Delivery Management System

Abstract

To provide a delivery management system which, when a delivery operator asked by a cargo owner to deliver a cargo asks other delivery operator for delivery of the cargo, allows the client delivery operator to easily acquire delivery information of the cargo.SOLUTION: A delivery management system 10 according to the present invention has information processing terminals 2A to 4A held by a delivery operator A, a storage unit 33A for storing information relating to a cargo transmitted from the information processing terminals 2A to 4A through a communication network N, information processing terminals 2B to 4B held by a delivery operator B, a storage unit 33B for storing information relating to a cargo transmitted from the information processing terminals 2B to 4B through the communication network N, and an operation unit 32 for controlling the storage units 33A, 33B. The operation unit 32 makes the storage unit 33A and the storage unit 33B share the information stored in the storage unit 33A or 33B and relating to the cargo satisfying a predetermined sharing condition.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 12

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a delivery management system used when delivering a package from a shipper to a recipient.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] A delivery management system is conventionally known in which, as in the configuration described in Patent Document 1, the package collection date and time, the date and time of passing through a delivery center, and the like are transmitted from the information processing terminal at each base to a server, and a shipper or a recipient can access the server from their own information processing terminal to acquire package delivery information.

PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

PATENT DOCUMENTS

[0003]

PATENT DOCUMENT 1

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0004] Among delivery persons who perform package delivery, there are transport companies that have a logistics network covering all across Japan, and there are also transport companies that do not have such a large logistics network and can only deliver packages within a single local region. In recent years, there has also been an increasing number of cases where individuals, rather than companies, receive requests to deliver packages.

[0005] Here, in the case of a delivery person who does not have a nationwide logistics network in Japan, a package delivery request to an area outside the delivery service area generally cannot be accepted. However, for example, when an existing customer specifies an area outside the delivery service area as a new delivery destination, if the delivery request cannot be accepted, the customer will request another delivery person to deliver the package. In that case, the customer has to make delivery requests to two delivery persons, which is troublesome. In addition, to avoid this trouble, the customer may request another delivery person who can deliver packages to both regions, which means that for the delivery person who originally received the package delivery request, the customer will be lost to others.

[0006] In response to this, one possible method is for the delivery destination to accept a delivery request for a package that is outside their delivery area, and then request the delivery of the accepted package from another delivery person who is capable of delivering to that destination. However, Patent Document 1 does not mention a method for the requester to obtain delivery information for a package when the requester requests delivery from another delivery person. If the requester cannot easily obtain delivery information for the package, not only will the requester not be able to grasp the delivery status of the package themselves, but the requester will also not be able to provide delivery information to the shipper or recipient.

[0007] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a delivery management system that allows a delivery person who has been requested by a shipper to deliver a package to easily obtain delivery information for that package when the delivery person requests the delivery of the package from another delivery person. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A typical configuration of the delivery management system according to the present invention for solving the above problems is a delivery management system for managing the delivery of packages, comprising: a first information processing terminal owned by a first delivery person who delivers packages at the request of a shipper; a first storage means for storing information about packages transmitted from the first information processing terminal via a communication network; a second information processing terminal owned by a second delivery person different from the first delivery person who delivers packages; and a second storage means for storing information about packages transmitted from the second information processing terminal via the communication network, the second storage means configured to send and receive information with the first storage means and the first storage means and Control means for controlling a second storage means, which is capable of transmitting information relating to a package, including package delivery information stored in the first storage means, to the first information processing terminal via the communication network in response to a request from the first information processing terminal, and is capable of transmitting information relating to a package, including package delivery information stored in the second storage means, to the second information processing terminal via the communication network in response to a request from the second information processing terminal, wherein the control means causes the first storage means and the second storage means to share information relating to a package that satisfies predetermined sharing conditions, which is stored in the first storage means or the second storage means.

