes a delivery plan information generation unit 111 and a candidate information generation unit 112.

[0028] The delivery plan information generating unit 111 generates delivery plan information regarding a delivery plan indicating the delivery order of a plurality of pieces that the delivery person 50 will deliver in a predetermined period of time and the scheduled delivery time period of each of the plurality of pieces.

[0029] When a parcel requiring redelivery occurs while a delivery person 50 is making a delivery according to a delivery plan, the candidate information generating unit 112 generates candidate information regarding possible time slots within a specified period during which the parcel requiring redelivery can be redelivered, based on delivery plan information, on the premise that each subsequent parcel can be delivered within the scheduled delivery time slot.

[0030] The communication unit 102 transmits candidate information to the recipient terminal 30 of the recipient 70 of the piece to be redelivered, receives selected candidate information related to candidate time slots selected by the recipient 70 for redelivery from the recipient terminal 30, and transmits redelivery instruction information based on the selected candidate information to the delivery person terminal 20 of the delivery person 50. Here, the redelivery instruction information includes information such as the time to redelivery the piece to be redelivered (scheduled redelivery time) and when to redelivery the piece to be redelivered (for example, redelivery between the piece to be delivered m-th and the piece to be delivered m+1).

[0031] In addition, the communication unit 102 transmits an advance notification including information regarding the scheduled delivery time period to the recipient terminal 30 of each of the recipients 70 of the multiple deliveries to be delivered before the delivery person 50 starts delivery according to the delivery plan.

[0032] Furthermore, when the delivery person 50 is making a delivery according to the delivery plan, if the delivery piece that is to be delivered a predetermined number of times from the delivery pieces being delivered is a delivery piece to be delivered in person, the communication unit 102 transmits a last-minute notification including information on the scheduled delivery time and an absence inquiry to the recipient terminal 30 of the recipient 70 of the delivery piece to be delivered in person, and receives a response to the absence inquiry. Here, the scheduled delivery time is calculated, for example, based on the time and the location of the delivery person 50 at the time when the communication unit 102 receives delivery result information on the delivery result of the delivery piece being delivered from the delivery person terminal 20. Note that, each time the delivery person 50 delivers a delivery piece, the delivery person 50 inputs the delivery result of the delivery piece (delivery completed, delivery incomplete due to absence of the recipient, etc.) to the delivery person terminal 20, and the delivery person terminal 20 transmits delivery result information on the delivery result to the delivery management device 10. This allows the delivery management device 10 to determine, for example, which delivery piece the delivery person 50 is currently delivering. For example, if the delivery order of the delivery piece in the delivery result indicated by the most recently received delivery result information is n, it can be determined that the piece with the delivery order of n+1 is the piece currently being delivered. The location of the delivery person 50 is obtained, for example, by obtaining the location indicated by the current location information of the delivery person terminal 20, which is transmitted from the delivery person terminal 20 to the delivery management device 10 periodically (for example, every second), as the location of the delivery person 50. The scheduled delivery time is calculated, for example, by the control unit 101.

[0033] When the candidate information generation unit 112 generates candidate information, a case where a delivery item requiring redelivery has occurred means, for example, a case where the communication unit 102 receives an absence response stating that the recipient is not present in response to a absence inquiry, or a case where a delivery item requiring face-to-face delivery is delivered without the communication unit 102 receiving an absence response stating that the recipient is not present in response to a absence inquiry, and the recipient 70 of the delivery item is not present.

[0034] The storage unit 103 stores delivery piece information related to the delivery piece, recipient information related to the recipient 70, delivery person information related to the delivery person 50, and delivery plan information generated by the delivery plan information generation unit 111. The delivery piece information and recipient information are used, for example, to generate delivery plan information by the delivery plan information generation unit 111. The delivery piece information, recipient information, and delivery person information are generated and updated by, for example, the control unit 101.

[0035] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of delivery information.

