Vehicle allocation system, vehicle allocation method, and vehicle allocation program
The vehicle arrangement system addresses inefficiencies in transport vehicle allocation by matching requests with past routes and prioritizing operators based on history, improving the arrangement rate and acceptance likelihood.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- SATO TRANSPORTATION WAREHOUSE CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-07-17
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-13
AI Technical Summary
Existing methods struggle to efficiently arrange transport vehicles under desired conditions due to inconsistencies between delivery requests and carrier vehicle capabilities, regions, and time zones, leading to inefficient vehicle allocation.
A vehicle arrangement system that utilizes a history storage means to match requested routes with past transport routes, determines priority orders for operators based on route history, and generates a candidate list for efficient vehicle allocation.
The system improves the vehicle arrangement rate by efficiently matching requests with suitable operators, enhancing the likelihood of acceptance and reducing operational inefficiencies.
Smart Images

Figure 0007843980000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle arrangement system, a vehicle arrangement method, and a vehicle arrangement program for arranging a transport vehicle for transporting goods.
Background Art
[0002] Conventionally, there has been proposed a method including steps of providing mediation between a consumer and a plurality of transportation carriers, wherein each transportation carrier enables goods to be transported from a pickup location related to those goods to a delivery location associated with the consumer (see Patent Document 1).
[0003] In the method described in Patent Document 1, in the step of providing mediation between a consumer and a plurality of transportation carriers, an analysis is performed to determine whether the customer is new or has previously made a delivery request, and the analysis of the delivery request checks an existing customer database.
[0004] If the transportation request from the shipper can be efficiently assigned to a transport vehicle, it is possible to improve the loading rate and reduce the delivery cost. However, depending on the inconsistency between the delivery request from the shipper and the owned vehicles, operating status, applicable regions and time zones, etc. of the transportation carrier, it may be difficult to arrange a vehicle under the desired conditions. Therefore, even if the method described in Patent Document 1 is used, it is not easy to perform efficient vehicle arrangement.
Prior Art Documents
Patent Documents
[0005]
Patent Document 1
Summary of the Invention
Problems to be Solved by the Invention
[0006] In view of the above-mentioned problems, this invention aims to provide a vehicle arrangement system, a vehicle arrangement method, and a vehicle arrangement program that can efficiently arrange transport vehicles for the transportation of goods and improve the vehicle arrangement rate. [Means for solving the problem]
[0007] This invention relates to a vehicle arrangement system for arranging transport vehicles for transporting goods, comprising: a history storage means for storing past transport routes for each of the multiple operators that own transport vehicles; a request content acquisition means for acquiring request data including the requested transport route for a request for transporting goods; a determination means for determining whether the requested route is a history route that matches part or all of a past transport route; a list generation means for setting a priority order for the multiple operators according to the presence or absence of the history route and creating a list of candidate operators related to the request according to the priority order; and an output means for outputting the candidate list, wherein the determination means determines that there is a history route when the identification information of the shipper and shipper's representative included in the requested route matches the identification information of the shipper and shipper's representative recorded in the past transport route. [Effects of the Invention]
[0008] This invention makes it possible to efficiently arrange transport vehicles for the transportation of goods and improve the vehicle arrangement rate. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0009] [Figure 1] An explanatory diagram showing an example of the configuration of the vehicle arrangement system of this invention. [Figure 2] A block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a terminal used by a person in charge. [Figure 3] A block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a carrier terminal. [Figure 4] A block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the management server. [Figure 5] An explanatory diagram showing an example of a list categorized by rank. [Figure 6]An explanatory diagram showing an example of a candidate list. [Figure 7] A flowchart illustrating an example of the vehicle arrangement process according to the present invention. [Figure 8] An explanatory diagram showing an example of an important item. [Modes for carrying out the invention]
[0010] Hereinafter, one embodiment of this invention will be described with reference to the drawings. <System Configuration> Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the system configuration of the vehicle arrangement system 1 of the present invention. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the person in charge terminal 2. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the operator terminal 4. Figure 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the management server 3.
[0011] The vehicle arrangement system 1 of the present invention is a system that, in cooperation with users of this system, receives requests for the transportation of goods and arranges the transportation vehicles related to those requests, or assists in the arrangement of transportation vehicles to transport goods.
[0012] As shown in Figure 1, the vehicle arrangement system 1 has a staff terminal 2, a management server 3, and a business terminal 4. Staff terminal 2 is a terminal used by the staff of the users of the vehicle arrangement system 1 (corporations, etc., that use this system). Management server 3 is a server for providing services to arrange vehicles or services to support vehicle arrangements (hereinafter collectively referred to as "vehicle arrangement services"). Business terminal 4 is a terminal used by the staff of transportation companies that own transport vehicles (hereinafter simply referred to as "businesses"). Typically, users of the vehicle arrangement system 1 include intermediaries between shippers (those requesting the transport of goods) and multiple transportation companies. Furthermore, it is assumed that management server 3 is used and managed by users of the vehicle arrangement system 1.
