Delivery method optimization system, delivery method optimization program, and delivery method optimization method

Abstract

To provide a novel technique of proposing a delivery method for optimizing delivery costs.SOLUTION: A delivery method optimization system for optimizing delivery costs is provided, the delivery method optimization system comprises a database, an acquisition unit, and a specification unit. In the delivery method optimization system, the database stores delivery cost information relating to costs required for delivering products, the acquisition unit acquires shipment information relating to shipments of shippers, and the specification unit specifies a delivery method for optimizing delivery costs on the basis of the shipment information and the delivery cost information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a delivery method optimization system, a delivery method optimization program, and a delivery method optimization method. [Background technology]

[0002] The current logistics environment is in a highly unstable state, often referred to as a logistics crisis. The explosive growth of B2C has led to a chronic shortage of drivers and cargo handling personnel, and rising crude oil prices due to decarbonization and the situation in Ukraine have had a direct impact on transportation costs, dealing a major blow to businesses in the transportation industry. Patent Document 1, for example, proposes an example of a system that can solve these problems in the transportation industry.

[0003] Patent document 1 discloses that the delivery planning server 112 of the delivery planning center 102 determines whether the geographical identifier included in the delivery request is included in one or more geographical identifiers that the delivery company in the acquired delivery company information can deliver to (first determination), determines whether the desired delivery time included in the delivery request is included in the vehicle schedule of the acquired delivery company (second determination), determines whether the package attributes included in the delivery request are included in the package attributes that the delivery company in the delivery company information can deliver (third determination), and determines whether the ancillary services included in the delivery request are included in the ancillary services that the delivery company in the delivery company information can perform (fourth determination), and selects a delivery company for which each of the first determination to the fourth determination is positive as a candidate for delivering the package. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-201457 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The technology proposed in Patent Document 1 allows a delivery company to be selected based on whether the delivery company can handle the information included in the delivery request, but it does not allow a delivery company to be selected taking into account the delivery costs that the shipper requests the delivery company.

[0006] In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a novel technology for proposing a delivery method that optimizes delivery costs. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides: A delivery method optimization system that optimizes delivery costs, The delivery method optimization system includes a database, an acquisition unit, and an identification unit, The database stores delivery method information including delivery costs for delivering the product; The acquisition unit acquires shipping information related to shipments of the shipper, The specifying unit specifies a delivery method that optimizes delivery costs based on the shipping information and the delivery method information.

[0008] With this configuration, the user can determine the delivery method that will optimize the delivery cost by using the delivery method information including the delivery cost and the shipper's shipping information.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, The delivery method information includes, for each delivery method, a product package size of the product to be delivered and one or more delivery indicators corresponding to the delivery destination, The shipping information includes desired delivery terms for the delivery indicator, The specifying unit specifies a delivery method that optimizes the delivery cost based on the desired delivery conditions, the product packaging size of the product to be shipped, and the delivery index.

[0010] With this configuration, the user can use the delivery indicators in the delivery method and the desired delivery conditions of the delivery indicators in the shipping information to determine a delivery method that optimizes delivery costs in line with their preferences.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, The specification unit calculates a first evaluation value of the delivery method based on a first desired delivery condition for the delivery index, Calculating a second evaluation value of the delivery method for which the first evaluation value was calculated based on a second desired delivery condition for the delivery index; A delivery method that optimizes the delivery cost is identified based on the first evaluation value and the second evaluation value.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, The database further stores a proposal master in which one or more delivery groups to which the delivery method belongs are set, The specification unit calculates a first relative evaluation value of the delivery method using a relative evaluation of the delivery index based on a first desired delivery condition with respect to the delivery index; Calculating a second relative evaluation value of the delivery method for which the first relative evaluation value was calculated using a relative evaluation of the delivery index based on a second desired delivery term with respect to the delivery index; A delivery method that optimizes the delivery cost is identified based on the classification evaluation value for classifying the delivery methods, the first relative evaluation value, and the second relative evaluation value.

[0013] By configuring in this way, it is possible to identify a delivery method that optimizes delivery costs using an evaluation value based on the first desired delivery conditions for the delivery indicator and an evaluation value based on the second desired delivery conditions for the delivery indicator, allowing the user to decide on a delivery method that is more in line with the desired delivery conditions for their own delivery indicator.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, The delivery method optimization system further comprises a classification unit, The classification unit calculates the classification evaluation value based on the numerical value of the delivery index, The specification unit calculates the first relative evaluation value using a relative magnitude relationship of the delivery index based on the first desired delivery terms among a plurality of delivery methods as a relative evaluation of the delivery index based on the first desired delivery terms, As a relative evaluation of the delivery index based on the second desired delivery terms, the second relative evaluation value is calculated using the relative magnitude relationship of the delivery index based on the second desired delivery terms among a plurality of delivery methods.