[0036] The delivery information illustrated in FIG. 3 includes information regarding each delivery, such as the delivery ID, contents, whether or not face-to-face delivery is required, the delivery method, delivery address, recipient ID, recipient telephone number, and the designated delivery time period. Here, the delivery ID is identification information of the delivery. The recipient ID is identification information of the recipient 70. The designated delivery time period is, for example, a delivery time period designated by the recipient 70. In this example, the delivery ID of a delivery item "GD1" indicates that the contents are "cash", whether or not face-to-face delivery is required is "required", the delivery method is "registered mail", the delivery address is "Tokyo···11", the recipient ID is "U1", the recipient telephone number is "090-〇〇···", and the designated delivery time period is "〇th month 〇th morning", etc.

[0037] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of recipient information.

[0038] The recipient information illustrated in Fig. 4 includes information regarding the recipient ID, recipient name, recipient address (which is also the delivery address), recipient telephone number, and recipient email address for each recipient 70. In this example, the recipient 70 with the recipient ID "U1" has the recipient name "XXX", the recipient address "Tokyo···11", the recipient telephone number "090-XXX···", the recipient email address "XXX@XXX.com", etc. Note that part of the delivery information (the delivery address, recipient ID, recipient telephone number, etc. illustrated in Fig. 3) may be obtained from the recipient information.

[0039] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of delivery person information.

[0040] The delivery person information illustrated in FIG. 5 includes a delivery person ID, information on the delivery items to be delivered (delivery item ID, delivery address, etc. for each delivery person 50), and a delivery plan information ID. Here, the delivery person ID is identification information of the delivery person 50. The delivery items to be delivered are items that the delivery person 50 delivers according to a delivery plan. The delivery plan information ID is identification information of delivery plan information related to the delivery plan of the delivery person 50. In this example, the delivery person 50 with the delivery person ID "M1" delivers a plurality of deliveries including a delivery item ID "GD1" and a delivery address "Tokyo···11" and a delivery item ID "GD2" and a delivery address "Tokyo···12", and the delivery plan information ID is "SC1". Note that the delivery items delivered by the delivery person 50 with the delivery person ID "M1" are also delivered according to the delivery plan indicated by the delivery plan information with the delivery plan information ID "SC1". In the delivery person information illustrated in FIG. 5, information about pieces to be delivered is arranged in the order in which the pieces will be delivered.

[0041] Fig. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of delivery plan information. Note that the delivery plan information illustrated in Fig. 6 is also delivery plan information with a delivery plan information ID of "SC1".

[0042] The delivery plan information illustrated in FIG. 6 includes information on the delivery order, delivery item ID, delivery destination address, initial scheduled delivery time, scheduled delivery time zone, and same building for each of multiple deliveries that the delivery person 50 (delivery person 50 with the delivery person ID "M1") delivers during a predetermined period (in this example, the period from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on the delivery date). Here, the initial scheduled delivery time indicates the scheduled delivery time determined when the delivery plan information is generated, and is different from the scheduled delivery time indicated by the information included in the preceding notification. In addition, the initial scheduled delivery time is internal information and is not notified to the outside (for example, the recipient 70). The scheduled delivery time zone is also transmitted to the recipient terminal 30 as information included in the preceding notification. The same building indicates that the delivery destination addresses are on different floors (different floors) of the same building. For example, the delivery address "Tokyo··22-1" of a delivery item with a delivery ID of "GD10" and the delivery address "Tokyo··22-2" of a delivery item with a delivery ID of "GD11" are on different floors of the same building, so the respective same buildings in the delivery plan information are "Re(GD10,GD11)." In this example, the delivery item with a delivery priority of "1" has a delivery ID of "GD1", a delivery address of "Tokyo··11", an original scheduled delivery time of "9:00", a scheduled delivery time period of "9:00~9:30", and does not share a building ("-")

[0043] The delivery management device 10 having the above-described configuration may be realized by a computer 90 having a hardware configuration exemplified in FIG.

