Management system, program

Abstract

To provide a management system and a program that can suppress complexity of a process from shipping to completion of delivery and management cost.SOLUTION: In a management system, each of a management server, a consignor terminal, a consignee terminal, and a driver terminal is connected to a network such as the Internet, and a pallet to be sent from a delivery source to a delivery destination is managed in a state in which a package group is loaded. A management server 10 has: a shipping information acquisition unit 10a for acquiring shipping information in units of packages of the package group; and a data storage unit 10e for storing a pallet ID for identifying a pallet in association with a package ID for identifying a package included in the shipping information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a management system and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a system for managing the delivery status based on a shipping note (invoice) for each piece of luggage has been known. Patent Document 1 also discloses that a plurality of pieces of luggage are placed on a roll box pallet (also called a cage cart or the like) and delivered. Even in the case of delivering using such a roll box pallet, it is common to manage the delivery status based on the shipping note for each piece of luggage.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, when managing the delivery status based on the shipping note for each piece of luggage, it is necessary to inspect and check each piece of luggage upon receipt, and the process from shipping to delivery completion becomes complicated. Conventionally, when delivering luggage from the sender to the recipient, it is common to temporarily store the luggage in a logistics warehouse or the like and perform reloading and sorting of the luggage during the process. However, there is a problem that labor costs, inventory storage costs, and costs for managing these are incurred for reloading and sorting.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a management system and a program that can suppress the complexity of the process from shipping to delivery completion and management costs.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The invention disclosed in the present application has various aspects in order to solve the above problems, and an outline of typical ones among those aspects is as follows.

[0007] (1) A management system for managing a pallet that is sent from a shipper to a consignee in a state where a group of packages is loaded, the management system including a shipping information acquisition unit that acquires shipping information of each package unit among the group of packages, and a data storage unit that associates and stores a pallet ID for identifying the pallet with a package ID for identifying the package included in the shipping information.

[0008] (2) The management system according to (1), wherein the pallet is made of recycled materials.

[0009] (3) The management system according to (1) or (2), wherein the data storage unit associates and stores one pallet ID with one or more of the package IDs.

[0010] (4) The management system according to (1) or (2), wherein the data storage unit associates and stores one or more pallet IDs with one package ID.

[0011] (5) In any one of (1) to (4), a recording medium for reading the pallet ID is provided on the pallet, and the data storage unit associates and stores the pallet ID read by a reading device according to an operation of a consolidation driver with the package ID.

[0012] (6) In any one of (1) to (5), the pallet includes a rectangular upper surface including a first side and a second side intersecting the first side in a plan view. The type of the pallet is specified according to the lengths of the first side and the second side. The upper surface is configured to be able to load the group of packages over its entire surface. A first acquisition unit that acquires information regarding the type of the pallet input by a user's operation, a second acquisition unit that acquires information regarding the origin and the destination input by a user's operation, and at least a calculation unit that calculates a delivery fee for each pallet based on the type, the origin, and the destination information. A management system.

[0013] (7) In (6), a management system having a third acquisition unit that acquires the number of the pallets input by a user's operation, and the calculation unit calculates the delivery fee discounted according to the number.

[0014] (8) In any one of (1) to (7), the pallet ID includes a user ID set for each user who uses the pallet, and the data storage unit stores information regarding the current usage number of the pallet for each user. A management system.

[0015] (9) In (8), a management system having a location acquisition unit that acquires information regarding the location of the pallet based on a user's operation or the pallet ID, and the data storage unit stores information regarding the location of the pallet for each user.

[0016] (10) In (9), a management system having a display control unit that causes the user terminal to display the information regarding the location in response to a request from the user terminal.

[0017] (11) In any one of (8) to (10), the data storage unit stores information regarding the elapsed time since the pallet was first shipped. A management system.

[0018] A program for managing a pallet that is sent from a shipper to a consignee with a group of packages loaded thereon, the program causing a processor to execute steps of: acquiring shipping information of each package among the group of packages; and associating and storing a pallet ID for identifying the pallet with a package ID for identifying the package included in the shipping information.