[0015] By using this configuration, the classification evaluation value is calculated based on the numerical value of the delivery index, and then the relative evaluation value is calculated under conditions that meet the user's wishes, making it possible to identify a delivery method that meets the wishes of the administrator and the user.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, The shipping information includes, for each order management number, the product package size, the delivery destination, and the desired delivery conditions, The identification unit identifies, for multiple order management numbers that include the same combination of delivery destination, product packaging size, and desired delivery conditions in the acquired shipping information, the optimal delivery method identified based on the delivery destination, product packaging size, and desired delivery conditions for a certain order management number as the optimal delivery method for other order management numbers.

[0017] With this configuration, if there are multiple order management numbers with the same content included in one shipment information, the optimal delivery method identified for one order management number can be identified as the optimal delivery method for another order management number, thereby reducing the processing load required to identify the optimal delivery method.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, The delivery method optimization system further comprises an update unit, The delivery method information includes a delivery possibility flag indicating whether delivery is possible for each delivery destination, The update unit refers to information relating to delivery acquired from the collection target and identifies the delivery availability flag for each piece of delivery method information that is stored in the database and is to be updated.

[0019] With this configuration, it is possible to update the information indicating whether delivery to the delivery destination is possible or not, by reflecting the information acquired from the collection target.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, The delivery method optimization system further comprises an update unit, The database stores a proposal master in which one or more delivery groups to which the delivery method belongs are set for each of the desired delivery conditions and the delivery indicators, and in which classification evaluation values ​​for classifying the delivery methods and the delivery methods are associated with each other; The update unit identifies the delivery method information to be updated based on information related to delivery acquired from the collection target, and updates the proposal master based on the delivery method information; The specifying unit specifies a delivery method that optimizes the delivery cost based on the desired delivery conditions, the product packaging size of the product to be shipped, and the proposal master.

[0021] With this configuration, the proposal master can be updated by reflecting information acquired from the collection target, and the updated proposal master can be used to identify the optimal delivery method. [Effects of the Invention]

[0022] The present invention has the effect of providing a novel technology for proposing a delivery method that optimizes delivery costs. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] 1 is a system configuration diagram according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a hardware configuration diagram according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3]FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 is an example of a processing flowchart relating to identification of an optimal delivery method in the present invention. [Figure 5] 10 is an example of a detailed processing flowchart relating to identification of an optimal delivery method in the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] The present invention will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments are shown, but which may be embodied in many different forms and are not limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

[0025] For example, while the configuration, operation, etc. of a delivery method optimization system are described in this embodiment, methods, devices, computer programs, etc. with similar configurations can also achieve similar effects. Furthermore, the program may be stored on a recording medium. Using this recording medium, the program can be installed on a computer, for example, thereby configuring a delivery method optimization device and a delivery method optimization system. Here, the recording medium storing the program may be a non-transitory recording medium, such as a CD-ROM.

[0026] The present invention relates to a system for optimizing the delivery method of goods requested by a shipper (user). In this invention, an evaluation value for each delivery method is calculated based on the delivery conditions desired by the user. The delivery method with the highest evaluation value based on the delivery conditions is then proposed as the optimal delivery method for the user. The delivery method in this invention includes delivery companies that deliver domestically or internationally and the transportation method (land, air, or sea) of each delivery company.

[0027] <1. System configuration> Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a system according to one embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the delivery method optimization system 0 includes a delivery method optimization device 1, a user terminal device 3, and an administrator terminal device 4, which are configured to be able to communicate with each other via a network NW. The delivery method optimization system 0 may be configured only with the delivery method optimization device 1, or may be configured only with the user terminal device 3 and the administrator terminal device 4. The delivery method optimization system 0 may appropriately share the processing described below between the delivery method optimization device 1, the user terminal device 3, and the administrator terminal device 4, and is not limited to the processing sharing described below.

[0028] A general-purpose server computer or a personal computer can be used as the delivery method optimization device 1, and it may be configured with multiple computers that are capable of sending and receiving information via a network NW or another network. Also, a personal computer, smartphone, tablet terminal, wearable device, etc. can be used as the user terminal device 3 and the administrator terminal device 4.

[0029] In this embodiment, the network NW is an IP (Internet Protocol) network, but there is no limitation on the type of communication protocol, and there is also no limitation on the type and scale of the network.

[0030] <1.1. Hardware Configuration> 2 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration. As shown in FIG. 2(a), the delivery method optimization device 1 includes a processing unit 101, a storage unit 102, and a communication unit 103.

[0031] The processing unit 101 has a processor such as a CPU that can execute an instruction set, and controls the overall operation and processing of the delivery method optimization device 1 by executing the delivery method optimization program according to the present invention, an OS, and other applications. The storage unit 102 includes a volatile memory such as a RAM capable of storing an instruction set, and a non-volatile recording medium such as an HDD or SSD capable of recording an OS, a travel information sharing program, and the like. The communication unit 103 has a communication interface device for connecting to a network, and controls communication with the network NW to input and output information.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 2( b ), the terminal device 90 (user terminal device 3 and administrator terminal device 4 ) includes a processing unit 901 , a storage unit 902 , a communication unit 903 , an input unit 904 , and an output unit 905 .