[0044] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of the computer 90. As shown in FIG.

[0045] The computer 90 illustrated in FIG. 7 includes a processor 901, a memory 902, a storage device 903, a reading device 904, a communication interface 906, and an input / output interface 907, all of which are connected via a data bus 908 so that they can send and receive data to each other.

[0046] The processor 901 may be, for example, a single processor, a multi-processor, or a multi-core. The processor 901 uses the memory 902 to execute a program, thereby providing, for example, the functions of the control unit 101 of the delivery management device 10.

[0047] The memory 902 is, for example, a semiconductor memory, and includes a RAM area and a ROM area. Note that RAM is an abbreviation for Random Access Memory, and ROM is an abbreviation for Read Only Memory.

[0048] The storage device 903 is, for example, a hard disk, a semiconductor memory such as a flash memory, or an external storage device. The storage device 903 provides, for example, the function of the storage unit 103 of the delivery management device 10.

[0049] The reader 904 accesses the removable storage medium 905 in accordance with instructions from the processor 901. The removable storage medium 905 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor device (such as a USB memory), a medium (such as a magnetic disk) from which information is input and output by magnetic action, or a medium (such as a CD-ROM or DVD) from which information is input and output by optical action. Note that USB is an abbreviation for Universal Serial Bus. CD is an abbreviation for Compact Disc. DVD is an abbreviation for Digital Versatile Disk.

[0050] The communication interface 906 communicates via various communication networks in accordance with instructions from the processor 901. The communication interface 906 provides, for example, the functions of the communication unit 102 of the delivery management device 10.

[0051] The input / output interface 907 provides an interface with an input device 911 and an output device 912. The input device 911 is a keyboard, a mouse device, a button switch, a touch panel, etc. The output device 912 is a display device, an audio output device, etc.

[0052] The program executed by the processor 901 of the computer 90 is provided, for example, in the following form. (1) Pre-installed in storage device 903. (2) Provided by a removable storage medium 905. (3) The program is provided from a program server via a communication network.

[0053] The hardware configuration of the computer 90 is an example, and the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, a part of the configuration may be deleted, or a new configuration may be added. Also, for example, a part or all of the functions of the above-mentioned functional configuration may be implemented as hardware using an FPGA, SoC, ASIC, PLD, or the like. Here, FPGA is an abbreviation for Field Programmable Gate Array. SoC is an abbreviation for System-on-a-chip. ASIC is an abbreviation for Application Specific Integrated Circuit. PLD is an abbreviation for Programmable Logic Device.

[0054] The deliverer terminal 20 and the recipient terminal 30 may also be realized by a computer 90 having the hardware configuration exemplified in Fig. 7. However, when the deliverer terminal 20 is realized by the computer 90, a GPS device including a sensor for detecting the current location may be further connected to the processor 901. GPS is an abbreviation for Global Positioning System.

[0055] Next, the processes executed in the delivery management system 1 will be described, focusing on the processes executed in the delivery management device 10.

[0056] 8 is a flowchart illustrating a delivery management process executed in the delivery management device 10. This delivery management process is performed for each delivery person 50. In this example, it is assumed that the delivery management process is performed for a delivery person 50 whose delivery person ID is "M1."

[0057] When the delivery management process illustrated in Fig. 8 starts, first, in step S1, the control unit 101 (delivery plan information generating unit 111) generates delivery plan information related to a delivery plan indicating the delivery order of multiple deliveries to be delivered by the delivery person 50 (delivery person 50 whose delivery person ID is "M1") in a predetermined period and the scheduled delivery time period of each of the multiple deliveries. In this example, it is assumed that the delivery plan information illustrated in Fig. 6 has been generated.