Advantages of the Invention

[0019] According to the aspects (1) to (12) of the present invention described above, it is possible to provide a management system and a program that can suppress the complexity of processes from shipping to the completion of delivery and management costs.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0021] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as "the present embodiments") will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0022] Figure 1 is a diagram for explaining the comparison between the present embodiment and the conventional example. In the present embodiment, placing an order in units of quantity (group of packages) to be loaded on a single pallet from the delivery destination, which is the purchaser of goods in the distribution process, is one of the main components of the present embodiment that bears a part of the transported goods, and is a major premise for the following effects to hold. An example of direct delivery of packages without passing through a relay point and shipping in pallet units based on this order from the shipper will be described. That is, during the delivery of packages from the shipper to the delivery destination, the packages are not temporarily stocked, reloaded, or sorted at a logistics warehouse or the like that is a relay point. Also, an example of not passing through a wholesaler / wholesale function in the distribution process will be described. As a result, in addition to being able to reduce the labor costs, inventory storage costs, and the costs for managing these associated with reloading and sorting, since there is no need to perform reloading and sorting at the logistics warehouse or wholesaler that is a relay point, it becomes possible to suppress the overall distribution costs in addition to the direct logistics costs, and the packages will not be damaged during the delivery from the shipper to the delivery destination. Also, by directly delivering from the shipper to the delivery destination, an order production system that produces only the necessary amount becomes possible, and inventory losses can be reduced (in the case of Figure 1, the applicant's estimate shows a reduction in distribution costs of up to about 50%). Also, in the present embodiment, inspection for each package is made unnecessary by the direct delivery of packages and the data linkage of package information that manages by associating the pallet ID with the package ID. As a result, it is possible to suppress the complexity of the process from shipping to the completion of delivery, contribute to labor and effort savings in the entire logistics process, reduce the CO2 emissions in the logistics and distribution processes, and reduce the environmental load. Note that in the present embodiment, by providing a CO2 reduction amount calculation tool to the shipper and the delivery destination, it becomes possible to grasp the environmental load reduction effect. Also, since it is possible to suppress the attendance required for inspection in the process of delivering the packages, there is also an effect of suppressing human contact that is a factor in viral infectious diseases and the like. Further, in the present embodiment, an example using a pallet made of corrugated cardboard, which is a renewable resource, and capable of loading a group of packages of up to about 1t per sheet will be described. This complements the direct delivery of packages and eliminates the need to return the pallet from the delivery destination to the shipper, making it possible to reduce the pallet management costs and return costs.In addition, in the present embodiment, by reducing the above-described logistics costs and inventory losses and passing on the economic benefits to the delivery destination (in the present embodiment, the consignee who purchases the goods to be transported and receives the goods), it becomes possible for the shipper, the logistics company that performs the transportation, and the delivery destination to enjoy the benefits of using the present embodiment.

[0023] [Overall Configuration of the Management System] The overall configuration of the management system S of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of the management system of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the management system S includes a management server 10, a shipper terminal 20, a consignee terminal 30, and a driver terminal 40. Each of the management server 10, the shipper terminal 20, the consignee terminal 30, and the driver terminal 40 can be connected to a network N such as the Internet. Note that the management server 10 only needs to include at least one computer and is not limited to the example of FIG. 2.

[0024] The management server 10 includes a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, and a communication unit 13. The control unit 11 includes at least one processor. The control unit 11 executes processing according to programs and data stored in the storage unit 12. The storage unit 12 includes a volatile memory such as a RAM and a non-volatile memory such as a hard disk. The communication unit 13 is a communication interface for wired communication or wireless communication and performs data communication via the network N.

[0025] The shipper terminal 20 is a computer operated by the user who is the shipper. For example, the shipper terminal 20 may be a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a wearable terminal, or a personal computer. The shipper terminal 20 includes a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, an operation unit 23, a display unit 24, and a communication unit 25. The physical configurations of the control unit 21, the storage unit 22, and the communication unit 25 may be the same as those of the control unit 11, the storage unit 12, and the communication unit 13, respectively. The operation unit 23 is an input device for the user to perform operations, and may be, for example, a pointing device such as a touch panel or a mouse, a keyboard, or a button. The display unit 24 is a monitor for displaying various screens, and may be, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display. Although not shown in the figure, the management system S may include a management server that is managed on the shipper side separately from the shipper terminal 20.

[0026] The consignee terminal 30 is a computer operated by the user who is the consignee. The physical configuration of the consignee terminal 30 may be the same as that of the shipper terminal 20. The shipper terminal 20 and the consignee terminal 30 may be able to receive various communications from the management server 10 mainly by receiving e-mails through the communication units 25 and 35.