[0033] The processing unit 901 has a processor such as a CPU that can execute an instruction set, and controls the overall operation and processing of the terminal device 90 by executing an OS and other applications. The storage unit 902 includes a volatile memory such as a RAM capable of storing an instruction set, and a non-volatile recording medium such as an HDD or SSD capable of recording an OS and the like. The communication unit 903 has a communication interface device for connecting to a network, and controls communication with the network NW to input and output information. The input unit 904 has an input device capable of input processing, such as a keyboard or a touch panel. The output unit 905 has a display device capable of display processing, such as a display.

[0034] <1.2. Functional configuration of delivery method optimization device 1> Fig. 3 is a functional block diagram of the delivery method optimization device 1. As shown in Fig. 3, the delivery method optimization device 1 includes an acquisition unit 11, an error detection unit 12, an identification unit 13, a classification unit 14, an update unit 15, a display processing unit 16, and a database 2. This is information processing by software (stored in a storage unit 102) specifically realized by hardware (processing unit 101).

[0035] In this embodiment, the user terminal device 3 (client) receives the processing results performed by the delivery method optimization device 1 (server) in response to a request from the client, which is a so-called web application. On the other hand, the delivery method optimization program may be launched on the client terminal, which is a so-called standalone type. In this case, the user terminal device 3 may include some or all of the functional components (units) included in the delivery method optimization device 1. For example, the user terminal device 3 may include an acquisition unit 11, an error detection unit 12, an identification unit 13, a classification unit 14, an update unit 15, a display processing unit 16, etc., and the delivery method optimization device 1 may be a cloud storage that records and manages delivery method information, etc., which will be described later.

[0036] <1.3.Database 2> The database 2 stores delivery method information, delivery destination reference information, and a proposal master.

[0037] <1.3.1.Delivery method information> Delivery method information is information about delivery for each delivery method. The delivery method information includes a delivery ID to uniquely identify the delivery method information, the delivery method name, the delivery company name, and delivery details. The delivery details information includes delivery indicators and delivery restrictions set for each combination of delivery destination and transportation method. The delivery indicators are information for specifying the delivery method to be requested for shipment, and include indicators of the cost of delivery and indicators of the content of the delivery action. Indicators of delivery costs include, for example, the product packaging size of the product to be delivered, the delivery time corresponding to the delivery destination, delivery costs, and the delivery environmental impact, etc. Indicators of the content of the delivery action include, for example, delivery quality, etc. Here, the delivery costs for each delivery method are set as freight charges (delivery cost master) for each combination of delivery destination and product packaging size. The delivery restrictions are information about restrictions set for the delivery method, and include delivery target areas, size restrictions, weight restrictions, customs duties, and delivery availability flags.

[0038] The delivery indicators include, but are not limited to, any indicators related to delivery. In addition, the environmental impact among indicators of delivery costs, the delivery quality among indicators of the content of delivery acts, and the delivery feasibility flag among delivery restrictions may be linked to each delivery company.

[0039] <1.3.2. Delivery Address Reference Information> The delivery destination reference information is information for referencing the delivery destination included in the shipping information acquired from the user. The delivery destination reference information includes the delivery destination name and delivery destination code.

[0040] <1.3.3.Product reference information> Product reference information is information for referencing products included in shipping information obtained from the user. Product reference information stores a product ID that uniquely identifies the product, product name, product attributes, and product size. Product attributes include product classification, HS code, brand name, product site URL, whether the product can be packaged, and country of origin. Product size includes the product weight, volumetric weight, and dimensions (length, depth, and height).

[0041] <1.3.4. Proposal Master> The proposal master is master information for groups in which delivery methods are classified according to the conditions desired by the user for the delivery method. In the proposal master, one or more groups (hereinafter referred to as delivery method groups) to which each delivery method included in the delivery method information belongs are set for each condition desired by the user for the delivery method (hereinafter referred to as desired delivery conditions). In this embodiment, the desired delivery conditions are set by combining a delivery indicator and an indicator priority level that indicates the degree of priority given to the delivery indicator. Specific desired delivery conditions include "cost priority" (delivery indicator is "delivery cost" and indicator priority level is "high priority"); "time priority" (delivery indicator is "delivery time" and indicator priority level is "high priority"); "cost priority" (delivery indicator is "delivery cost" and indicator priority level is "highest priority"); and "time priority" (delivery indicator is "delivery time" and indicator priority level is "highest priority"). In this embodiment, two types of indicator priority levels, "high priority" and "highest priority", are set, but the number of types is not limited to this.

[0042] <1.4. Acquisition part 11> The acquisition unit 11 acquires at least shipping information related to the user's shipment. The acquisition unit 11 acquires shipping information including the product ID, customs duty-related information, shipping quantity, and delivery destination of the product requested to be shipped, as well as delivery method specification information, and acquires the product size based on the product ID and product reference information in the shipping information. The delivery method specification information is information for specifying the delivery method, and includes the desired delivery conditions for the delivery index or the delivery method. The customs duty-related information includes the customs duty payment method and the product sales price, etc. The desired delivery conditions include a delivery index and an index priority level set for each desired condition for delivery. In this embodiment, the acquisition unit 11 acquires shipping information including the product ID, but it may also acquire shipping information including the product size.