[0013] Each of the operator terminal 2, the management server 3, and the contractor terminal 4 is connected to be communicable with each other via a predetermined communication line 5. Although only one operator terminal 2 and one contractor terminal 4 are illustrated for convenience of explanation, the vehicle dispatch system 1 of the present invention can be used by a plurality of operators and a plurality of contractors, and may have a plurality of operator terminals 2 and a plurality of contractor terminals 4.
[0014] The operator terminal 2 and the contractor terminal 4 are general-purpose computers (user terminals) used by the users of this system. For example, they are desktop PCs, notebook (laptop) PCs, tablet PCs, smartphones, feature phones, and the like. The management server 3 is composed of a general-purpose server computer (computing device). Note that the management server 3 may be composed of one (single) computing device, or may be composed of a plurality of computing devices. Also, part or all of the management server 3 may be composed of a cloud server.
[0015] As shown in FIG. 2, the operator terminal 2 includes a control unit 21, an input unit 22, a display unit 23, a communication unit 24, and an auxiliary storage unit 25. Each of the input unit 22, the display unit 23, the communication unit 24, and the auxiliary storage unit 25 is communicably connected to the control unit 21. The control unit 21 of the operator terminal 2 has an arithmetic unit 21a and a main storage unit 21b, and executes various arithmetic and control operations in the operator terminal 2.
[0016] As shown in FIG. 3, the contractor terminal 4 includes a control unit 41, an input unit 42, a display unit 43, a communication unit 44, and an auxiliary storage unit 45. Each of the input unit 42, the display unit 43, the communication unit 44, and the auxiliary storage unit 45 is communicably connected to the control unit 41. The control unit 41 of the contractor terminal 4 has an arithmetic unit 41a and a main storage unit 41b, and executes various arithmetic and control operations in the contractor terminal 4.
[0017] As shown in FIG. 4, the management server 3 includes a control unit 31, a communication unit 32, and an auxiliary storage unit 33. Each of the communication unit 32 and the auxiliary storage unit 33 is communicably connected to the control unit 31. The control unit 31 of the management server 3 has an arithmetic unit 36 and a main storage unit 37, and executes various arithmetic operations and control operations in the management server 3.
[0018] Each arithmetic unit (21a, 36, 41a) shown in FIGS. 2 to 4 is an arithmetic processing unit including a CPU or an MPU. Each main storage unit (21b, 37, 41b) has a RAM (DRAM). The RAM is used as a work area and a buffer area for the arithmetic units (21a, 36, 41a).
[0019] The input units (22, 42) have input components that receive operation inputs from the users of the person-in-charge terminal 2 or the business operator terminal, and input detection circuits interposed between the input components and the control units (21, 41). The input components are, for example, a keyboard and / or a computer mouse. When the input component is a keyboard, it includes hardware operation buttons or operation keys. Also, a touch panel may be used as the input component. Any type of touch panel can be used. The input detection circuit outputs operation signals or operation data (operation input data) corresponding to the operations of each input component to the control units (21, 41).
[0020] The display units (23, 43) have a display and a display control circuit interposed between the display and the control units (21, 41). As the display, for example, an LCD (liquid crystal display) or an organic EL display can be used. However, a touch panel display in which a touch panel and a display are integrally formed may also be used.
[0021] The communication units (24, 32, 44) shown in Figures 2 to 4 have communication circuits for connecting to the communication line 5. The communication circuits are either wired or wireless communication circuits, and they communicate (send and receive signals or data) with an external computer via the communication line 5 according to instructions from the arithmetic units (21a, 36, 41a).
[0022] The auxiliary storage units (25, 33, 45) consist of non-volatile memory such as HDDs, SSDs, flash memory, and EEPROMs, and each arithmetic unit (21a, 36, 41a) stores programs for controlling the operation of the user terminal 2, the management server 3, and the business terminal 4, as well as various data necessary for using this system.
[0023] As shown in Figure 2, the auxiliary storage unit 25 of the operator terminal 2 stores the operator program 25a for executing various operations of the operator terminal 2 in this system in response to user input, and the operator data 25b necessary for using this system. The operator program 25a and the operator data 25b are read from the auxiliary storage unit 25 as needed and stored (deployed) in the main storage unit 21b. The operation of the operator terminal 2 is realized by the arithmetic unit 21a executing the operator program 25a that has been deployed in the main storage unit 21b.