[0027] The driver terminal 40 is a computer operated by the driver who collects the goods and drives a vehicle such as a truck. The driver terminal 40 may be a reading device that can read information from a recording medium such as a barcode or a QR code (registered trademark), which is so-called a handy terminal. In FIG. 2, an example is shown in which the physical configuration of the driver terminal 40 is the same as that of the shipper terminal 20 and the consignee terminal 30. However, it is not limited to this, and the driver terminal 40 may not include the storage unit 42 and the display unit 34.

[0028] Note that the programs and data described as being stored in the storage units 22 and 32 may be supplied via the network N. Further, the hardware configurations of the computers described above are not limited to the above examples, and various types of hardware can be applied. For example, it may include a reading unit (e.g., an optical disk drive or a memory card slot) for reading a computer-readable information storage medium and an input / output unit (e.g., a USB port) for inputting / outputting data to / from an external device. For example, programs and data stored in the information storage medium may be supplied to each computer via the reading unit and the input / output unit.

[0029] [Overview of the Management System] The overview of the management system S of the present embodiment will be described. The management system S is a system for managing pallets that are sent from a shipper to a consignee with a group of packages loaded thereon.

[0030] Here, in the case of route freight used for the delivery of medium-lot goods, etc., the collected goods are usually transported to a relay point, and the goods are transferred to a goods vehicle operating on the main line at the relay point. Due to the labor required for this transfer work, the transportation cost becomes high. Also, in order to prevent the goods from being damaged during the transfer, it is necessary to pack or bundle them in packaging boxes in a predetermined lot unit, which increases the labor and the cost.

[0031] Therefore, in the present embodiment, it is decided to directly deliver the pallet on which the group of packages is loaded from the shipper to the consignee without transferring the goods at the relay point.

[0032] In this embodiment, a "pallet" is a handling platform for loading goods in logistics. The pallet is used for storing goods in a warehouse or the like, or for delivering goods by being loaded onto a vehicle such as a truck. In this embodiment, an example of adopting a pallet made of corrugated cardboard, which is a recycled material, will be described. Since the pallet is made of corrugated cardboard, there is no need to return it from the delivery destination to the shipping origin, and it can be recycled or discarded at the delivery destination. Therefore, the cost required for returning and managing the pallet can be reduced.

[0033] Also, in this embodiment, a "group of goods" is an aggregate consisting of a plurality of goods. One piece of goods may be, for example, one or a plurality of items contained in one corrugated cardboard box. In the following description, a "unit of goods" refers to, for example, a unit of corrugated cardboard box. Invoices on which shipping information including a goods ID is described are prepared for each corrugated cardboard box in which the goods are contained. A barcode for reading the goods ID is printed on each invoice. That is, the goods ID is set for each corrugated cardboard box in which the goods are contained. However, it is not limited to this. For example, the goods ID may be set in common for a plurality of corrugated cardboard boxes with the same contents.

[0034] Also, in this embodiment, the "shipping origin" is the starting location where the goods are delivered, and the "delivery destination" is the ending location where the goods are delivered.

[0035] FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the overall flow of delivering a group of goods in this embodiment. First, the shipper terminal 20 receives the input of shipping information by the operation of the shipper who is a user. The shipping information input to the shipper terminal 20 is sent to the management server 10 via the network N. Details of the shipping information will be described later with reference to FIG. 7.

[0036] After that, according to the instructions from the management company that manages the management server 10, the collection driver of the transportation company heads to the sender. When the collection driver arrives at the sender, the collection driver performs an operation of associating the pallet ID for each pallet with the package ID included in the shipping information. It should be noted that pallets are sent to the sender in advance, and it is preferable that the goods are packed by the shipper and a group of goods is loaded on the pallet.

[0037] The collection driver operates the driver terminal 40 (reader device), which is a handy terminal, to read the pallet ID from the barcode seal (recording medium) attached to the pallet. It should be noted that the barcode seal is preferably attached to the pallet PL in advance. Similarly, the collection driver operates the driver terminal 40 to read the package ID from the barcode printed on the shipping note (slip) prepared by the shipper.