[0043] <1.5. Error detection unit 12> The error detection unit 12 detects an error in the shipping information. The error detection unit 12 detects an error when information included in the shipping information does not satisfy a predetermined condition.

[0044] <1.6. Specific part 13> The specifying unit 13 specifies a delivery method that optimizes delivery costs based on the shipping information and delivery method information. The specifying unit 13 calculates one or more evaluation values ​​that rank the delivery methods for each delivery method based on the product packaging size of the product to be shipped, the desired delivery conditions for the delivery indicators of the shipping information, the proposal master, and multiple delivery method information, and specifies candidate delivery methods that optimize delivery costs based on the evaluation values.

[0045] In this embodiment, the identification unit 13 identifies the product packaging size of the product to be shipped based on the shipping information and product reference information, and calculates an evaluation value based on the product packaging size, desired delivery conditions, and multiple delivery method information. Specifically, the identification unit 13 identifies the product packaging size of the product to be shipped based on the shipping information acquired by the acquisition unit 11 and the presence or absence of packaging in the product reference information. More specifically, if the presence or absence of packaging in the product reference information for the product to be shipped indicates that the product can be packaged, the identification unit 13 identifies the product packaging size based on the shipping quantity and product size of the product. On the other hand, if the presence or absence of packaging in the product reference information indicates that the product cannot be packaged, the identification unit 13 identifies the product size of the product as the product packaging size. Details of the evaluation value will be described later. Here, the product packaging size is set to the product weight, volumetric weight, and size (length, depth, and height) of the product obtained by multiplying the product size by the shipping quantity.

[0046] The classification unit 14 creates a proposal master based on the delivery method information. The classification unit 14 creates one or more delivery groups to which one or more delivery methods belong, based on the delivery index values ​​of the delivery methods, for each desired delivery condition and delivery index, and creates a proposal master. In this embodiment, the classification unit 14 calculates a classification evaluation value for each delivery method to classify the delivery methods based on the delivery time among the delivery indexes, associates the classification evaluation value with the delivery method, and creates a proposal master including one or more delivery groups.

[0047] Specifically, one or more predetermined delivery time ranges are set for each desired delivery condition, and the classification unit 14 calculates a classification evaluation value for each delivery method based on the predetermined delivery time range and the delivery time of the delivery method.The classification unit 14 then creates a delivery group that associates the classification evaluation value and delivery method for each desired delivery condition and delivery index, and creates a proposal master.The classification unit 14 may also create a delivery group based on the predetermined delivery time range and the delivery time of the delivery method without calculating the classification evaluation value.

[0048] Here, the predetermined delivery time range for each desired delivery condition is set to, for example, within 3 to 4 days, within 7 days, within 21 days, within 22 days, etc., if the desired delivery condition is "time priority." The predetermined delivery time range can be set arbitrarily by the administrator of this system who obtains information about delivery from the collection target.

[0049] In addition, the desired delivery conditions may also include "environmentally conscious," "top priority on the environment," "quality conscious," and "top priority on quality." For example, if the desired delivery conditions include "environmentally conscious," the classification unit 14 may create a proposal master based on CO2 emissions in addition to delivery time as a delivery indicator. Specifically, one or more predetermined CO2 emission ranges are set for each desired delivery condition, and the classification unit 14 calculates a classification evaluation value for each delivery method based on the predetermined CO2 emission range, the predetermined delivery time range, and the CO2 emissions and delivery time of the delivery method.

[0050] <1.7. Update part 15> The update unit 15 updates the delivery method information to be updated that is stored in the database 2. The update unit 15 updates the delivery method information to be stored in the database 2 by referring to information related to delivery acquired from the collection target. Specifically, the update unit 15 updates the delivery feasibility flag for each piece of delivery method information to be updated that is stored in the database 2 by referring to local event information related to delivery acquired from the collection target. The collection target in this embodiment is media that contain information related to delivery, and includes internet media such as websites, promotional media such as advertisements from delivery companies, and notices from sales representatives of delivery companies.

[0051] In this embodiment, the update unit 15 identifies and updates the delivery method information to be updated by receiving an input related to the update from the administrator who has referred to the delivery information acquired from the collection target. On the other hand, the update unit 15 may also identify the delivery method information to be updated by referring to information collected from a website and automatically update the delivery method information.

[0052] <1.8. Display Processing Unit 16> The display processing unit 16 performs a display process for candidate delivery methods that optimize delivery costs, and causes the display process results to be displayed on the user terminal device 3. In this embodiment, the display process refers to a process in which the display processing unit 16 executes a process for generating information necessary for display, transmits the generated information to the terminal device 90, and causes the terminal device 90 to display the generated information. On the other hand, the display process may also be a process in which the display processing unit 16 transmits a processing command for generating information necessary for display to the terminal device 90, and causes the terminal device 90 to generate information necessary for display and display the generated information.

