Logistic communication flow system and method

Abstract

The present invention relates to a logistics communication flow system and method, the method including receiving at least one capability data set, at least one acceptance data set, and at least one condition data set, and configuring a decision-making algorithm based on the at least one capability data set, the at least one acceptance data set, and the at least one condition data set. The method further includes using an artificial intelligence (AI) block to determine at least one forecast data based on the configured decision-making algorithm, the forecast data corresponding to an on-time forecast, an within-budget forecast, a loss forecast, a contract conversion forecast, a demand fluctuation forecast, a sustainability forecast, and a well-being forecast.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This non-provisional patent application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 167,637, filed March 29, 2021 to common inventor Joseph Hudika, entitled Global Transportation and Logistics Shipper Demand Flow Platform. [Technical field]

[0002] The present invention relates generally to a logistics communication platform, and more particularly to a logistics communication flow system and method. [Background technology]

[0003] This section describes the technical field in detail and discusses problems encountered in the technical field. Therefore, statements in this section should not be construed as prior art. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The logistics industry is a large-scale industry that includes complex communication channels between, for example, carriers, forwarders, freight forwarders, and traders. Currently, the logistics industry cannot customize communication flows between all users at a micro level, and it needs a more transparent understanding of global transportation demands to optimize the flow of goods and the cost of moving them. That is, it is well past time for the logistics industry to shift its optimization focus from a capacity model to one driven by global transportation demand. There is currently no solution to these shortcomings. Thus, the present invention provides such a solution. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The above objectives are achieved by a logistics communication flow system and method as defined in the claims.

[0006] The logistics communication flow system comprises a processor, a memory, and a demand and capacity maximization module coupled to the processor and the memory. The demand and capacity maximization module is configured to receive at least one capacity dataset, at least one demand dataset, and at least one condition dataset, and configure a decision-making algorithm based on the at least one capacity dataset, the at least one demand dataset, and the at least one condition dataset. The at least one capacity dataset includes a logistics partner capacity dataset, a logistics partner contract dataset, a logistics partner booking dataset, a logistics partner subcontractor dataset, a logistics partner event dataset, a logistics partner financial dataset, and a logistics partner qualitative dataset. The at least one demand dataset includes a shipper demand dataset, a shipper contract dataset, a shipper booking dataset, a shipper subcontractor dataset, a shipper event dataset, a shipper financial dataset, and a shipper qualitative dataset. The at least one condition dataset includes a weather dataset, a traffic dataset, an economic dataset, a customs dataset, a world events dataset, a sustainability dataset, and an index dataset.

[0007] The demand and capacity maximization module further determines, using an artificial intelligence (AI) block, based on the configured decision-making algorithm, at least one forecast data, the forecast data corresponding to an on-time forecast, an within-budget forecast, a loss forecast, a contract conversion forecast, a demand fluctuation forecast, a sustainability forecast, and a well-being forecast.

[0008] The demand and capacity maximization module uses the AI ​​block to learn at least one feedback data over a period of time and revise at least one forecast data using the at least one feedback data, where the at least one feedback data includes supplier feedback data, manufacturer feedback data, consumer product group feedback data, distributor feedback data, logistics partner feedback data, and retailer feedback data.

[0009] Of course, this disclosure is merely a summary and is not a complete description of the invention.

[0010] Various aspects of the present invention and embodiments thereof are better understood by reference to the following detailed description. To understand the invention, the detailed description should be read in conjunction with the drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] Diagram showing logistics communication flow system [Diagram 2] Diagram showing various inputs and outputs in a logistics communication flow system [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a flow diagram illustrating the logistics communication flow method of the present invention. [Figure 4] Continuation of the flow diagram of FIG. 3 illustrating the logistics communication flow method of the present invention. [Diagram 5] Continuation of the flow diagram of FIG. 3 illustrating the logistics communication flow method of the present invention. [Figure 6] Continuation of the flow diagram of FIG. 3 illustrating the logistics communication flow method of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] Please read this section (Description of Exemplary Preferred Embodiments Describing Exemplary Embodiments of the Best Mode of the Invention, hereinafter referred to as "Exemplary Embodiments"), the exemplary embodiments should be considered as the best modes for carrying out the invention during patent application according to the inventor's contemplation. Those skilled in the art may recognize that substantially equivalent structures or substantially equivalent acts achieve the same results in the same or different manners, and the exemplary embodiments should not be construed as limiting the invention to one embodiment.