[0058] Next, in step S2, the communication unit 102 transmits an advance notification including information regarding a scheduled delivery time period to the recipient terminal 30 of each recipient 70 of the multiple pieces to be delivered before the delivery person 50 starts delivery according to the delivery plan indicated by the delivery plan information generated in step S1. As a result, for example, an advance notification including information that the scheduled delivery time period is "9:00 to 9:30" is transmitted to the recipient terminal 30 of the recipient 70 of a piece with a delivery piece ID of "GDI".

[0059] In this example, the advance notice, the last minute notice, and the candidate information are sent by SMS, but they may be sent by email. SMS is an abbreviation for Short Message Service. The telephone number and email address of each recipient 70 are obtained, for example, from the delivery information (see FIG. 3) or the recipient information (see FIG. 4).

[0060] After the delivery person 50 starts delivery according to the delivery plan indicated by the delivery plan information generated in step S1, in step S3, the control unit 101 judges whether or not it is necessary to send a last-minute notification. In this judgment, if the delivery piece that is the predetermined numberth (e.g., the third) piece to be delivered by the delivery person 50 counting from the pieces being delivered is a piece to be delivered in person, the judgment result is YES, and if not, the judgment result is NO.

[0061] If the result of the determination in step S3 is NO, this determination is repeated.

[0062] On the other hand, if the determination result in step S3 is YES, in step S4, the communication unit 102 transmits an immediate notice. More specifically, the communication unit 102 transmits an immediate notice including information on the scheduled delivery time and an absence inquiry to the recipient terminal 30 of the recipient 70 of the delivery item to be delivered in person. The scheduled delivery time is calculated, for example, based on the time and the location of the delivery person 50 at the time when the communication unit 102 receives delivery result information on the delivery result of the delivery item being delivered from the delivery person terminal 20 in step S3. The location of the delivery person 50 is obtained, for example, by obtaining the location indicated by the current location information of the delivery person terminal 20 transmitted periodically (for example, every second) from the delivery person terminal 20 as the location of the delivery person 50. The calculation of the scheduled delivery time is performed, for example, by the control unit 101.

[0063] Next, in step S5, control unit 101 determines whether communication unit 102 has received an absence response indicating that the person is absent as a response to the absence inquiry.

[0064] If the result of the determination in step S5 is NO, in step S6, the control unit 101 determines whether or not the delivery of the piece to be delivered in person was made and the recipient 70 of the piece was absent. This determination is made, for example, based on delivery result information regarding the delivery result of the piece to be delivered in person, which is transmitted from the delivery person terminal 20.

[0065] If the decision result in step S6 is NO, the process returns to step S3.

[0066] On the other hand, if the judgment result in step S5 is YES (if the communication unit 102 receives an absence response in response to the absence inquiry), or if the judgment result in step S6 is YES (if the communication unit 102 does not receive an absence response in response to the absence inquiry and the delivery of the piece to be delivered in person is made and the recipient 70 of the piece is absent), in step S7, the control unit 101 (candidate information generation unit 112) generates candidate information regarding candidate time periods included in the specified period during which the piece to be redelivered can be redelivered based on the delivery plan information, assuming that the piece to be delivered in person is a piece to be redelivered and each piece delivered thereafter can be delivered within the scheduled delivery time period.

[0067] Next, in step S8, the communication unit 102 transmits the candidate information generated in step S7 to the recipient terminal 30 of the recipient 70 of the piece to be redelivered.

[0068] Next, in step S9, the communication unit 102 receives from the recipient terminal 30 selection candidate information related to candidates for time slots during which redelivery is possible selected by the recipient 70.

[0069] Next, in step S10, the communication unit 102 transmits redelivery instruction information based on the selection candidate information received in step S9 to the delivery person terminal 20 of the delivery person 50.

[0070] When step S10 is completed, the process returns to step S3.