[0024] The operator program 25a includes at least a communication program for establishing communication with an external computer (e.g., management server 3), a display program for displaying various screens on the display unit 23, an input program for receiving input operations from the user (operator) via the input unit 22, and a program for selecting and executing various functions provided by the operator terminal 2. The operator data 25b includes at least the data necessary for this system.
[0025] As shown in Figure 3, the auxiliary storage unit 45 of the carrier terminal 4 stores a carrier program 45a for executing various operations of the carrier terminal 4 in this system in response to user input, and carrier data 45b necessary for using this system. The carrier program 45a and carrier data 45b are read from the auxiliary storage unit 45 as needed and stored (deployed) in the main storage unit 41b. The operation of the carrier terminal 4 is realized by the arithmetic unit 41a executing the carrier program 45a that has been deployed in the main storage unit 41b.
[0026] The operator program 45a includes at least a communication program for establishing communication with an external computer (e.g., management server 3), a display program for displaying various screens on the display unit 43, an input program for receiving input operations from users via the input unit 42, and a program for selecting and executing various functions provided by the operator terminal 4. The operator data 45b includes at least data necessary for this system.
[0027] As shown in Figure 4, the auxiliary storage unit 33 of the management server 3 stores a management program 34 for executing various operations of the management server 3, and management data 35 necessary for using this system. The management program 34 and management data 35 are read from the auxiliary storage unit 33 as needed and temporarily stored in the main memory unit 37. The operation of the management server 3 is realized by the arithmetic unit 36 executing the management program 34 temporarily stored in the main memory unit 37.
[0028] The management program 34 includes at least a main processing program 34a for selecting and executing various functions provided by the management server 3, a communication program 34b for establishing communication with external computers (e.g., employee terminal 2 and business operator terminal 4), a business operator data acquisition program 34c for acquiring business operator data (business operator data) registered in this system, a request data acquisition program 34d for acquiring request data (request data) including the requested itinerary for cargo transport requests, a determination program 34e for determining whether the request content (request itinerary) included in the request data is a previously performed itinerary that matches part or all of a past transport itinerary, i.e., whether there is a record corresponding to the requested itinerary, a candidate list creation program 34f for creating a candidate list of businesses related to the transport request according to whether the requested itinerary (request itinerary) corresponds to a previously performed itinerary and the rank assigned to the business operator, a candidate list output program 34g for outputting a candidate list of businesses related to the request, an arrangement program 34h for arranging transport vehicles according to the candidate list, and a data management program 34j for managing various data registered in this system.
[0029] The management data 35 includes business operator data 35a, past transportation performance data (performance data) 35b, rank data assigned to each business operator (rank data) 35c, request data related to cargo transportation requests 35d, candidate list data (candidate list data) 35e, and arrangement data 35f showing the details of the arrangement of transport vehicles carried out according to the candidate list.
[0030] Business operator data 35a includes unique identification data for identifying a business operator. Identification data includes, for example, the name of the business operator (company name or trade name, etc.), an identification number or identification ID assigned to each business operator, etc. In addition, business operator data 35a includes data on the business operator's location (prefecture or region name including multiple prefectures, etc.), the area in which they can be transported, the types of vehicles owned, the number of vehicles of each type owned, transaction history (transaction history with the administrator of management server 3), and the business operator's contact information (telephone number, email address, etc.). This data is linked to the identification data and stored for each business operator. Information related to such business operator data 35a is acquired by the person in charge using the person in charge terminal 2, or provided by the business operator. For example, the person in charge inputs information related to business operator data 35a into the person in charge terminal 2, and that data is sent to the management server 3 and stored as business operator data 35a, or information related to business operator data 35a is sent from business operator terminal 4 and stored as business operator data 35a. Here, the data transmitted from the staff terminal 2 or the business terminal 4 includes not only data for new businesses but also the latest data (updated data) for registered businesses.
[0031] The performance data 35b includes various data related to past transportation performance, i.e., transportation routes or actual routes. The performance data 35b is stored separately for each route that has been carried out in the past. For example, the performance data 35b includes data such as the shipper (company name if the shipper is a corporation), the shipper's contact person (shipper's contact person), the loading address (place where the cargo is loaded), the unloading address (place where the cargo is unloaded), the type of vehicle, the product category, the packaging, and the freight charges.
[0032] Data for shippers and their representatives can be in the form of text data corresponding to their names or company names, or they can be in the form of unique identification numbers or IDs. Data for loading and unloading locations can be in the form of data corresponding to a predetermined administrative division, for example, data at the prefectural or municipal level.