[0038] The pallet ID and the package ID read by the driver terminal 40 may be associated in the driver terminal 40, or may be sent from the driver terminal 40 to the management server 10 via the network N and associated in the management server 10. The management server 10 may send the delivery data to the consignee terminal 30 based on the information regarding the associated pallet ID and package ID. Also, before sending the delivery data, the management server 10 may send the scheduled delivery data to the consignee terminal 30.

[0039] After performing the tying operation, the pick-up driver loads the pallet on which the goods are stacked onto the vehicle's loading platform and heads towards the delivery destination. At the delivery destination, the pick-up driver receives a signature from the consignee. The signature may be an electronic signature. The received data of the electronic signature may be sent from the driver terminal 40 held by the pick-up driver to the management server 10 via the network N. After receiving the received data of the electronic signature, the management server 10 transmits the delivery completion data to the shipper terminal 20. Note that the scheduled delivery data and the delivery completion data may be sent as electronic data using a mechanism that standardizes data called EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) for exchange. However, it is not limited to this, and the scheduled delivery data and the delivery completion data may be sent by e-mail or the like.

[0040] Note that in the present embodiment, the "pallet ID" is identification information for uniquely identifying a pallet. It is preferable that a barcode seal (recording medium) B for reading the pallet ID is attached to each of the pallets (see FIG. 4).

[0041] Also, in the present embodiment, the "goods ID" is identification information for uniquely identifying goods. A shipping note is associated with each cardboard box that houses the goods, and it is preferable that a barcode for reading the goods ID is printed on each of the shipping notes.

[0042] Note that the shipping note may be in paper medium or electronic data. When the shipping note is electronic data, the barcode for reading the goods ID may be displayed as an image on the display unit 24 of the shipper terminal 20. Note that the shipping note does not necessarily include a barcode, and it is preferable that at least the management server 10 manages the goods ID for each shipping note. That is, at the shipping origin, the pick-up driver performs an operation of reading only the pallet ID using the driver terminal 40, and the pallet ID may be associated with the goods ID managed in advance by the management server 10.

[0043] [Pallet] Figure 4 is a diagram for explaining the pallet of the present embodiment. As shown in Figure 4, the pallet PL is a base with a rectangular planar shape. The pallet PL includes an upper plate 101, a lower plate 102, and a plurality of ribs 103 disposed between the upper plate 101 and the lower plate 102.

[0044] The upper plate 101 includes a rectangular upper surface including a first side and a second side orthogonal (intersecting) to the first side in a plan view. The type of the pallet PL may be specified according to the lengths of the first side and the second side. In the example of Figure 4, the length of the first side is the width W, the length of the second side is the depth D, and a pallet PL with the same length of the width W and the depth D is shown. That is, a pallet PL with a square planar shape is shown.

[0045] The upper plate 101 may be configured such that a group of packages can be loaded on its entire surface. That is, the upper surface of the upper plate 101 may be a flat surface over its entire surface. In a conventional roll box pallet, pipes or the like stand up at the edges of the surface on which packages are placed, and accordingly, the surface on which packages can be placed becomes smaller. In contrast, since the pallet PL of the present embodiment has no protruding portions such as pipes, it is possible to secure the maximum area for placing packages.

[0046] In addition, the pallet PL of the present embodiment is entirely composed of cardboard, which is a recycled resource. That is, all of the upper plate 101, the lower plate 102, and the ribs 103 are made of cardboard. Therefore, after the delivery is completed, it can be discarded or recycled at the delivery destination. Therefore, the costs associated with return or disposal can be suppressed.

[0047] In the present embodiment, the size of the pallet PL is set such that the width W and the depth D (the lengths of the first side and the second side) are approximately 1100 mm. This is a size that can be arranged in two side by side in the width direction of a truck having a loading platform width of about 2200 mm to 2300 mm (for example, a medium-sized truck such as a 4t truck).

[0048] The bars 103 are arranged spaced apart from each other. Thereby, an opening for inserting a lift claw is formed between the bars. The size of the opening may correspond to the size of the lift claw. The pallet PL is moved in a state of being lifted by a claw of an industrial vehicle such as a forklift or a handcart being inserted into the opening. In the present embodiment, three bars 103 are arranged side by side in each of the depth direction and the width direction. That is, the pallet PL has a configuration having a total of nine bars 103. Due to such a configuration, two openings are formed in each of the four directions of the pallet PL, and the lift claw can be inserted from any of the four directions.