[0071] The delivery person terminal 20, which has received the redelivery instruction information transmitted in step S10, notifies the delivery person 50 of the redelivery instruction indicated by the redelivery instruction information, for example, by displaying it. The redelivery instruction includes, for example, the time to redelivery the item to be redelivered (scheduled redelivery time), and the timing at which the item to be redelivered will be redelivered (for example, redelivery between the mth item and the m+1th item). The delivery person 50 then redelivers the item to be redelivered in accordance with the notified redelivery instruction.

[0072] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of the last-minute notification and candidate information.

[0073] The last-minute notification 301 illustrated in Fig. 9 shows a last-minute notification received and displayed by the recipient terminal 30. The last-minute notification 301 shows "10:35" as the scheduled delivery time, and shows "If you are absent, please push here (http: / / www.a...)" as the absence inquiry. If the recipient 70 is expected to be absent at "10:35", which is the scheduled delivery time, he / she can push (press, touch, etc.) "here (http: / / www.a...)" to make an absence response in response to the absence inquiry. In this case, an absence response is sent from the recipient terminal 30 to the delivery management device 10.

[0074] When a response of absence is made (when there is a response of absence), candidate information is transmitted from the delivery management device 10 to the recipient terminal 30. The candidate information 302 illustrated in FIG. 9 shows candidate information received and displayed by the recipient terminal 30. The candidate information 302 also serves as a notification of redelivery. The candidate information 302 shows today's "13:15-13:45" and "15:45-16:15" as candidates for time slots during which redelivery is possible. The recipient 70 can select the time slot during which redelivery is desired for today by pushing the link destination of the desired time slot from among these time slots. In this case, selection candidate information regarding the candidate time slots during which redelivery is possible selected by the recipient 70 is transmitted from the recipient terminal 30 to the delivery management device 10.

[0075] The candidate information 302 also shows a link to a redelivery site so that the recipient 70 can request redelivery for a day other than today (tomorrow or later). However, if the recipient 70 requests redelivery on the redelivery site, the parcel requested for redelivery will be delivered as one of multiple parcels that are delivered according to a delivery plan indicated by the delivery plan information that will be generated later.

[0076] If no absence response is made to the immediate notification 301 (no absence response), the delivery will be carried out as is, but if the recipient 70 is not present, candidate information will be sent from the delivery management device 10 to the recipient terminal 30, just as in the case where an absence response is made.

[0077] 10 and 11 are diagrams showing a specific example of generation of candidate information performed by the candidate information generating unit 112. FIG.

[0078] In this specific example, the candidate information generating unit 112 first calculates the delay time caused by the interruption of the delivery of the redelivery target delivery (assumed to be the delivery to destination D) between the delivery destinations of the delivery items to be delivered thereafter (hereinafter referred to as "interruption delivery"), as shown in FIG. 10. However, if the delivery destinations are on different floors of the same building, the delivery efficiency will decrease, so the delivery destinations will not be subject to redelivery. In this specific example, the delay time between destination I and destination J is "10 minutes", the delay between destination J and destination K is not included ("-"), the delay time between destination K and destination L is "60 minutes", and the delay time between destination L and destination M is "40 minutes". Note that destinations I to M indicate the delivery destinations with delivery priorities of "9" to "13" in the delivery plan information illustrated in FIG. 6. Moreover, delivery destination D indicates a delivery destination (not shown in FIG. 6) with a delivery priority of "4."