[0033] The vehicle data can include specific types of trucks, such as 4t flatbed, increased ton flatbed, 4t Unic, 7t Unic, 10t Unic, 4t W, increased ton W, and trailers. A 4t flatbed is a medium-sized truck with a flat cargo bed, suitable for transporting building materials and pallets. An increased ton flatbed is a vehicle based on a 4-ton truck with increased load capacity, allowing for the transport of more cargo. A 4t Unic is a type of 4-ton truck equipped with a small crane (Unic), suitable for loading and unloading heavy objects. A 7t Unic is a vehicle equipped with a crane on a 7-ton truck, suitable for loading and unloading larger or longer cargo than a 4t Unic. A 10t Unic is a type of large 10-ton truck equipped with a crane, used for transporting large quantities of materials and heavy objects. A 4t W (4-ton wing) is a truck with a cargo bed whose sides open like wings. The increased tW is a wing-body specification with increased load capacity, allowing for efficient transport of pallets and large quantities of goods. Trailers have a structure in which the towing vehicle and the cargo bed are separated, making them suitable for large-volume and long-distance transport, and are used for transporting containers and large equipment.
[0034] Product category data can include, for example, data that can identify the type of goods (product category) such as fittings, concrete pipes, box culverts, concrete manholes, formwork, filter media, iron pipes, PVC pipes, stainless steel pipes, iron covers, and coils. Packaging data can include specific types of packaging such as pallets, wire baskets, concrete products, pipes, flexible containers (FIBCs), cast iron products, and wooden frames. Pallets are flat, platform-like packaging on which goods or parts are placed, allowing for efficient loading and unloading with forklifts. Wire baskets are metal mesh containers used to store small items or bulk goods, offering ventilation and allowing for visible storage of contents. Concrete products, such as U-shaped gutters and gutter blocks, are packaged in a form where molded heavy objects are exposed, sometimes reinforced with wooden frames to prevent cracking. Pipes are cylindrical packaging consisting of bundles of long PVC or iron pipes, which are prone to rolling and are therefore transported with bands or stoppers. FIBCs are flexible container bags filled with powders or granules, possessing a self-supporting bag-like appearance and allowing for lifting and stacking. Cast iron products are machine parts and structural materials formed by casting, and are often shipped unpackaged or with simple cushioning materials, either individually or in groups. Wooden crates, on the other hand, are three-dimensional packages enclosed in wood, providing excellent protection and stability for transporting precision equipment and irregularly shaped objects.
[0035] Rank data 35c contains data for multiple rank levels assigned to each business operator. Figure 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a rank-based list. As shown in Figure 5, for example, five rank levels from A to E are set in descending order of rank, and each business operator is assigned to one of these ranks. Each business operator's rank is determined based on factors such as past transaction performance and the results of questionnaires from clients (shippers). Rank data 35c is linked to business operator data 35a and performance data 35b, and when business operator data 35a and performance data 35b are updated, and transaction performance increases or the types and number of vehicles owned increase or decrease, each business operator's rank may change. In addition, businesses that provide real-time vacant vehicle information can be assigned a higher rank. For example, vacant vehicle information can be configured to be transmitted from the business operator terminal 4 to the management server 3. Furthermore, businesses that have received administrative sanctions based on the Road Transport Act or related laws and regulations can be assigned the lowest rank. In this case, businesses assigned to the lowest rank (rank "E" in the example in Figure 5) can be excluded from the list of candidate business operators.
[0036] Request data 35d includes various data related to the request for cargo transportation. For example, request data 35d includes data such as the shipper, shipper's contact person, loading address, unloading address, vehicle type, product category, packaging, and freight charges.
[0037] The candidate list data 35e is data created according to the candidate list creation program 34f. Figure 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a candidate list. As shown in Figure 6, for example, businesses are ranked according to whether or not they have a track record and the rank assigned to them, and the top-ranked businesses are listed.
[0038] Arrangement data 35f is data created according to arrangement program 34h. For example, arrangement data 35f includes data such as shipper, shipper contact person, loading date, loading time, loading address, unloading date, unloading time, unloading address, vehicle type, other available vehicle types, product category, packaging, weight, required equipment, notes, freight charge, and order number. Loading date refers to the scheduled date for loading the goods. Loading time refers to the specific time period during which the goods will be loaded. Unloading date refers to the scheduled delivery date of the goods. Unloading time refers to the time when the goods will be delivered. Other available vehicle types refer to vehicle types that can be used as alternatives to the preferred vehicle type. Weight refers to the total load weight of the goods to be transported and is important data for vehicle selection and loading planning. Required equipment refers to vehicle equipment necessary for loading, unloading, and securing the goods (e.g., power gate®, winch, crane). Notes describe special rules at the site, operational constraints, and whether prior notification is required, and are important supplementary information for safe and smooth operations. The order number is a unique identification number used to manage and track orders, and is used for data matching and history management.