[0013] Discussion of a species (or a particular item) evokes the genus (class of items) to which the species belongs as well as related species within this genus. Similarly, description of a genus evokes species known in the art. Moreover, as technology advances, numerous additional alternatives for achieving the embodiments of the invention may arise. Such advances should be incorporated within their respective genuses and recognized as functionally equivalent or structurally equivalent to the embodiments shown or described.

[0014] A function or action should be construed as encompassing all modes of performing the function or action unless otherwise specified. For example, sheet drying may be performed by dry or moist heat application or by using microwaves. Thus, use of the term "paper drying" connotes "dry heat" or "moist heat" and all other modes of this term as well as similar terms such as "pressure heat".

[0015] Unless expressly stated otherwise, conjunctions (e.g., "or," "and," "including," or "comprising") are to be construed in an inclusive sense rather than an exclusive sense.

[0016] As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, various structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring the present invention. In the following discussion, acts having similar names are performed in a similar manner unless otherwise specified.

[0017] The foregoing discussion and definitions are offered for purposes of clarification, not limitation. Terms and phrases should be accorded their ordinary and plain meaning unless otherwise indicated.

[0018] The present invention provides a logistics communication flow system and method that uses a set of algorithms to forecast global shipper demand and enable carriers and service providers to optimize their assets for maximum shipment flow and mutually beneficial success. The present invention is a data enrichment platform that combines over a dozen data sets related to global shipment planning and fulfillment to which a set of algorithms are applied to provide carriers with a clear view of true global demand, on a shipment-by-shipment basis, a way to win this business, and a way for all parties to be rewarded for customer success.

[0019] Advantageously, the present invention provides an advanced alert system regarding the performance of logistics contracts so ships can meet demand commitments without having to become logistics experts and logistics partners can predict where their customers will need them next while keeping more volume in their logistics contracts.

[0020] 1 illustrates a logistics communication flow system 100, which may be, but is not limited to be, a cloud-based system. The logistics communication flow system 100 may comprise subsystems, hardware, distributed computing, software, entity interfaces, and user interfaces that enable and provide the services / functionality of the present invention as described herein.

[0021] The logistics communication flow system 100 generally comprises a cloud-based platform 110, which further comprises a demand and capacity maximization module 115, a reservation block 120, and a plurality of user interfaces, such as, for example, an administrative user interface 132, a retailer user interface 142, a distributor user interface 152, a logistics partner user interface 162, a manufacturer user interface 172, a consumer product group user interface 182, a supplier user interface 192, etc., for a plurality of users 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, 190, respectively. Each of the plurality of users 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, 190 can access the demand and capacity maximization module 115 using a respective user interface 132, 142, 152, 162, 172, 182, 192 via a respective user terminal (not shown). A user terminal may be, for example, a laptop, notebook, desktop computer, vehicle to everything (V2X) device, smartphone, tablet, internet of things (IOT) device, connected television, immersive device, virtual reality device, pager, or any other computing device including similar hardened and field specific devices.

[0022] The demand and capacity maximization module 115 serves as a core element of the cloud-based platform 110 and comprises a demand planning block 121, a performance monitoring block 122, a communication block 124, a capacity planning block 126, a sustainability monitoring block 127, and an AI (artificial intelligence) block 129.