[0053] <2. Delivery method optimization processing> The delivery method optimization method by the delivery method optimization system 0 of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 4 and 5. Figure 4 is a processing flowchart from receiving shipping information from a user, specifying a delivery method based on the delivery conditions desired by the user, to approving a shipping request.

[0054] <2.1. Obtaining shipping information> In step S1 (hereinafter, "step SXX" will be simply referred to as "SXX"), the acquisition unit 11 acquires shipping information. In this embodiment, the acquisition unit 11 acquires, as shipping information, the order management number, delivery method specification information, product ID, desired delivery date, product JAN code, number of items to be shipped, delivery destination postal code, delivery destination code, delivery destination address, delivery destination name, telephone number, email address, and customs-related information from the user terminal device 3, and acquires product size and whether or not it is packaged based on the product ID and product reference information in the shipping information. Specifically, the acquisition unit 11 acquires the size, weight, and volumetric weight of the product as product size. The acquisition unit 11 also acquires the desired delivery conditions or delivery method as delivery method specification information. The acquisition unit 11 also acquires customs duty payment information and product sales price as customs-related information.

[0055] In this embodiment, the acquisition unit 11 may acquire shipping information by accepting an upload of shipping information entered into a CSV file, or may acquire shipping information by accepting input of shipping information in a web form.

[0056] 2.2. Error Detection In S2, the error detection unit 12 detects errors based on the shipping information. In this embodiment, predetermined conditions are set for the shipping information, and the error detection unit 12 detects errors based on the predetermined conditions and the shipping information acquired in S1. Specifically, for example, the error detection unit 12 determines whether there are any missing parts in the shipping information as part of the detection process.

[0057] If the error detection unit 12 detects an error in the shipping information (YES in S3), the process proceeds to S1 and waits for the input of shipping information with the input data corrected. On the other hand, if the error detection unit 12 does not detect an error in the shipping information (NO in S3), the process proceeds to S4.

[0058] <2.3. Specifying the delivery method> In S4, the identification unit 13 determines whether or not a delivery method is included in the delivery method identification information of the shipping information acquired in S1. If the delivery method is included in the delivery method identification information (YES in S4), the process proceeds to S6. On the other hand, if the delivery method is not included in the delivery method identification information (NO in S4), the process proceeds to S5, where the identification unit 13 identifies the optimal delivery method. The process of identifying the optimal delivery method will be described later.

[0059] 2.4. Error Detection In S6, the error detection unit 12 detects errors in the shipping information based on the specified delivery method. In this embodiment, the error detection unit 12 determines whether the delivery indicators and delivery restrictions of the specified delivery method correspond to the delivery destination and desired delivery conditions of the shipping information.

[0060] If the error detection unit 12 detects an error in the shipping information (YES in S7), the process proceeds to S1 and waits for the input of shipping information with the input data corrected. On the other hand, if the error detection unit 12 does not detect an error in the shipping information (NO in S7), the process proceeds to S8.

[0061] <2.5. Shipping Process> In S8, the display processing unit 16 displays the shipping information acquired in S1 and the delivery method identified in S5 side by side on the user terminal device 3. Then, in S9, an approval receiving unit (not shown) receives input regarding approval / rejection as to whether there are any problems with the combination of shipping information and delivery method.

[0062] <3. Details of the shipping method optimization process> Hereinafter, with reference to Figure 5, the specific processing for identifying the optimal delivery method in S5 of Figure 4 will be described. In this embodiment, an evaluation value for ranking multiple delivery methods is calculated based on one desired delivery condition input by the user, and a list of delivery method candidates is displayed to the user based on the evaluation value. Furthermore, if the delivery method candidates cannot be narrowed down based on the desired delivery condition input by the user, another evaluation value is calculated based on multiple desired delivery conditions, and a list of delivery method candidates is displayed to the user based on the multiple evaluation values.

[0063] FIG. 5 is a processing flowchart for identifying the optimal delivery method based on the desired delivery terms, product ID, product quantity, product reference information, and multiple delivery method information for the delivery indicator of the delivery method specification information included in the shipping information acquired in S1 of FIG. 4, in the case where there are two desired delivery terms (the evaluation values ​​calculated based on each desired delivery term are the first evaluation value and the second evaluation value, respectively). Note that the following explanation will describe the process related to identifying the optimal delivery method for one order management number in the shipping information. Also, in the following explanation, the process will be described in separate steps, but the processing of each step is executed simultaneously. <3.1. Creating an evaluation list> In S51, the determination unit 13 calculates a first relative evaluation value as an evaluation value based on the desired delivery terms, shipping information, product packaging size based on product reference information, and multiple delivery method information, and creates an evaluation list based on the classification evaluation value and the first relative evaluation value for each delivery group. In this embodiment, the determination unit 13 calculates a first relative evaluation value for each delivery method based on the delivery cost master of the delivery method information, the product packaging size of the shipped product, and weight / volume weight, the delivery time of the delivery method information, and the delivery index and index priority of the desired delivery terms acquired in S1. Then, the determination unit 13 creates an evaluation list that associates the delivery method with the evaluation value based on the classification evaluation value and the first relative evaluation value (hereinafter referred to as the first evaluation value). Note that, hereinafter, the desired delivery terms acquired in S1 are referred to as the first desired delivery terms.