[0039] The configuration of the vehicle arrangement system 1, including the aforementioned staff terminal 2, management server 3, and operator terminal 4, is merely an example and is not limited to this configuration; it can be modified as needed.
[0040] <Example of system operation> The following describes an example of the operation of the vehicle arrangement system 1. Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the vehicle arrangement process of the present invention. The vehicle arrangement process of the present invention will be described below with reference to Figure 7. Note that the processing in each of the following steps will be executed by the control unit 31 of the management server 3.
[0041] First, when the management server 3 (control unit 31) starts the vehicle arrangement process, it acquires the request data (step S1), reads the actual data (step S2), compares the contents of the request data with the actual data, and determines whether the requested route related to the request data is a route with a history of operation that matches part or all of a past transportation route (step S3).
[0042] Here, "actual completed process" means that there is an actual completed process that corresponds to the requested process. Therefore, in step S3, it is determined whether there is an actual completed process included in the actual data that is exactly the same as the requested process or is somewhat the same as it.
[0043] For example, if certain important items among the various items in the requested process (request details) match the actual process, it is determined to be a process that has been performed. Figure 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of important items used to determine whether a process has been performed. Specifically, as shown in Figure 8, the important items are the shipper, shipper's contact person, loading address, unloading address, vehicle type, product category, packaging, and freight charge, and it is determined whether some or all of these items match the actual process.
[0044] The reason why the shipper is considered an important factor is as follows: The format and processing methods of delivery slips, contact information, and precautions at loading and unloading locations differ depending on the shipper. In some cases, shippers have their own rules, such as specifying the route of transport. Therefore, even for the same project, caution is required when the shipper is different. Thus, consistency among shippers is an important factor in efficiently arranging transport vehicles for the transportation of goods. At the very least, it is preferable to treat all projects with different shippers as initial stages (no actual stages) when carrying out the arrangement work.
[0045] The reason we consider the shipper's contact person to be an important item is as follows: Even for the same shipper and similar routes, the details of the cargo transportation often differ depending on the shipper's contact person. In addition, the processing method of delivery slips, contact information, and precautions may also change, and the freight charges may also differ depending on the shipper's contact person. In some cases, the shipper's contact person may contact the driver of the dispatched transportation company directly, and on-site supervision may be required, which is why we consider the contact person to be an important item.
[0046] The loading address is considered an important item for the following reasons: Different loading addresses result in changes to loading precautions, arrangements, and delivery slip processing. Furthermore, due to the recent strengthening of labor hour regulations in the logistics industry, depending on the preceding and succeeding routes, the driver's working hours may exceed the limit, making it impossible for the same transport company to reach the loading location. Therefore, even for projects within the same area (for example, from Kansai to Kanto), it may be difficult to arrange transportation with existing transport companies, and it is preferable to consider cases where the loading address (for example, city or town) does not match as having no prior experience and select a transport company accordingly.
[0047] The reason for prioritizing the delivery address is as follows: Different delivery addresses result in changes to loading procedures, arrangements, and delivery slip processing. Also, similar to the loading address, recent stricter regulations on working hours in the logistics industry may result in drivers exceeding their working hours depending on the preceding and succeeding routes, potentially preventing existing transportation companies from reaching the delivery location. Therefore, even for projects within the same area, it may be difficult to arrange transportation with existing companies, and it is preferable to consider cases where the delivery address (e.g., city / ward / town / village) does not match as having no prior experience and select a transportation company accordingly.
[0048] The reason why vehicle type is considered an important factor is as follows: If the vehicle type requested by the shipper differs from the vehicle type requested, it may not be possible to accommodate the cargo handling equipment (forklifts, excavators, cranes, etc.) at the loading and unloading locations. For example, if a wing truck is requested for a job that specifies a flatbed truck, loading and unloading with a crane may not be possible, requiring the urgent arrangement of a replacement vehicle. In addition, depending on the loading site (loading site address and surrounding areas), and the unloading site (unloading site address and surrounding areas), there may be restrictions on vehicle width and height, or unique site rules, which may prevent the transport vehicle from entering. Furthermore, since the maximum load capacity differs depending on the vehicle type, if the appropriate vehicle type for the cargo cannot be arranged, it may lead to overloading or serious accidents.