[0023] The demand planning block 121 is configured to be accessed by shippers in the logistics communication flow system 100 for demand planning. The demand planning block 121 is configured to determine the type and volume of goods that need to be moved / shipped from the origin to the destination in a given time frame along with the frequency of the volume of goods that needs to be moved / shipped. The demand planning block 121 also serves as a forecasting tool for the needs of the involved logistics partners in logistics activities. Advantageously, the demand planning block 121 saves time compared to existing logistics contract performance platforms and technologies.

[0024] The same is performed when a shipment is booked through the booking block 120. That is, after the contract of capacity against demand, the performance monitoring block 122 monitors the performance of each operation in the logistics communication flow system 100, which has a series of events ("planned events") that occur during the shipping procedure. The performance monitoring block 122 monitors one or more factors. The one or more factors include, for example, transportation time, cost. The performance monitoring block 122 is configured to evaluate the success rate of the planned events. That is, the performance monitoring block 122 analyzes the entire supply chain process with the aid of performance indicators, for example, on-time-in-full (OTIF) delivery. Typically, on-time-in-full means that the company was able to deliver the full quantity requested by the customer on the requested date.

[0025] The performance monitoring block 122 is configured to measure performance with a score. In an exemplary scenario, a company has a contractual obligation for a shipment to take three days from origin A to destination B in a particular trade lane. In such a case, the performance monitoring block 122 scores each and every shipment that runs along that route, i.e., from origin A to destination B. The performance monitoring block 122 facilitates fair and balanced scoring and automates performance and reliability scoring of suppliers, carriers, and logistics partners' performance at a macro level in a reliable manner to truly evaluate any given participant across the entirety of the connections, as opposed to the limited lens provided by traditional enterprise resource planning (ERP) or truck management system (TMS) systems that only have visibility into limited connections within a given network. Although this is described from the carrier's perspective, the principles apply equally to any party in the logistics communication flow system 100. For example, suppliers, manufacturers, consumer product groups, or carriers such as logistics partners may be scored to provide a fair, balanced, and transparent scoring system that is understandable and accessible by each user / contributor within the logistics communication flow system 100.

[0026] Along with the transportation time, the performance monitoring block 122 also monitors and scores the quality of the goods (or items) in terms of, for example, loss of goods, damage to goods, theft, etc. The performance monitoring block 122 automatically measures pass or fail performance of contracts / commitments made by the carrier to the transporter and vice versa, contracts / commitments made by the transporter to the transporter regarding, for example, capacity, cost.

[0027] The performance monitoring block 122 taps the contract's data stream and determines whether the contract's performance has been delivered. In an embodiment of the present invention, the performance monitoring block 122 may utilize feedback to measure performance.

[0028] The communications block 124 enables and simplifies communication between all participants in the logistics communications flow system 100 by bringing an instant messaging layer as the central mode of communication between each other. When demand changes, the right participants can quickly swarm together on the issue through a simple text message. In this way, the communications block 124 enables true just-in-time pickup and delivery, unlike existing platforms, and brings capacity and demand transparency in the logistics communications flow system 100. Text messages allow participants to quickly alert their teams, customers, suppliers, and logistics partners of previously unanticipated capacity or demand shifts via a threaded communications interface. The threaded communications interface (e.g., swarming interface, etc.) builds on user configurable automated workflows, including escalation rule management, and records the entire communications history from alert to resolution in the logistics communications flow system 100.

[0029] Capacity planning block 126 is configured for capacity planning that governs the allocation or delivery of capacity to customers.

[0030] The sustainability monitoring block 127 is configured to monitor sustainability and provide a sustainability score, with every participant providing the true carbon impact for their part in each supply chain.