[0064] Specifically, when the desired delivery conditions are "prioritize cost," "prioritize cost," or "prioritize time," the specifying unit 13 calculates a first relative evaluation value for each delivery method based on the relative magnitude of the delivery costs for each delivery method. For example, the specifying unit 13 calculates a higher first relative evaluation value for the delivery method with the lowest delivery cost. Also, when the desired delivery conditions are "prioritize speed," the specifying unit 13 calculates a first relative evaluation value for each delivery method based on the relative magnitude of the delivery time for each delivery method. For example, the specifying unit 13 calculates a higher first relative evaluation value for the delivery method with the shortest delivery time.

[0065] <3.2. Identifying the optimal delivery method> In S52, the identification unit 13 determines whether or not any of the delivery method candidates have the same first evaluation value based on the evaluation list created in S51. In this embodiment, the identification unit 13 determines whether or not any of the delivery method candidates have the same first evaluation value.

[0066] If there is no delivery method candidate with the highest first evaluation value (NO in S52), the process proceeds to S54, where the display processing unit 16 displays a list of delivery method candidates that highlights the delivery method candidate with the highest first evaluation value. On the other hand, if there is a delivery method candidate with the highest first evaluation value (YES in S52), the process proceeds to S53.

[0067] <3.3. Calculation of the second evaluation value> In S53, the specification unit 13 calculates a second evaluation value of the delivery method as an evaluation value based on the desired delivery terms different from the first desired delivery terms, the product packaging size, and multiple delivery method information. In this embodiment, the specification unit 13 calculates the second evaluation value using the delivery index, the product packaging size, and multiple delivery method information of the desired delivery terms different from the first desired delivery terms used in S51 (hereinafter referred to as the second desired delivery terms).

[0068] Specifically, the determination unit 13 calculates a second relative evaluation value based on the relative magnitude of the delivery indicators of the second desired delivery terms of the delivery method, based on the second desired delivery terms, product packaging size, and multiple delivery method information.The determination unit 13 then calculates the second evaluation value based on the classification evaluation value, the first relative evaluation value, and the second relative evaluation value.For example, if shipping information is acquired in which the delivery indicator of the first desired delivery terms includes "delivery cost," the delivery indicator of the second desired delivery terms is "delivery time."In this case, the determination unit 13 calculates the second relative evaluation value based on the relative magnitude of the delivery time of the delivery method for which the first evaluation value was calculated.For example, the determination unit 13 calculates a higher second relative evaluation value for the delivery method with the shortest delivery time.In this embodiment, the determination unit 13 calculates the second evaluation value for all delivery methods, but it may also calculate the second evaluation value for delivery methods with the same first evaluation value.

[0069] <3.4. Extraction of delivery method candidates> In S54, the identifying unit 13 extracts a delivery method based on the shipping information and delivery restrictions. In this embodiment, the identifying unit 13 extracts delivery method candidates from all delivery methods based on the delivery destination, customs-related information, product packaging size, and delivery restrictions of the delivery method information in the shipping information.

[0070] Then, in S55, the display processing unit 16 displays a delivery method candidate list in which the delivery method with the largest second evaluation value is highlighted from among the delivery methods extracted in S54, and causes the list to be displayed on the user terminal device 3. In this embodiment, the display processing unit 16 displays the delivery time, delivery cost, first evaluation value, and second evaluation value of each delivery method identified in S51 to S54.

[0071] In S56, the specifying unit 13 specifies the optimal delivery method. In this embodiment, the specifying unit 13 accepts a specification of a delivery method from the displayed delivery method candidate list from the user, and specifies the specified delivery method as the optimal delivery method.

[0072] As described above, the processes of S51 to S56 are executed for one order management number, and the optimal delivery method is determined. On the other hand, if the shipping information includes multiple order management numbers, the processes of S51 to S54 are executed for each order management number in turn, the optimal delivery method for each order management number is displayed in S55, and the delivery methods for all order management numbers included in the shipping information are identified by receiving input from the user regarding the designation of the delivery method individually or collectively in S56. Then, by executing the processes of S1 to S9, the user (shipper) can determine the optimal delivery method based on the delivery indicators (delivery cost, delivery time, delivery environmental impact, delivery quality, etc.) that the user prioritizes.