[0049] The reason we consider product category to be an important factor is as follows: Each product category differs greatly in shape and material, which in turn affects the required vehicle type, protective measures, and loading / unloading equipment. For example, lightweight PVC pipes may require manual unloading, making this information essential to communicate to the transport company when making arrangements. Furthermore, even with the same packaging, the weight of products varies, so for heavy items, adjustments to the loading position within the truck bed are necessary to match the weight.
[0050] The reason why packaging is considered an important factor is as follows: Even for goods in the same product category, the protective materials used will differ depending on the packaging, which greatly affects the selection of the type of truck to be arranged. When arranging a truck, it is important to first check the packaging of the product, estimate the time required for loading and unloading, and anticipate any accidents or irregularities in advance to ensure smooth transportation.
[0051] The reason why freight charges were considered an important factor is as follows: If freight charges differ for almost the same route, it is likely that there have been changes in the shipper's requirements. For example, there may be various irregularities such as changes in delivery time or increases or decreases in the driver's workload, and it is highly likely that the difference in price is due to the shipper's intention or prior consultation with the shipper. Depending on the nature of the changes, it may become difficult to arrange transportation with existing carriers, so it is preferable to select a carrier as if it were a route with no prior experience.
[0052] The reason for separating product category and packaging is as follows: Even if the packaging is the same, the loading method differs depending on the product category. Therefore, it is preferable for both the packaging and product category to match in order to treat them as the same process. For example, even if the packaging is concrete products, the curing method differs greatly between box culverts and Hume pipes. Even if the packaging is pipe materials, the curing method, whether manual work is involved, and the loading / unloading method differ between PVC pipes and stainless steel pipes.
[0053] The following methods can be used to determine whether a project is a completed project: 1) a project is a completed project if all important items in the request match the completed project (all items match); 2) a project is a completed project if a predetermined number of important items (e.g., 5 or more items) match; or 3) a point system is used where points are awarded for each important item based on whether it matches, and the project is a completed project if the total points exceed a predetermined threshold.
[0054] Furthermore, when multiple completed routes exist, it is preferable to set priorities for important items in order to determine their relative importance. For this reason, in this embodiment, priorities are set for each important item. In the example shown in Figure 8, the first priority is the shipper. Since requests from different shippers are very likely to have different project details, the shipper is considered the most important factor in determining the identity of a route. The second priority is the shipper's contact person. Even with the same shipper, different contact persons often handle different projects and procedures, so the shipper's contact person is considered an important factor in identifying a project. The third priority is the product category. Since different product categories may result in different precautions and even different shippers, the product category is considered an important factor in determining the identity of a project. The fourth priority is the packaging. Packaging is often determined for each shipper and project, and if the packaging is different, it may not be possible to treat it as a completed route, so it is considered a relatively important factor in determining the identity of a project. The fifth priority is the freight charge. Freight charges can fluctuate depending on the timing of the order and market conditions, and differences in the project itself can also result in differences in the amount, making it a certain factor in the decision-making process. Sixth is the vehicle type. If the required load capacity and unloading conditions are met, it may be possible to handle the job with a vehicle other than the specified one, allowing for flexible operation, so its priority is relatively low. Seventh is the loading location address. Even if the municipalities are different, if they are adjacent, it may be considered within the service area of the existing transport company, so the loading location address has a limited impact on the decision. Finally, regarding the unloading location address, which ranks eighth, similar to the loading location address, even if the municipalities are different, if they are nearby, it is often considered possible to handle the job with the same service, so it is given a low priority.
[0055] Returning to Figure 7, if it is determined that the process has a track record (Step S3: YES), a list of candidate service providers for the request is created according to the degree of track record match and rank (Step S4). On the other hand, if it is determined that the process does not have a track record (no track record) (Step S3: NO), a list of candidate service providers for the request is created according to rank (Step S5). In Step S4, when setting the ranking of service providers, the degree of track record match is used as the highest priority criterion, and the ranking is determined based on the degree of match between each service provider's track record data and the request details. If the degree of track record match is the same and the rank is the same, the superiority or inferiority is determined based on the pre-set service provider rank, and the final ranking is determined.
[0056] The performance matching score is an index that quantitatively evaluates the degree of agreement between the specified important items included in the request and the important items in past operational performance. Furthermore, the performance matching score is a score calculated based on the number or degree of agreement between multiple important items included in the request data and each item in the operational performance that each operator has handled in the past.