[0031] The AI ​​(Artificial Intelligence) block 129 implements a machine learning method called deep learning. Machine learning methods allow the platform to automatically learn and improve from experience over a period of time without being explicitly programmed. Deep learning methods use neural networks that can learn unsupervised from unstructured or unlabeled data. Deep learning is a method of machine learning that employs multiple layers of neural networks that allow the platform of the present invention to self-learn through inference and pattern recognition, rather than the development of procedural code or explicitly coded software algorithms (although the machine learning is augmented and enhanced by software algorithms). The neural network is modeled according to the neuronal structure of the mammalian cerebral cortex, with neurons represented as nodes and synapses represented as uniquely weighted paths or "toll roads" between the nodes. The nodes are then organized into layers to compose the network. Furthermore, the neural network is organized in a layered fashion, including an input layer, an intermediate or hidden layer, and an output layer.

[0032] Neural networks improve their learning capabilities by varying their uniquely weighted pathways based on the inputs they receive. Successive layers in a neural network incorporate learning capabilities by modifying their weighted coefficients based on their received input patterns. From this basis, we can see that training a neural network is very similar to how a child is taught to recognize objects. A neural network is repeatedly trained from a base data set, and the results from the output layer (or simply "output") are continuously compared to the correct classification.

[0033] Alternatively, instead of neural networks, any machine learning paradigm can be used in the training and learning process.

[0034] The AI ​​block 129 supports several different scoring algorithms directed at demand planning, capacity planning, performance monitoring, etc., initially making recommendations and ultimately training the AI ​​block 129 to prescribe itself. The AI ​​block 129 supports a predictive data generation process that takes historical inputs of data sources including, but not limited to, capacity, demand, and past performance, and applies alternative scenarios of weighted predictions of future events to simulate the outcomes of these scenarios, so that users of the logistics communication flow system 100 can compare and contrast outcomes, determine the likelihood of each becoming reality, and utilize these insights to make informed decisions and business actions.

[0035] Reference is now made to multiple user interfaces and multiple users. Through an administrative user interface 132, at least one administrator 130 operates, upgrades, maintains, and manages the cloud-based platform 110. Through a retailer user interface 142, at least one retailer 140 (i.e., a carrier) interacts with the cloud-based platform 110. Through a retailer user interface 142, at least one retailer 140 is a user that effectively reports their demand at a consumer level. Similarly, at least one distributor 150 interacts with the cloud-based platform 110 through a distributor user interface 152. Through a distributor user interface 152, at least one distributor 150 is a user that typically purchases products at wholesale prices and manages warehouses and organization of products that are distributed across multiple warehouses based on demand. Through a logistics partner user interface 162, at least one logistics partner 160 (i.e., a carrier, etc.) interacts with the cloud-based platform 110 for logistics-related activities. At least one manufacturer 170 (i.e., product manufacturer, etc.) interacts with the cloud-based platform 110 for manufacturing related activities via a manufacturer user interface 172. At least one consumer 180 interacts with the cloud-based platform 110 for ordering and receiving goods through a consumer product group user interface 182. At least one supplier 190 interacts with the cloud-based platform 110 for shipping goods via a supplier user interface 192.

[0036] Additionally, the cloud-based platform 110 includes a processing unit (not shown) having one or more processors that may be configured to perform all processing functions of the present invention. The one or more processors may be, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), a general-purpose processor such as an application processor (AP), a graphics-specific processing unit such as a graphics processing unit (GPU), a visual processing unit (VPU), and / or an AI-specific processor such as a neural processing unit (NPU). The functions associated with the AI ​​block 129 may be performed by utilizing information stored in a storage unit (not shown), such as, for example, a non-volatile memory, a volatile memory, and by utilizing the processing unit.