[0079] Next, as shown in Fig. 11, the candidate information generating unit 112 checks each calculated delay time against the delivery plan information to determine whether or not interrupt delivery is possible between each delivery destination. The delivery plan information shown in Fig. 11 is also the delivery plan information exemplified in Fig. 6. In this specific example, for example, when interrupt delivery is made between a delivery destination with a delivery priority of "9" (delivery destination I) and a delivery destination with a delivery priority of "10" (delivery destination J), the delay time due to interrupt delivery is "10 minutes", so the initial scheduled delivery time of the delivery item with a delivery priority of "10", "13:30", will shift to "13:40". However, since "13:40" is included in the scheduled delivery time period of this delivery item, "13:30-14:00" (already sent to the recipient terminal 30 by advance notification), it is determined that interrupt delivery is possible ("◯"). As a result, "13:15-13:45", a time period in a 30-minute range with "13:30" as the center value, is determined as one of the candidates for redelivery possible time periods. On the other hand, for example, when an interrupt delivery is made between a delivery destination with a delivery priority of "11" (delivery destination J) and a delivery destination with a delivery priority of "12" (delivery destination K), the delay time due to the interrupt delivery will be "60 minutes", so the original scheduled delivery time of "14:30" for the delivery with a delivery priority of "12" will shift to "15:30", and since "15:30" is no longer included in the scheduled delivery time period of this delivery, "14:30-15:00" (already sent to the recipient terminal 30 by advance notification), it is determined that interrupt delivery is not possible ("X"). For example, a delivery destination with a delivery priority of "10" (delivery destination I) and a delivery destination with a delivery priority of "11" (delivery destination J) are not included ("-") because they are on different floors of the same building.

[0080] As described above, according to the embodiment, when a delivery item to be redelivered occurs while delivery is being performed according to a delivery plan indicated by the delivery plan information, the redelivery of the delivery item to be redelivered can be inserted into the delivery plan while maintaining the possibility of each delivery item to be delivered later in the scheduled delivery time slot, so that the delivery item to be redelivered is not one of multiple delivery items to be delivered according to the delivery plan indicated by the delivery plan information to be generated later. In other words, the delivery item to be redelivered is not carried over (does not affect) the delivery plan indicated by the delivery plan information to be generated later. Therefore, it is possible to reduce delays in the overall delivery schedule caused by redelivery.

[0081] In the embodiment, the immediate notification 301 illustrated in FIG. 9 allows only an absence response to be made in response to an absence inquiry, but it may also be possible to allow an at-home response to indicate that the user is at home, as illustrated in FIG. FIG. 12 is another diagram illustrating an example of the last-minute notification and candidate information.

[0082] The last-minute notification 303 illustrated in Fig. 12, in addition to the last-minute notification 301 illustrated in Fig. 9, also includes an absence inquiry message, "If you are at home, please push here (http: / / www.e...)." If the recipient 70 is expected to be at home at the scheduled delivery time of "10:35", he or she can push "here (http: / / www.e...)" to make an at-home response in response to the absence inquiry. In this case, the at-home response is sent from the recipient terminal 30 to the delivery management device 10.

[0083] If the recipient 70 responds that they are at home (if there is a response from home), the delivery will proceed as is, but if the recipient 70 is still absent, candidate information will be sent from the delivery management device 10 to the recipient terminal 30, just as in the case where a response from the recipient is made (if there is a response from the recipient). Note that the flow when a response from the recipient is made is the same as the flow when a response from the recipient is made by the immediate notice 301 as exemplified in FIG. 9.

[0084] If the recipient 70 does not respond by either being at home or not being there (no response), a notification is sent from the delivery management device 10 to the delivery person terminal 20 instructing the delivery person 50 to call the recipient 70 to confirm whether the recipient 70 is at home or not. This notification is sent, for example, when the communication unit 102 receives the delivery result of the delivery piece that is to be delivered immediately before the delivery piece for that recipient 70.

[0085] In the embodiment, the advance notice may be transmitted multiple times. For example, the advance notice may be transmitted twice: once on the day before the delivery is to be made according to the delivery plan indicated by the delivery plan information, and once on the day of the delivery but before the delivery is to be made.

[0086] The embodiments described above also include the following programs and recording media on which the programs are recorded.