[0049] On the upper plate 101 of the pallet PL, a group of packages, which is a collection of a plurality of packages, is loaded. In FIG. 4, a plurality of cardboard boxes BA1 for storing water and a plurality of cardboard boxes BA2 for storing tea, which are placed on the pallet PL, are shown. A shipping note may be associated with each of these cardboard boxes. That is, a different package ID may be associated with each of these cardboard boxes. Alternatively, a common shipping note may be associated with the plurality of cardboard boxes BA1, and a common shipping note may be associated with the plurality of cardboard boxes BA2. That is, a common package ID may be associated with the plurality of cardboard boxes BA1 for storing water, and a common package ID may be associated with the plurality of cardboard boxes BA2 for storing tea.

[0050] Also, FIG. 4 shows an example in which a plurality of cardboard boxes are placed on one pallet PL. In this example, a plurality of package IDs associated with each of the plurality of cardboard boxes are linked to the pallet ID of one pallet PL and are managed by the management server 10. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and one package ID may be linked to the pallet IDs of a plurality of pallets PL and managed by the management server 10.

[0051] [Functions realized by the management system] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, an example of the functions implemented in the management system S will be described. FIGS. 5 and 6 are functional block diagrams showing an example of the functions implemented in the management server of the present embodiment.

[0052] In the management server 10, a shipping information acquisition unit 10a, a delivery fee calculation unit 10b, a location acquisition unit 10c, a display control unit 10d, and a data storage unit 10e are implemented. Each of the shipping information acquisition unit 10a, the delivery fee calculation unit 10b, the location acquisition unit 10c, and the display control unit 10d is mainly implemented by the control unit 11. The data storage unit 10e is mainly implemented by the storage unit 12.

[0053] [Functions Implemented in the Management System: Shipping Information Acquisition Unit 10a] The shipping information acquisition unit 10a acquires the shipping information of each piece of cargo in the cargo group. The details of the shipping information will be described later with reference to FIG. 7.

[0054] [Functions Implemented in the Management System: Delivery Fee Calculation Unit 10b] The delivery fee calculation unit 10b calculates the delivery fee per pallet. The "delivery fee" is the fee charged to the user (shipper or consignee) when delivering the cargo from the shipping origin to the delivery destination, and may include fees associated with delivery such as collection fees.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 6, the delivery fee calculation unit 10b implements a first acquisition unit 10b1, a second acquisition unit 10b2, a third acquisition unit 10b3, and a calculation unit 10b4. The first acquisition unit 10b1 acquires information regarding the type (size) of the pallet input by the shipper, who is the user, by operating the shipper terminal 20. The second acquisition unit 10b2 acquires information regarding the shipping origin and the delivery destination input by the shipper, who is the user, by operating the shipper terminal 20. The third acquisition unit 10b3 acquires information regarding the number of pallets input by the shipper, who is the user, by operating the shipper terminal 20. The calculation unit 10b4 calculates the delivery fee per pallet based on the information regarding the type of the pallet, the shipping origin, and the delivery destination.

[0056] [Functions realized by the management system: Location acquisition unit 10c] The location acquisition unit 10c acquires information regarding the location of the pallet. The location of the pallet at the time of delivery completion is the delivery destination. That is, in the initial state at the time of delivery completion, the location acquisition unit 10c acquires information regarding the location based on the pallet ID. The user can change the information regarding the location of the pallet by operating the user terminal owned by himself / herself. That is, the location acquisition unit 10c can also acquire the information regarding the location of the pallet according to the operation of the user terminal by the user.

[0057] [Functions realized by the management system: Display control unit 10d] The display control unit 10d causes the display unit of the user terminal to display the information regarding the location of the pallet in response to a request from the user terminal which is the shipper terminal 20 or the consignee terminal 30. Thereby, the user who is the shipper or the consignee can grasp the location and number of the pallets being used by himself / herself.

[0058] [Functions realized by the management system: Data storage unit 10e] The data storage unit 10e stores the shipping information and data regarding the pallet. For example, the data storage unit 10e stores the shipping information database DB1, the association database DB2, and the pallet status database DB3.

[0059] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of data storage in the shipping information database. The shipping information database DB1 is a database in which the shipping information for each piece of luggage registered by the shipper is stored. As shown in FIG. 7, the shipping information database DB1 may store information regarding, for example, the luggage ID, the contents, the shipper ID, the shipper name, the origin, the consignee ID, the consignee name, the delivery destination, the desired delivery date and time, etc. In FIG. 7, an example where the shipper and the consignee are corporations (companies) is shown, but they may be individuals. Also, the consignee ID does not have to be provided for all pieces of luggage.