[0037] 2 illustrates various inputs and outputs in the logistics communication flow system 100. The logistics communication flow system 100 performs a decision making process 250 to provide recommendations to multiple users (e.g., suppliers, manufacturers, consumer product groups, logistics partners, retailers, etc.). The recommendations correspond to a logistics supply chain. The demand and capacity maximization module 115 receives one or more inputs 210. The one or more inputs 210 can be, for example, but are not limited to, logistics inputs 220, enterprise resource planning (ERP) / supply chain management (SCM) based inputs 230, and one or more condition data sets 240. The logistics inputs 220 can be, for example, a logistics partner capabilities dataset 221, a logistics partner contract dataset 223, a logistics partner booking dataset 225, a logistics partner subcontractor dataset 226, a logistics partner events dataset 227, a logistics partner financial dataset 228, and a logistics partner qualitative dataset 229. The ERP / SCM based inputs 230 can be, for example, a shipper demand dataset 231, a shipper contract dataset 233, a shipper booking dataset 235, a shipper subcontractor dataset 236, a shipper events dataset 237, a shipper financial dataset 238, and a shipper qualitative dataset 239. The one or more condition datasets 240 can be, for example, a weather dataset 241, a traffic dataset 243, an economic dataset 245, a customs dataset 246, a world events dataset 247, a sustainability dataset 248, a commodity index dataset 249.

[0038] The logistics partner capabilities dataset 221 identifies all the different types of equipment or devices handled by the logistics partner. In one example, if the logistics partner is an ocean carrier, the logistics partner capabilities dataset 221 includes details of the vessel carrying the container. In another example, if the logistics partner is a tanker, the logistics partner capabilities dataset 221 includes tanker information, tanker type, and tanker operating conditions, etc. The logistics partner capabilities dataset 221 also includes the logistics partner's pick-up address, the logistics partner's destination address, and the logistics partner's cost details.

[0039] The logistics partner contract data set 223 includes previous contract information of the logistics partner and current contract information of the logistics partner.

[0040] The logistics partner reservation dataset 225 includes reservation details and transaction details for logistics partners. In one example, the reservation details indicate when and for what purpose a vehicle is reserved along with cost details. In another example, the reservation details indicate the actual ride data of the vehicle and the delivery / return date of the vehicle.

[0041] The logistics partner subcontractor dataset 226 includes logistics partner subcontractor information. In one example, the logistics partner subcontractor dataset 226 shows an agreement between two or three logistics partners and how they help each other based on requirements.

[0042] The logistics partner event dataset 227 includes the journey of a shipment from one location to another, any particular events on the journey date (eg, New Year celebration on the journey date).

[0043] The logistics partner financial data set 228 includes service level agreement details between logistics partners, payment details of the logistics partners, negotiation details and expenditure details of the logistics partners.

[0044] The logistics partner qualitative data set 229 includes logistics partner experiences throughout the logistics partner's existence.

[0045] The shipper demand dataset 231 predicts the shipper demand. For example, a shipper company determines what needs to be moved, when it should be moved, and what the capacity level is based on a transportation management system (TMS). The shipper demand is calculated based on previous history and current events. The shipper contract dataset 233 includes the shipper's previous contract information and the shipper's current contract information. The shipper reservation dataset 235 includes reservation details and transaction details related to the shipper. The shipper subcontractor dataset 236 includes the shipper subcontractor information. The shipper event dataset 237 includes the journey of a shipment from one location to another, any specific events on the journey date (e.g., New Year celebration on the journey date). The shipper financial dataset 238 includes service level agreement details, payment details, negotiation details, and expenditure details. The shipper qualitative dataset 239 includes the shipper's experience throughout its existence.

[0046] Weather dataset 241 shows weather conditions that affect or support transportation and supply chain services. Traffic dataset 243 shows traffic conditions that affect or support transportation and supply chain services. Economic dataset 245 shows economic conditions. Customs dataset 246 shows location to location freight details / services along with bills and taxes, international travel, domestic travel of freight, and state wise travel of freight. World events dataset 247 shows world event details. For example, strike in Port Long Beach in the US, volcano problem in Japan, etc. Sustainability dataset 248 shows resource details (e.g. resource wastage information, resource reusable information, etc.). Commodity index dataset 249 shows fuel information, agriculture information, etc.