[0073] In this way, by scoring delivery methods based on the classification evaluation value calculated based on the delivery time of the delivery method and the first relative evaluation value and the second relative evaluation value calculated based on the relative magnitude relationship of the delivery index desired by the user, it is possible to propose a delivery method with optimized delivery costs. In particular, the classification evaluation value ranks delivery methods based on thresholds set by the administrator of this system for the delivery index, and the first relative evaluation value ranks delivery methods based on the delivery index prioritized by the user (shipper), so that a delivery method with optimal delivery costs that reflects the preferences of both the administrator of this system and the shipper is proposed. This allows even a shipper who is not aware of what delivery methods are available to appropriately and easily identify the delivery method they want.

[0074] In this embodiment, the specification unit 13 calculates the first evaluation value based on the classification evaluation value and the first relative evaluation value, but may calculate the first evaluation value based only on the first relative evaluation value. Furthermore, the specification unit 13 calculates the second evaluation value based on the classification evaluation value, the first relative evaluation value, and the second relative evaluation value, but may calculate the second evaluation value based on the classification evaluation value and the second relative evaluation value, based on the first relative evaluation value and the second relative evaluation value, or based only on the second relative evaluation value.

[0075] In this embodiment, the identification unit 13 identifies the optimal delivery method when the user specifies a delivery method from candidate delivery methods, but the method with the largest first evaluation value (or the largest second evaluation value if there are first evaluation values ​​tied for first place) may also be identified as the optimal delivery method.

[0076] In this embodiment, the evaluation value is calculated based on the desired delivery conditions, and the display processing unit 16 displays the delivery methods in descending order of evaluation value. On the other hand, the evaluation value may not be calculated by the identification unit 13, and the display processing unit 16 may display the delivery methods based on the relative magnitude of the numerical values ​​of the delivery index.

[0077] In this embodiment, the first evaluation value and the second evaluation value are used to display a delivery method candidate list highlighting the delivery method with the highest first evaluation value (the second evaluation value if there are any delivery methods with the same first evaluation value). On the other hand, if there are multiple delivery methods with the highest first evaluation value (the second evaluation value if there are any delivery methods with the same first evaluation value), the optimal delivery method may be identified based on an evaluation value that further uses different desired delivery terms. Specifically, if there are multiple delivery methods with the highest first evaluation value (the second evaluation value if there are any delivery methods with the same first evaluation value), the identification unit 13 may calculate an n-th evaluation value using the relative magnitude relationship of the delivery index of an n-th desired delivery term that is different from the first desired delivery term, and repeat this until one delivery method with the highest n-th evaluation value is identified (n is an integer greater than or equal to 2). Note that if there is a single first evaluation value, the optimal delivery method may be identified by using the sum of the 2nd to n+1st evaluation values ​​as the evaluation value. In addition, weighting is performed in the order of the 2nd to n+1th evaluation values, and the optimum delivery method may be identified by using the sum of the multiplication values ​​of the evaluation value and the weight as the evaluation value. In this case, the user may set the priority of the desired delivery conditions with respect to the delivery index, and the identification unit 13 may calculate the nth evaluation value using the relative magnitude relationship of the delivery index of the desired delivery conditions based on the priority.

[0078] In this embodiment, the processes of S51 to S56 are executed for each order management number, and the optimal delivery method is identified based on the user's specification, thereby identifying the optimal delivery method for all order management numbers included in the shipping information. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the database 2 stores delivery history information that associates combinations of delivery destination, product packaging size, and desired delivery conditions with the optimal delivery method, and the identification unit 13 may identify the optimal delivery method for one order management number based on the combination of delivery destination and product packaging size and the delivery history information.

[0079] In a more preferred embodiment, the identification unit 13 may identify the optimal delivery method based on the combination of delivery destination and product packaging size, as well as the delivery history information, until the delivery method information is updated by the update unit 15. Specifically, in this embodiment, the update unit 15 refers to information related to delivery acquired from the collection target, identifies and updates the delivery feasibility flag for each of the delivery method information to be updated that is stored in the database. Then, the identification unit 13 identifies the optimal delivery method based on delivery history information whose delivery feasibility flag has not been updated, and the product packaging size, delivery destination, and desired delivery conditions included in the shipping information.

[0080] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, an optimal delivery method identified for a certain order management number in one shipment information acquired from a user can be applied as an optimal delivery method for other order management numbers. Specifically, for multiple order management numbers that include the same combination of delivery destination, product packaging size, and desired delivery conditions in one shipment information, the identification unit 13 identifies the optimal delivery method identified for one order management number as the optimal delivery method for the other order management numbers.