[0060] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of data storage in an association database. The association database DB2 is a database in which information regarding pallet IDs associated with package IDs is stored.

[0061] Note that the pallet ID may include information for identifying a user. In the example of FIG. 8, the leading characters “A” and “B” of the pallet ID are identification information (user ID) set for each user who uses the pallet. That is, the pallet ID “A001” and the pallet ID “B001” indicate that they are different pallets used by different users. Also, the pallet ID “B002” and the pallet ID “B003” indicate that they are different pallets used by the same user. Further, the pallet ID may include information for identifying the size of the pallet.

[0062] In the upper part of FIG. 8, an example is shown in which the pallet ID “A001” is associated with each of the package IDs “11”, “12”, and “13”. That is, it shows that the packages with the package IDs “11”, “12”, and “13” are loaded on the pallet with the pallet ID “A001” and delivered. Also, in the lower part of FIG. 8, an example is shown in which the pallet ID “B002” is associated with each of the package IDs “21”, “22”, and “23”, and the pallet ID “B003” is associated with the package ID “24”. That is, it shows that the packages with the package IDs “21”, “22”, and “23” are loaded on the pallet with the pallet ID “B002” and delivered, and the package with the package ID “24” is loaded on the pallet with the pallet ID “B003” and delivered.

[0063] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of data storage in a pallet status database. The pallet status database DB3 is a database in which information regarding the status of each pallet is stored. As shown in FIG. 9, the pallet status database DB3 may store information such as the pallet ID, the first shipping date, the number of days elapsed, and the location.

[0064] Information regarding the status of each pallet stored in the pallet status database DB3 may be viewable by the shipper or consignee from their own user terminal. This enables each user to grasp the number of pallets currently in use and their locations. In this case, for example, the management server 10 may grant access rights to the pallet status database DB3 from those terminals in response to requests from the shipper terminal 20 or the consignee terminal 30.

[0065] The information regarding the location stored in the pallet status database DB3 may be, for example, the address of the delivery destination. In FIG. 9, it shows that the pallet with pallet ID "A001" is at W - Y - 9, Chiyoda - ku, Tokyo, which is the delivery destination. Note that the information regarding the location may be changed when the user operates the user terminal. For example, when the pallet is moved to another location by the consignee at the delivery destination, the information regarding the location stored in the pallet status database DB3 may be updated by the consignee's operation of the consignee terminal 30. For example, when the consignee moves the pallet from the delivery destination to a warehouse at another location for storage, it is advisable to register the location of the destination as the location of the pallet. This enables users such as the consignee to confirm the location of the pallet when necessary by accessing the pallet status database DB.

[0066] Also, regarding pallets that have already been discarded, they may be set to "discarded" by the consignee's operation of the consignee terminal 30. FIG. 9 shows an example where the pallet with pallet ID "B003" has been discarded. Also, for the information regarding the location of a pallet with a pallet ID set and not yet sent to the shipping destination, it is advisable to be set to "before consolidation". FIG. 9 shows an example where the pallet with pallet ID "B002" is before consolidation. Note that the information regarding the location of the pallet may be updated by the management operator.

[0067] Also, the number of days elapsed stored in the pallet status database DB3 may be the number of days from the first shipping date to the present. That is, the number of days elapsed represents the number of days elapsed since the pallet was first used. By grasping the number of days elapsed, the user can determine whether to discard the pallet or consider ordering a new pallet. In particular, pallets made of cardboard deteriorate and their strength decreases as the usage period becomes longer. Therefore, it is preferable to discard them after a certain period of use. Note that the information regarding the usage period of the pallet stored in the pallet status database DB3 is not limited to the number of days elapsed from the shipping date to the present. For example, it may be the number of days elapsed from the delivery date to the present. Also, it may store the elapsed time in hours and minutes, the elapsed years, etc. instead of the number of days.

[0068] In this embodiment, a database for managing the status of pallets has been described, but a database for managing the status of packages may be provided. That is, the data storage unit 10e may store a database that manages the first shipping date, elapsed time, etc. shown in FIG. 7 in association with each package ID.

[0069] [Flowchart] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow in this embodiment.