[0047] The demand and capacity maximization module 115 initiates a decision-making process 250 based on the received inputs 210. The demand and capacity maximization module 115 generates a forecast capacity algorithm 261, a forecast demand algorithm 263, a prescribed reservation algorithm 265, a prescribed performance algorithm 267, and a prescribed sustainability algorithm 269 based on the decision-making process 250. Each of the forecast capacity algorithm 261, the forecast demand algorithm 263, the prescribed reservation algorithm 265, the prescribed performance algorithm 267, and the prescribed sustainability algorithm 269 generates feedback to adjust the decision-making process 250.

[0048] The predict capacity algorithm 261 predicts the reliability of the logistics partners' capacity. The predict demand algorithm 263 predicts the reliability of the demand that shippers promise to their customers. Based on the predictions, the logistics communication flow system 100 provides recommendations to shippers and logistics partners based on the capacity and demand indicators.

[0049] The prescribed reservation algorithm 265 determines that all reservations processed by the logistics communication flow system 100 are free of disruptions or delays. The prescribed performance algorithm 267 determines the performance of the capacity side and the demand side based on activity history, customer relationships, and delivery date data. The prescribed performance algorithm 267 improves the logistics supply chain. The prescribed performance algorithm 267 determines the performance of the capacity side and the demand side scores or weight values. In one example, the performance score of the first logistics store is 95 and the performance score of the second logistics store is 72. Based on the performance scores, the prescribed performance algorithm 267 determines and selects the first logistics store for the customer's needs.

[0050] The prescribed sustainability algorithm 269 collects all the data about retailers, manufacturers, companies, logistics, supply chains, etc. Based on the collected data, the prescribed sustainability algorithm 269 advertises or informs the product or merchandise what the environmental impact of the particular product that the customer purchases is.

[0051] 1 and 2 depict various components of the logistics communication flow system 100, it should be understood that other embodiments are not limited thereto. The logistics communication flow system 100 may include fewer or more components. Additionally, the labels or names of each component are for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the scope of the invention. One or more components may be combined to perform the same or substantially similar functions in the logistics communication flow system 100.

[0052] 3-6 are flow diagrams 300 illustrating a logistics communication flow method or algorithm. It should be noted that FIGs. 3-6 should be understood in conjunction with FIGs. 1 and 2.

[0053] Operation of the logistics communication flow system 100 begins at a start operation 301. Referring to FIG. 3, following the start operation 301, the demand and capacity maximization module 115 determines whether feedback data is to be loaded in a load feedback query 303. If feedback data is to be loaded, the logistics communication flow method proceeds to a load feedback data operation 305, as indicated by the "Yes" path, and loads supplier feedback data 371, manufacturer feedback data 373, consumer product group feedback data 375, distributor feedback data 376, logistics partner feedback data 377, and retailer feedback data 379. After loading the feedback data at the load feedback data operation 305, the logistics communication flow method proceeds to a load capacity data set operation 310. Similarly, if feedback data is not to be loaded, the logistics communication flow method proceeds to a load capacity data set operation 310, as indicated by the "No" path.

[0054] In the capacity data set loading operation 310, in steps 311, 313, 315, 316, 317, 318, and 319, the capacity planning block 126 loads the logistics partner capacity data set 221, the logistics partner contract data set 223, the logistics partner booking data set 225, the logistics partner subcontractor data set 226, the logistics partner event data set 227, the logistics partner financial data set 228, and the logistics partner qualitative data set 229, respectively. Details of the logistics partner capacity data set 221, the logistics partner contract data set 223, the logistics partner booking data set 225, the logistics partner subcontractor data set 226, the logistics partner event data set 227, the logistics partner financial data set 228, and the logistics partner qualitative data set 229 have already been described in relation to FIG. 2.