[0081] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the proposal master is updated in accordance with information about multiple deliveries made public on the collection target, and the updated proposal master is used to identify a delivery method that optimizes delivery costs. In this embodiment, the update unit 15 acquires delivery information from the collection target website, identifies delivery method information to be updated, and updates the proposal master based on the delivery method information. Specifically, the update unit 15 acquires delivery information from the website, identifies delivery method information to be updated by receiving input related to the update from the administrator terminal device 4, and updates the proposal master stored in the database 2 based on the delivery time of the updated delivery method information and the delivery time range for each desired delivery condition. The identification unit 13 then identifies a delivery method that optimizes delivery costs based on the updated proposal master, the desired delivery conditions included in the shipping information, and the product packaging size of the product to be shipped. [Explanation of symbols]

[0082] 0: Delivery method optimization system 1: Delivery method optimization device 2: Database 3: User terminal device 10: Server 101: Processing section 102: Storage section 103: Communications Department 90: Terminal equipment 91: Processing section 92: Storage section 93: Communications Department 94: Input section 95: Output section 11: Acquisition part 12: Error detection section 13: Specific part 14: Classification section 15: Update section 16: Display processing section

Claims

1. A delivery method optimization system that optimizes delivery costs, The delivery method optimization system includes a database, an acquisition unit, and an identification unit, The database stores delivery method information including delivery costs for delivering the product; The acquisition unit acquires shipping information related to shipments of the shipper, The specifying unit specifies a delivery method that optimizes delivery costs based on the shipping information and the delivery method information. Delivery method optimization system.

2. The delivery method information includes, for each delivery method, a product package size of the product to be delivered and one or more delivery indicators corresponding to the delivery destination, The shipping information includes desired delivery terms for the delivery indicator, The specifying unit specifies a delivery method that optimizes the delivery cost based on the desired delivery conditions, the product packaging size of the product to be shipped, and the delivery index. The delivery method optimization system of claim 1 .

3. The specification unit calculates a first evaluation value of the delivery method based on a first desired delivery condition for the delivery index, Calculating a second evaluation value of the delivery method for which the first evaluation value was calculated based on a second desired delivery condition for the delivery index; Identifying a delivery method that optimizes the delivery cost based on the first evaluation value and the second evaluation value. The delivery method optimization system according to claim 2 .

4. The database further stores a proposal master in which one or more delivery groups to which the delivery method belongs are set, The specification unit calculates a first relative evaluation value of the delivery method using a relative evaluation of the delivery index based on a first desired delivery condition with respect to the delivery index, Calculating a second relative evaluation value of the delivery method for which the first relative evaluation value was calculated using a relative evaluation of the delivery index based on a second desired delivery condition with respect to the delivery index; Identifying a delivery method that optimizes the delivery cost based on the classification evaluation value for classifying the delivery methods, the first relative evaluation value, and the second relative evaluation value. The delivery method optimization system according to claim 2 .

5. The delivery method optimization system further comprises a classification unit, The classification unit calculates the classification evaluation value based on the numerical value of the delivery index, The specification unit calculates the first relative evaluation value using a relative magnitude relationship of the delivery index based on the first desired delivery terms among a plurality of delivery methods as a relative evaluation of the delivery index based on the first desired delivery terms, As a relative evaluation of the delivery index based on the second desired delivery terms, the second relative evaluation value is calculated using a relative magnitude relationship of the delivery index based on the second desired delivery terms among a plurality of delivery methods. The delivery method optimization system according to claim 4.

6. The shipping information includes, for each order management number, the product package size, the delivery destination, and the desired delivery conditions, The identification unit identifies, for a plurality of order management numbers including the same combination of delivery destination, product packaging size, and desired delivery conditions in the acquired shipping information, the optimal delivery method identified based on the delivery destination, product packaging size, and desired delivery conditions for a certain order management number as the optimal delivery method for another order management number. The delivery method optimization system according to claim 2 .

7. The delivery method optimization system further comprises an update unit, The delivery method information includes a delivery possibility flag indicating whether delivery is possible for each delivery destination, The update unit refers to information related to delivery acquired from the collection target and identifies the delivery availability flag for each of the delivery method information items that are stored in the database and are to be updated. The delivery method optimization system of claim 1 .

8. The delivery method optimization system further comprises an update unit, The database stores a proposal master in which one or more delivery groups to which the delivery method belongs are set for each of the desired delivery conditions and the delivery indicators, and in which classification evaluation values ​​for classifying the delivery methods and the delivery methods are associated with each other, The update unit identifies the delivery method information to be updated based on information related to delivery acquired from the collection target, and updates the proposal master based on the delivery method information; The specifying unit specifies a delivery method that optimizes the delivery cost based on the desired delivery conditions, the product packaging size of the product to be shipped, and the proposal master. The delivery method optimization system according to claim 2 .

9. A delivery method optimization program that optimizes delivery costs, The delivery method optimization program causes a computer to function as a database, an acquisition unit, and an identification unit, The database stores delivery method information including delivery costs for delivering the product; The acquisition unit acquires shipping information related to shipments of the shipper, The specifying unit specifies a delivery method that optimizes delivery costs based on the shipping information and the delivery method information. Shipping method optimization program.

10. A shipping method optimization method for optimizing shipping costs, comprising: The computer storing shipping method information including shipping costs for shipping the product; A process of acquiring shipping information regarding goods to be shipped by a shipper; A process of identifying a delivery method that optimizes delivery costs based on the shipping information and the delivery method information; Implement the shipping method optimization method.

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