[0087] generating delivery plan information regarding a delivery plan indicating a delivery order of a plurality of deliveries to be delivered by a delivery person during a predetermined period and a scheduled delivery time period for each of the plurality of deliveries; When a delivery item to be redelivered occurs while the delivery person is making a delivery according to the delivery plan, on the assumption that each delivery item to be delivered subsequently can be delivered within the scheduled delivery time slot, candidate information is generated based on the delivery plan information regarding candidate time slots included in the predetermined period during which the delivery item to be redelivered can be redelivered; Transmitting the candidate information to a recipient terminal of a recipient of the delivery piece to be redelivered; receiving, from the recipient terminal, selection candidate information regarding candidates for redelivery possible time slots selected by the recipient; Transmitting redelivery instruction information based on the selection candidate information to a delivery person terminal of the delivery person; A program that causes a computer to execute a process.

[0088] Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0089] 1. Delivery management system 10 Delivery management device 20 Delivery Person Terminal 30 Recipient terminal 40 Communication Network 50 Delivery Man 60 vehicles 70 Recipient 80 Recipient's home 101 Control section 102 Communications Department 103 Storage section 111 Delivery plan information generation unit 112 Candidate information generation unit

Claims

1. a delivery plan information generating unit that generates delivery plan information regarding a delivery plan indicating a delivery order of a plurality of deliveries to be delivered by a delivery person in a predetermined period of time and a scheduled delivery time period for each of the plurality of deliveries; a candidate information generating unit that generates candidate information regarding candidates for time slots included in the predetermined period during which the delivery item to be redelivered can be redelivered based on the delivery plan information when a delivery item to be redelivered occurs while the delivery person is making a delivery according to the delivery plan, on the assumption that each delivery item to be delivered subsequently can be delivered within the scheduled delivery time slot; a communication unit that transmits the candidate information to a recipient terminal of a recipient of the delivery item to be redelivered, receives selected candidate information related to candidates for redelivery time slots selected by the recipient from the recipient terminal, and transmits redelivery instruction information based on the selected candidate information to a delivery person terminal of the delivery person; A delivery management device comprising:

2. the communication unit transmits a prior notification including information regarding the scheduled delivery time period to a recipient terminal of each of the plurality of deliveries before the delivery person starts delivery according to the delivery plan.

2. The delivery management device according to claim 1.

3. the communication unit, when the delivery person is making a delivery according to the delivery plan and a delivery piece that is to be delivered a predetermined number of times from the deliveries being delivered is a delivery piece to be delivered in person, transmits a last-minute notification including information regarding a scheduled delivery time and an absence inquiry to a recipient terminal of a recipient of the delivery piece to be delivered in person, and receives a response to the absence inquiry; 3. The delivery management device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The scheduled delivery time is calculated based on the time when the communication unit receives delivery result information regarding the delivery result of the delivery item being delivered from the delivery person terminal and the location of the delivery person.

4. The delivery management device according to claim 3.

5. The occurrence of a delivery item to be redelivered refers to a case where the communication unit receives an absence response to the absence inquiry indicating that the recipient is absent, or a case where the delivery item to be delivered in person is delivered without the communication unit receiving an absence response to the absence inquiry indicating that the recipient is absent, and the recipient is absent from the delivery item.

4. The delivery management device according to claim 3.

6. generating delivery plan information regarding a delivery plan indicating a delivery order of a plurality of deliveries to be delivered by a delivery person during a predetermined period and a scheduled delivery time period for each of the plurality of deliveries; When a delivery item to be redelivered occurs while the delivery person is making a delivery according to the delivery plan, on the assumption that each delivery item to be delivered subsequently can be delivered within the scheduled delivery time slot, candidate information is generated based on the delivery plan information regarding candidate time slots included in the predetermined period during which the delivery item to be redelivered can be redelivered; Transmitting the candidate information to a recipient terminal of a recipient of the delivery piece to be redelivered; receiving, from the recipient terminal, selection candidate information regarding candidates for redelivery possible time slots selected by the recipient; Transmitting redelivery instruction information based on the selection candidate information to a delivery person terminal of the delivery person; A delivery management method, characterized in that the processing is executed by a computer.

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