[0055] Following the load capacity data set operation 310, the load demand data set operation 320 is initiated. Referring to FIG. 4, in the load demand data set operation 320, the demand planning block 121 loads the shipper demand data set 231, the shipper contract data set 233, the shipper booking data set 235, the shipper subcontractor data set 236, the shipper event data set 237, the shipper financial data 238, and the shipper qualitative data 239, respectively, in steps 321, 323, 325, 326, 327, 328, and 329. The details of the shipper demand data set 231, the shipper contract data set 233, the shipper booking data set 235, the shipper subcontractor data set 236, the shipper event data set 237, the shipper financial data 238, and the shipper qualitative data 239 have already been described in relation to FIG. 2.

[0056] Following the load demand dataset operation 320, a load condition dataset operation 330 is initiated. Referring to Figure 5, in the load condition dataset operation 330, in steps 331, 333, 335, 336, 337, 338, and 339, the demand and capacity maximization module 115 loads the weather dataset 241, the traffic dataset 243, the economic dataset 245, the customs dataset 246, the world events dataset 247, the sustainability dataset 248, and the index dataset 249. Details of the weather dataset 241, the traffic dataset 243, the economic dataset 245, the customs dataset 246, the world events dataset 247, the sustainability dataset 248, and the index dataset 249 have already been described in relation to Figure 2.

[0057] 6 , following the load conditions dataset operation 330, priority algorithms are applied in an apply priority algorithm operation 342, where the priority algorithms include at least one of the forecast capacity algorithm 261, the forecast demand algorithm 263, the prescribed reservation algorithm 265, the prescribed performance algorithm 267, and the prescribed sustainability algorithm 269, as described above. Further, the method applies an AI operation using the AI ​​block 129 in an apply AI operation 344.

[0058] Following the apply AI operation 344, a forecast operation 350 begins, generating various forecasts as described below. In a generate on-time forecast operation 351, the demand and capacity maximization module 115 generates forecast values ​​(e.g., transit time, transportation cost, delivery time, etc.) corresponding to transportation, logistics partners, carriers, and supply chain based on past events. In a generate within-budget forecast operation 353, the demand and capacity maximization module 115 generates / predicts a budget based on current prices along with current market prices, and generates a variance-based score based on current prices along with current market prices. In a generate loss forecast operation 355, the demand and capacity maximization module 115 generates / predicts loss or damage of goods / goods during the supply chain. Furthermore, in a generate contract conversion operation 356, the demand and capacity maximization module 115 defines that the shipper is responsible for the capacity that he / she has committed in the contract during the supply chain. In a generate demand variation operation 357, the demand and capacity maximization module 115 generates a confidence level for the demand forecast at the shipper based on various events (e.g., past history, etc.). In a sustainability generation operation 358, the demand and capacity maximization module 115 generates a score on the overall environmental footprint for all products that are made, shipped, delivered and sold to end customers. In a happiness generation operation 359, the demand and capacity maximization module 115 generates happiness. The happiness generation operation 359 is all about qualitative inputs and end customer feedback. For example, if the end customer feedback is zero, this means that the end customer does not like the service / product.

[0059] The results of the prediction operation 350 are provided to users (e.g., suppliers, manufacturers, consumer product groups, distributors, logistics partners, and retailers) at various times in steps 361, 363, 365, 366, 367, and 369, respectively, to improve supply chain services based on the predictive data.

[0060] Using forecast operation 350, the demand and capacity maximization module 115 provides supplier feedback data, manufacturer feedback data, consumer product group feedback data, distributor feedback data, logistics partner feedback data, and retailer feedback data, respectively, in steps 371, 373, 375, 376, 377, and 379. The logistics communication flow method or algorithm ends at end operation 380.

[0061] Digital Twin Generator - A predictive data generation process that takes historical inputs of data sources including but not limited to capacity, demand and past performance and applies alternative scenarios of weighted predictions of future events to simulate the outcomes of those scenarios so users can compare and contrast outcomes, determine the likelihood of each becoming reality, and leverage these insights to make informed decisions and business actions.