[0057] There are three main methods for evaluating the degree of matching between actual performance and the requested service, in order to comprehensively assess the correspondence between actual service performance and the requested service. The first is the perfect match method. In this method, a service is judged as having "actual performance" and given the highest match score only if all important items included in the requested service perfectly match past service performance. Because it requires a very strict match, the number of businesses that qualify tend to be limited. The second is the number of items match method. In this method, the number of important items in the requested service that match is quantified, and the match score is calculated as the percentage of the total that matches. For example, if 6 out of 8 items match, the match score will be 75%. This method allows for relatively flexible evaluation, and businesses that only partially match can also be given a certain score. The third is the point-based scoring method. In this method, weights (points) are set in advance according to the priority of each important item, and points are added according to the match of each item. For example, "Shipper" might be worth 30 points, "Shipper's contact person" 20 points, and "Product category" 15 points. A process is judged as "achieved" if the total accumulated points (for example, 80 points) exceed a predetermined threshold. Because it allows for precise evaluation based on importance, it is suitable for complex matching involving items with different priorities. These methods can be used individually or in combination depending on the operational purpose, enabling flexible performance evaluation tailored to actual business operations.
[0058] Furthermore, when adopting the item count matching method or the point accumulation method, it is possible to implement a system where matching of high-priority items is a mandatory condition, rather than simply determining whether a process is a completed one based on the number of matching items or the total points. For example, if the top three priority items (e.g., shipper, person in charge, product category) or the top two items (e.g., shipper, person in charge) are mismatched, a rule can be established that the process will not be judged as a completed one, even if many other items match. This is based on the premise that certain items are extremely important in identifying cases in actual operation, and that other matching items alone cannot guarantee sufficient similarity. In this way, by taking into account the preferential treatment of important items, it becomes possible to construct a more realistic and accurate evaluation standard.
[0059] In step S5, a list of candidate businesses for the request is created. This list is then output (step S6), and the arrangement process is carried out in order of priority from the business on the candidate list (step S7), thus completing the vehicle arrangement process. In step S6, the output is not limited to a format displayed on the display unit 23 or as printable electronic data, but is not particularly limited as long as it is a human-readable output format. The arrangement process for businesses involves using the business's contact data to send the arrangement details to the business terminal 4 or making a telephone call to inquire whether the business can accept the request, and if they can accept, a formal transportation request is made. If the higher-ranking business does not accept the request, the same arrangement process is carried out for the next-ranking business on the candidate list.
[0060] As described above, the vehicle arrangement system 1 of the present invention determines whether the requested route is a previously recorded route that matches part or all of a past transportation route, sets priorities for multiple operators according to the presence or absence of a previously recorded route, and creates a list of candidate operators for the request according to the priority. For multiple operators that own transport vehicles, there is a reason why they are more likely to accept a request if the route is the same as or somewhat the same as a previously recorded route. Therefore, by considering the presence or absence of a previously recorded route when arranging a transport request to operators, it is possible to efficiently arrange for operators who are more likely to accept the request and improve the vehicle arrangement rate. In addition, it is determined that there is a previously recorded route if the identification information of the shipper and shipper's contact person included in the requested route matches the identification information of the shipper and shipper's contact person recorded in a past transportation route. In this way, since the determination is made based on the matching of shippers and shipper's contact persons, which is of high importance in determining the identity of the route, it is possible to efficiently arrange for operators who are more likely to accept the request and improve the vehicle arrangement rate.
[0061] Furthermore, according to the present invention, if the identification information of the cargo category and packaging included in the requested itinerary matches the identification information of the cargo category and packaging recorded in past transportation itineraries, it is determined that there is a previously completed itinerary. As described above, the product category and packaging are important items in determining the identity of an itinerary, and by making matching these conditions, it is possible to efficiently arrange for a business operator with a higher likelihood of accepting the order, thereby improving the vehicle arrangement rate.
[0062] Furthermore, according to the present invention, a list of candidate operators for the request is created according to whether or not there is a track record of successful routes and the rank assigned to each operator. This allows for efficient arrangement with operators who are more likely to accept the request, thereby improving the vehicle arrangement rate. Furthermore, according to the present invention, since the arrangement process is carried out in order of the highest priority in the candidate list, arrangements can be automatically made in order of the business operator with the highest probability of being selected, thereby improving convenience for those involved in the arrangement process and improving the vehicle arrangement rate.