[0009] According to the present invention, in a delivery management system, when a delivery person who has been requested by a shipper to deliver a package requests another delivery person to deliver the package, the requester can easily obtain information about the delivery of the package. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a diagram illustrating a delivery management system according to one embodiment of the present invention, and a schematic diagram showing the general flow of delivery from the consignor to the recipient of the package. [Figure 2] This is a block of the server configuration. [Figure 3] This is an explanatory diagram of sorting codes. [Figure 4] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of an information processing terminal. [Figure 5] This figure shows the screen displayed when an application program is launched. [Figure 6] This is a diagram showing a website for requesting delivery. [Figure 7] This is a diagram of a shipping label. [Figure 8] This diagram shows a website where shippers and recipients can obtain delivery information for their packages. [Figure 9] This diagram shows a website that allows delivery personnel to view package information. [Figure 10] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of a delivery management system when multiple delivery personnel use the same system. [Figure 11] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of a delivery management system when multiple delivery personnel use the same system. [Figure 12] This flowchart shows the process for sharing package information between the memory units of multiple delivery personnel. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] The following describes a delivery management system 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram that shows the delivery management system 10 and the general flow of delivery from the consignor to the recipient of the package.

[0012] As shown in Figure 1, the delivery management system 10 consists of an information processing terminal 1 used by shippers requesting delivery of packages, an information processing terminal 2 used by workers at the delivery company's reception center, information processing terminals 3 and 4 used by workers at the delivery company's delivery center, information processing terminals 5 and 6 used by recipients of packages to confirm delivery information, and a server 30 connected to information processing terminals 1 to 6 via a communication network N.

[0013] A shipper is an individual, corporation, arbitrary organization, or the like that requests a deliverer to deliver a package. The shipper includes, in addition to a person who requests delivery of their own package, a person who is requested to deliver a package and requests the delivery of that package in a form such as subcontracting. A recipient is an individual, corporation, arbitrary organization, or the like that receives a package.

[0014] A deliverer is a person who performs package delivery, and is mainly a transportation company, but also includes individuals. The deliverer has a reception center that collects packages from shippers and sorts the packages according to the destination area, and a delivery center that accepts the packages sorted by the reception center and delivers the packages to recipients in the area under its jurisdiction as a delivery destination.

[0015] The reception center collects packages, determines the delivery center that is the transportation destination based on a sorting code, and sorts the packages for each delivery center. The sorting code is a code assigned to each package according to the address of the recipient. Details of the sorting code will be described later. The packages sorted at the reception center are transported from the reception center to each delivery center by a vehicle or the like. The delivery center stores the packages transported from the reception center, and delivers the packages to the address of the recipient by a vehicle or the like.

[0016] Although FIG. 1 illustrates one reception center and two delivery centers, these numbers are arbitrary and are set by each deliverer according to the size of the package delivery area and the like. Further, one or a plurality of relay centers that relay packages may be interposed between the reception center and the delivery center. In addition, when the delivery area covered by the deliverer is small, the relay center and the delivery center may be omitted, and a worker at the reception center may perform both package collection and package delivery to the recipient.

[0017] The communication network N is the Internet in the present embodiment. The information processing terminals 1 to 6 and the server 30 are connected to the communication network N via a public wireless network or a local area network (LAN), and are configured to be capable of mutually transmitting and receiving various types of information via the communication network N.

[0018] In this embodiment, server 30 is a cloud server. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of server 30. As shown in Figure 2, server 30 includes a communication unit 31 that sends and receives data with information processing terminals 1 to 6 via a communication network N, a work unit 32 such as a CPU, and a storage unit 33 such as memory for storing information. The work unit 32 controls each part that makes up server 30, reads and writes information stored in the storage unit 33, and transmits information stored in the storage unit 33 to information processing terminals 1 to 6 via the communication unit 31. These communication unit 31, work unit 32, and storage unit 33 are configured to send and receive information to and from each other via a system bus 34.

[0019] The storage unit 33 of the server 30 stores various information necessary for the delivery of packages as information related to the packages. This information includes consignor information such as the consignor's name or company name, postal code, address, telephone number, and email address, as well as recipient information such as the recipient's name or company name, contact information, postal code, address, JIS code corresponding to the address, and desired delivery date and time. It also includes center information such as the address, contact information, and names of workers at the receiving center and distribution center, as well as a sorting code list associating postal codes with sorting codes, and a JIS code list associating postal codes with JIS codes. Furthermore, it includes delivery information indicating the delivery status of the packages, such as the date and time of collection, the date and time of passage through the receiving center, the date and time of passage through the distribution center, the date and time of delivery completion, and whether the packages are being taken out or stored at the distribution center. This information is associated with the invoice number assigned to each package.