[0070] First, the shipper terminal 20 receives the input of shipping information by the operation of the user who is the shipper (step S1). The shipping information input to the shipper terminal 20 is sent to the management server 10. Also, the pallet ID and package ID are read by the driver terminal 40 held by the collection driver (step S2), and the read pallet ID and package ID are sent to the management server 10.

[0071] Then, in the management server 10, the pallet ID is associated with the package ID (step S3). Thereby, the database stored in the storage unit 12 of the management server 10 is updated (step S4).

[0072] After that, the delivery data is sent from the management server 10 to the consignee terminal 30 (step S5). Further, the driver terminal 40 receives the input of the consignee's electronic signature (step S6), and the input electronic signature is sent to the management server 10. After receiving the electronic signature, the management server 10 sends the delivery completion data to the shipper terminal 20 (step S7). The delivery completion data may be sent as electronic data using a mechanism that standardizes the data called EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) for communication. However, it is not limited to this, and the delivery completion data may be sent by email.

[0073] [Calculation of Delivery Fee] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the shipper terminal. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the delivery fee calculation process by the management system.

[0074] As described above, the management server 10 realizes the delivery fee calculation unit 10b and the display control unit 10d. The management server 10 calculates the delivery fee per pallet by the delivery fee calculation unit 10b, and the display control unit 10d causes the display unit 24 of the shipper terminal 20 to display the delivery fee per pallet. Note that the display control unit 10d may cause the display unit 24 to display the total delivery fee according to the number of pallets instead of the delivery fee per pallet. Also, when multiple pallets are used, the unit price of the pallets may be discounted according to the number. That is, the calculation unit 10b4 may calculate the delivery fee discounted according to the number of pallets.

[0075] First, the shipper operates the shipper terminal 20 to input the type (size) of the pallet, the number of pallets to be used, the origin, and the destination. FIG. 11 shows an example of a screen when it is input to the shipper terminal 20 that the pallet size is "standard", the number of pallets is "4", the origin is "Tokyo", and the destination is "Hokkaido". Note that the input of these pieces of information may be selected in a pull-down manner as shown in FIG. 11. Also, FIG. 12 shows an example of inputting prefectures as the origin and destination information, but it is not limited to this, and municipalities or specific addresses may be input instead.

[0076] The management server 10 acquires each piece of information input to the shipper terminal 20 and calculates the delivery fee based on them. The calculated delivery fee is displayed on the display unit 24 of the shipper terminal 20.

[0077] Note that it is preferable to prepare multiple types of pallet types (sizes). Also, the pallet type may be specified according to the lengths of the first side and the second side described with reference to FIG. 4. Specifically, in addition to the "standard" size shown in FIG. 4, it is preferable to prepare 2 to 3 types such as "large" size and "small" size for the pallet size.

[0078] In this embodiment, the delivery fee is calculated in pallet units. Regardless of the contents, as long as it is the size that can be placed on the pallet, it will be a fixed delivery fee per pallet, so it becomes an easy-to-understand fee system for the user. Also, when transporting goods with a small weight and a large volume, delivery can be performed relatively inexpensively.

[0079] Referring to FIG. 12, the flow of calculating the delivery fee will be described. First, the first acquisition unit 10b1 of the management server 10 acquires information regarding the type of pallet input to the shipper terminal 20 (step S11). Also, the third acquisition unit 10b3 of the management server 10 acquires information regarding the number of pallets input to the shipper terminal 20 (step S12). Also, the second acquisition unit 10b2 of the management server 10 acquires information regarding the shipping origin input to the shipper terminal 20 (step S13). Also, the second acquisition unit 10b2 of the management server 10 acquires information regarding the delivery destination input to the shipper terminal 20 (step S14). Then, the calculation unit 10b4 of the management server 10 calculates the delivery fee based on the information regarding the type (size) of the pallet, the number of pallets used, the shipping origin, and the delivery destination (step S15).

[0080] [Summary] In the present embodiment described above, since the pallet ID is associated with and managed by the package ID and direct delivery without passing through relay points is performed, inspection for each package at the delivery destination is unnecessary. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the complication of the processes from shipping to the completion of delivery. Also, by performing direct delivery without passing through relay points, the possibility of damage to the packages can be reduced and the logistics cost can be suppressed. Also, since pallets made of cardboard are used, the management cost and return cost of the pallets can be reduced. Also, by using the pallet status database DB3, the user can check the status of the pallets, so it becomes possible to consider placing orders according to the inventory of the pallets and the like.