[0063] The vehicle arrangement system of this invention corresponds to the vehicle arrangement system 1 of the above embodiment, the performance storage means corresponds to the auxiliary storage unit 33 that stores performance data 35b, the request content acquisition means corresponds to the request data acquisition program 34d and the control unit 31 that operates therein, the determination means corresponds to the determination program 34e and the control unit 31 that operates therein, the list generation means corresponds to the candidate list creation program 34f and the control unit 31 that operates therein, the output means corresponds to the candidate list output program 34g and the control unit 31 that operates therein, the rank storage means corresponds to the auxiliary storage unit 33 that stores rank data 35c, and the arrangement processing means corresponds to the arrangement program 34h and the control unit 31 that operates therein. However, this invention is not limited to this embodiment and can take various other forms. Furthermore, the screens and specific configurations mentioned in the above embodiment are examples and can be appropriately changed according to the actual product. [Industrial applicability]
[0064] This invention can be used in industries such as arranging transport vehicles for the transportation of goods. [Explanation of symbols]
[0065] 1…Vehicle arrangement system 2... 담당자 тательно 3…Management Server 31…Control Unit 33…Auxiliary storage unit 4… Carrier terminals
Claims
1. A vehicle arrangement system for arranging transport vehicles for transporting goods, A means for storing past transportation routes for each of the multiple operators that own transportation vehicles. A means for obtaining request data, including the request process for a request to transport goods. Determination means for determining whether the requested route is a route with a proven track record that matches part or all of a past transportation route, A list generation means that sets priorities for multiple businesses according to whether or not they have a track record of successful projects, and creates a list of candidate businesses for the request according to those priorities, and The system includes an output means for outputting the aforementioned candidate list, The determination means is configured to determine that a requested route is a route with a history of actual operation if the identification information of the shipper and shipper's representative included in the requested route matches the identification information of the shipper and shipper's representative recorded in the past transportation route. Vehicle arrangement system.
2. A vehicle arrangement system for arranging transport vehicles for transporting goods, A means for storing past transportation routes for each of the multiple operators that own transportation vehicles. A means for obtaining request data, including the request process for a request to transport goods. Determination means for determining whether the requested route is a route with a proven track record that matches part or all of a past transportation route, A list generation means that sets priorities for multiple businesses according to whether or not they have a track record of successful projects, and creates a list of candidate businesses for the request according to those priorities, and The system includes an output means for outputting the aforementioned candidate list, The determination means is configured to determine that there is a completed route if the identification information of the shipper and shipper's representative included in the requested route matches the identification information of the shipper and shipper's representative recorded in the past transportation route. The determination means is configured to determine that a requested route is a previously completed route if the identification information of the cargo category and packaging included in the requested route matches the identification information of the cargo category and packaging recorded in the previous transportation route. Vehicle arrangement system.
3. A vehicle arrangement system for arranging transport vehicles for transporting goods, A means for storing past transportation routes for each of the multiple operators that own transportation vehicles. A means for obtaining request data, including the request process for a request to transport goods. Determination means for determining whether the requested route is a route with a proven track record that matches part or all of a past transportation route, A list generation means that sets priorities for multiple businesses according to whether or not they have a track record of successful projects, and creates a list of candidate businesses for the request according to those priorities, and The system includes an output means for outputting the aforementioned candidate list, The determination means is configured to determine that a requested route is a route with a history of actual operation if the identification information of the shipper and shipper's representative and the freight charges included in the requested route match the identification information of the shipper and shipper's representative and the freight charges recorded in the past transportation route. Vehicle arrangement system.
4. The system further includes a means for processing arrangements, which carries out arrangements in order of priority, starting with the highest-priority businesses in the aforementioned candidate list. The vehicle arrangement system according to claim 1, 2, or 3.
5. A computer in a vehicle scheduling system for arranging transport vehicles for transporting goods is equipped with a performance storage means that stores past transport routes for each of the multiple operators that own transport vehicles, We retrieve request data including the request process for cargo transportation requests. Determine whether the requested route is a route with a proven track record that matches part or all of a past transportation route. Prioritizing multiple service providers based on whether or not they have prior experience and a track record, and creating a list of candidate service providers for the request according to that priority, Output the aforementioned list of candidates, If the identification information of the shipper and shipper's representative included in the requested process matches the identification information of the shipper and shipper's representative recorded in the previous transportation process, the requested process will be determined to be a process with a proven track record. How to arrange a vehicle.
6. A computer in a vehicle scheduling system for arranging transport vehicles for transporting goods is equipped with a performance storage means that stores past transport routes for each of the multiple operators that own transport vehicles. A means for obtaining request data, including the request process for a request to transport goods. Determination means for determining whether the requested route is a route with a proven track record that matches part or all of a past transportation route, A list generation means that sets priorities for multiple businesses according to whether or not they have a track record of successful projects, and creates a list of candidate businesses for the request according to those priorities, and This is configured to function as an output means for outputting the aforementioned candidate list. The determination means is configured to determine that a requested route is a route with a history of actual operation if the identification information of the shipper and shipper's representative included in the requested route matches the identification information of the shipper and shipper's representative recorded in the past transportation route. Vehicle arrangement program.
Citation Information
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