[0020] Figure 3 is an explanatory diagram of the sorting code. As shown in Figure 3, the sorting code is a six-digit number determined according to the postal code corresponding to the recipient's address. Specifically, the first two digits of the sorting code are associated with the distribution center that has jurisdiction over the delivery of packages in the area corresponding to that postal code, and the last two digits are associated with the delivery route that the distribution center takes to deliver the package to the recipient's address. The two middle digits are not associated with any information and are uniformly assigned "00". For example, if the postal code corresponding to the recipient's address is "120-0222", the sorting code will be "200013", the package will be transported from the receiving center to the distribution center corresponding to "20", and the workers at that distribution center will deliver the package to the recipient's address via the delivery route corresponding to "13".

[0021] Information processing terminals 1, 5, and 6 are personal computers, smartphones, etc., owned by the consignor or recipient. Information processing terminals 2-4 are installed in each reception center, distribution center, or transit center, or carried by the workers at these centers, and are, for example, personal computers, smartphones, or handheld terminals. In Figure 1, one information processing terminal 2-4 is shown for each reception center or distribution center. However, in reality, it is common for each center to have multiple information processing terminals 2-4, such as personal computers installed in each center or smartphones and handheld terminals carried by the workers there, and there may be one or more information processing terminals 2-4.

[0022] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the information processing terminal 2. As shown in Figure 4, the information processing terminal 2 has a data input unit 20 for inputting data, a storage unit 21 such as memory for storing various data and processing programs, a control unit 22 such as a CPU for controlling the information processing terminal 2 according to the processing programs stored in the storage unit 21, a monitor 23 for displaying data, and a communication unit 24 for sending and receiving data with a server 30 etc. via a communication network N. These storage unit 21, control unit 22, monitor 23, and communication unit 24 are configured to send and receive information to and from each other via a system bus 25. If the information processing terminal 2 is a personal computer, the data input unit 20 is a keyboard, mouse, etc. Also, if the information processing terminal 2 is a smartphone, the monitor 23 is generally composed of a touch panel display, so the monitor 23 also serves as the data input unit 20. The configuration of the other information processing terminals 3 and 4 owned by the delivery person is the same as that of information processing terminal 2. Also, the information processing terminals 1, 5, and 6 used by the consignor and recipient are the same as that of information processing terminals 2 to 4.

[0023] Furthermore, among the information processing terminals 2-4 installed in the reception center and distribution center, the smartphones and other information processing terminals 2-4 carried by the workers have application programs downloaded to them that are used for managing package deliveries. Figure 5 shows the display screen when the application program is started. As shown in Figure 5, when the application program is started, the collection button 91, the departure button 92, the delivery completion button 93, and the return button 94 are displayed. The usage of each of these buttons will be described later.

[0024] Next, we will explain the basic operation of the delivery management system 10 when a package is delivered. When a shipper requests the delivery of a package, they first access a website for delivery requests (Figure 6) set up on the internet by the server 30 from their own information processing terminal 1. The website displays input forms 95a to 95c for entering various information. The shipper enters information about themselves, such as their company name and address, in input form 95a, information about the recipient, such as the recipient's company name and address, in input form 95b, and information about the contents of the package, such as the name of the package, in input form 95c. After that, the shipper presses the "Next" button 95d. This sends the information entered in input forms 95a to 95c to the server 30.

[0025] When the server 30 receives the above information, it issues a shipping label number, sorting code, and JIS code for the package, and stores these issued numbers and codes in the storage unit 33, associating them with the information received from the information processing terminal 1. The shipping label number is a 12-digit number issued for each package to avoid duplication, and the first three digits are assigned individually to the delivery person. The sorting code and JIS code are issued by the work unit 32 of the server 30, which refers to the sorting code list and JIS code list stored in the storage unit 33, according to the recipient's postal code information received from the information processing terminal 1.

[0026] Next, the server 30 transmits the shipping label, which displays the shipping label number and information received from the information processing terminal 1, as image data to the client's information processing terminal 1. As shown in Figure 7, in addition to the shipping label number and information such as the names of the consignor and recipient received from the information processing terminal 1, the shipping label displays a one-dimensional code 71 and a two-dimensional code 72 which encode the shipping label number. The client prints the shipping label using a printer and attaches it to the package.