[0081] [Others] Note that in the present embodiment, an example in which the pallet PL is made of cardboard has been described, but it is not limited thereto. For example, instead of cardboard, a cheap, lightweight, and recyclable board material may be used.

[0082] In addition, in the present embodiment, an example in which the shipping information acquisition unit 10a, the shipping fee calculation unit 10b, the location acquisition unit 10c, the display control unit 10d, and the data storage unit 10e are realized by the management server 10 has been described. However, these functions may be realized by other terminals such as the shipper terminal 20.

[0083] As described above, the embodiments according to the present invention have been described. However, the specific configurations shown in these embodiments are shown as examples, and it is not intended to limit the technical scope of the present invention thereto. Those skilled in the art may appropriately modify these disclosed embodiments, and it should be understood that the technical scope of the invention disclosed in this specification includes such modifications.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0084] 10 Management server, 10a Shipping information acquisition unit, 10b Shipping fee calculation unit, 10b1 First acquisition unit, 10b2 Second acquisition unit, 10b3 Third acquisition unit, 10b4 Calculation unit, 10c Location acquisition unit, 10d Display control unit, 10e Data storage unit, 11 Control unit, 12 Storage unit, 13 Communication unit, 20 Shipper terminal, 21 Control unit, 22 Storage unit, 23 Operation unit, 24 Display unit, 25 Communication unit, 30 Consignee terminal, 31 Control unit, 32 Storage unit, 33 Operation unit, 34 Display unit, 35 Communication unit, 40 Driver terminal, 41 Control unit, 42 Storage unit, 43 Operation unit, 44 Display unit, 45 Communication unit, N Network, S Management system, PL Pallet, 101 Upper plate, 102 Lower plate, 103 Rail.

Claims

1. A management system for managing pallets that are sent from a shipping source to a delivery destination with a group of goods loaded thereon, comprising: a shipping information acquisition unit that acquires shipping information for each piece of goods among the group of goods; a data storage unit that associates and stores a pallet ID for identifying the pallet with a goods ID for identifying the goods included in the shipping information; and having the pallet ID includes a user ID set for each user who uses the pallet; the data storage unit stores information regarding the current usage number of the pallet for each user; a management system.

2. The pallet is made of recycled materials, The management system according to claim 1.

3. The data storage unit associates and stores one pallet ID with one or more of the goods IDs, The management system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The data storage unit associates and stores one or more pallet IDs with one goods ID, The management system according to claim 1 or 2.

5. A recording medium for reading the pallet ID is provided on the pallet, The data storage unit associates and stores the pallet ID read by a reading device according to the operation of a consolidation driver with the goods ID, The management system according to claim 1 or 2.

6. The pallet includes a rectangular upper surface including a first side and a second side intersecting the first side in a plan view, and the type is specified according to the lengths of the first side and the second side, the upper surface is configured to be able to load the group of goods over its entire surface, a first acquisition unit that acquires information regarding the type of the pallet input by a user's operation; a second acquisition unit that acquires information regarding the shipping source and the delivery destination input by a user's operation; and at least a calculation unit that calculates a delivery fee for each pallet based on the information regarding the type, the shipping source, and the delivery destination; and having The management system according to claim 1 or 2.

7. having a third acquisition unit that acquires the number of the pallets input by a user's operation, the calculation unit calculates the delivery fee discounted according to the number, The management system according to claim 6.

8. having a location acquisition unit that acquires information regarding the location of the pallet based on a user's operation or the pallet ID, the data storage unit stores information regarding the location of the pallet for each user, The management system according to claim 1.

9. A display control unit that causes the user terminal to display information regarding the location in response to a request from the user terminal. The management system according to claim 8.

10. The data storage unit stores information regarding the elapsed time since the pallet was first shipped. The management system according to claim 1.

11. A program for managing a pallet that is sent from a shipping source to a delivery destination with a group of packages loaded thereon, the program causing a processor to: Obtain shipping information for each package in the group of packages; Associate and store a user ID set for each user who uses the pallet with a package ID that identifies the package and that is included in the shipping information, and associate the user ID with a pallet ID that identifies the pallet; Store information regarding the current usage count of the pallet for each user. A program that causes the above to be executed.

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