[0062] Logistics Risk Warming - An intuitive text messaging, threaded communications interface that allows users to quickly alert their teams, customers, suppliers and logistics partners to previously unanticipated shifts in capacity or demand. The swarming interface is based on user configurable automated workflows, including escalation rule management, and records the entire communication history from alert to resolution.

[0063] Performance Scoring – At a macro level, automate performance and reliability scoring on supplier, transporter, and logistics partner performance, truly evaluating any given participant across their entire set of relationships; this contrasts with the limited lens offered by traditional ERP or TMS systems, which have visibility into only a limited set of relationships within a given network.

[0064] The various operations, acts, blocks, steps, etc. in flow diagram 300 may be performed in the order presented, in a different order, or simultaneously. Additionally, in some embodiments, some of the operations, acts, blocks, steps, etc. may be omitted, added, modified, skipped, etc. without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0065] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this invention belongs. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of equivalent systems and methods, suitable systems and methods are described above.

[0066] Although the present invention has been described and illustrated using specific exemplary embodiments, it is not intended that the present invention be limited to these exemplary embodiments. Those skilled in the art will recognize that variations and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. It is therefore intended that the present invention cover all such variations and deviations that come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A logistics communication flow system, comprising: Processor; A memory adapted to perform communications via a cloud-based platform; and Demand and capacity maximization module with communication block Including, The cloud-based platform includes: Supplier user interface module; Consumer Products Group User Interface Module; An administrator user interface module; Retailer User Interface Module; Merchant User Interface Module; Logistics Partner User Interface Module; Manufacturer User Interface Module; having the supplier, consumer, administrator, retailer, distributor, logistics partner, and manufacturer user interface modules collectively define a user interface module; the user interface modules are each executed via a plurality of unique communication interfaces; The communication block provides instant messaging as a central mode of text communication across the user interface modules as a threaded communication layer, and the text communication performed in the original user interface module is receiving a text communication at the original user interface module; routing said text communication through said communications block; converting said text communication from a source communication format to a destination communication format; and Routing said text communication via communication rules to at least one destination user interface module. By doing so, the user can seamlessly reach the desired user interface module. A logistics communication flow system comprising:

2. The logistics communication flow system described in claim 1, characterized in that the text communication enables swarming to be performed.

3. A logistics communication flow system as described in claim 1, characterized in that the communication blocks are user-configurable.

4. A logistics communication flow system as described in claim 1, characterized in that the communication block stores a communication history in the memory.

5. A logistics communication flow system as described in claim 1, characterized in that the communication block enables user-configurable automated workflows.

6. The logistics communication flow system of claim 5, wherein the user-configurable automated workflow includes escalation rule management.

7. A logistics communication flow system, comprising: Processor; A memory adapted to perform communications via a cloud-based platform; and Demand and capacity maximization module with communication block Including, The cloud-based platform includes: A first user interface module; A second user interface module; having the first and second user interface modules are each implemented via a different communication format; The communication block provides instant messaging as a central mode of text communication across the user interface modules as a threaded communication layer, and the text communication performed in the original user interface module is receiving a text communication at the original user interface module; routing said text communication through said communications block; converting said text communication from a source communication format to a destination communication format; and Routing said text communication via communication rules to at least one destination user interface module. By doing so, the user can seamlessly reach the desired user interface module. A logistics communication flow system comprising:

8. The logistics communication flow system of claim 7, wherein the first user interface module is selected from the group consisting of a supplier user interface module, a consumer product group user interface module, an administrator user interface module, a retailer user interface module, a distributor user interface module, a logistics partner user interface module, and a manufacturer user interface module.

9. The logistics communication flow system of claim 7, wherein the second user interface module is selected from the group consisting of a supplier user interface module, a consumer product group user interface module, an administrator user interface module, a retailer user interface module, a distributor user interface module, a logistics partner user interface module, and a manufacturer user interface module.

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