[0027] Furthermore, when the server 30 receives a delivery request from a client, it transmits information about the requested package to the information processing terminal 2 at the reception center and notifies the terminal. Specifically, the server 30 displays a message indicating that a pickup request has been received on the monitor 23 of the smartphone used as the information processing terminal 2 carried by the reception center's staff, and also displays the number of uncollected pickup requests as a badge 91a in the upper right corner of the pickup button 91. The server 30 also adds the information about the received package to an uncollected list (not shown) displayed on the monitor 23 when the pickup button 91 is selected. The system may also be configured to allow setting which reception center staff member receives the notification based on the consignor's name, address, etc.

[0028] The reception center staff refer to the uncollected package list and go to the client's address to collect the package. After collecting the package, they activate the application program on their portable information processing terminal 2, select the collection button 91, select the corresponding package from the uncollected package list, and activate the camera function. The staff then uses the camera function to scan the one-dimensional code 71 or two-dimensional code 72 on the shipping label attached to the package. The scanned shipping label number, collection date and time, and the information of the driver who collected the package are then transmitted from the information processing terminal 2 to the server 30. The server 30 stores this information in the storage unit 33.

[0029] Next, the reception center staff refer to the first two digits of the sorting code on the shipping label attached to the collected packages and sort them according to the distribution center responsible for delivering packages to the recipient's address area. The sorted packages are then loaded onto transport vehicles by the reception center staff and transported to the designated distribution center.

[0030] Next, when a package arrives at the distribution center, the distribution center workers refer to the last two digits of the sorting code on the shipping label attached to the package and sort the packages according to their delivery route. The sorted packages are then loaded onto delivery vehicles by the distribution center workers. At this time, the workers activate the application program on their personal information processing terminals 3 and 4, select the "Delivery" button 92 to activate the camera function, and use the camera function to scan the one-dimensional code 71 or two-dimensional code 72 on the shipping label attached to the package. The scanned shipping label number, delivery date and time, and information of the driver delivering the package are then transmitted from the information processing terminals 3 and 4 to the server 30. The server 30 stores this information in the storage unit 33. After that, the worker drives the vehicle and delivers the package to the recipient's address.

[0031] Next, when handing over a package to the recipient, the worker at the distribution center activates the application program on the information processing terminals 3 and 4 they carry with them, selects the delivery completion button 93, and activates the camera function. The camera function then scans the one-dimensional code 71 or two-dimensional code 72 on the shipping label attached to the package. The scanned shipping label number, delivery completion date and time, and the information of the delivery driver are then transmitted from the information processing terminals 3 and 4 to the server 30. The server 30 stores this information in the storage unit 33.

[0032] If the recipient is not home and the package cannot be delivered, the delivery center worker will take the package back to the delivery center and store it until a redelivery request is received. At that time, the worker will activate the application program on the information processing terminals 3 and 4 they carry, select the return button 94 to activate the camera function, and use the camera function to scan the one-dimensional code 71 or two-dimensional code 72 on the shipping label attached to the package. The scanned shipping label number, the date and time of return, and the information of the delivery driver are then transmitted from the information processing terminals 3 and 4 to the server 30. The server 30 stores this information in the storage unit 33.

[0033] In this way, packages are delivered by the delivery person. Also, from the time a package is collected until delivery is completed, workers at the receiving center and delivery center transmit the date and time of collection, the date and time of departure, and the date and time of delivery completion to the server 30 via information processing terminals 2-4. As a result, the delivery information of the packages stored in the storage unit 33 of the server 30 is updated as needed.

[0034] If a shipper or recipient wants to obtain delivery information for a package, they use their own information processing terminals 1, 5, and 6 to access the website shown in Figure 8A, which is set up on the internet by the server 30. As shown in Figure 8A, the website has an input field 150 for entering the invoice number and a display field 151 for displaying delivery information. When a shipper or recipient enters the invoice number in the input field 150 and selects the search icon 150a, the server 30 receives the invoice number information and a request for delivery information. Upon receiving this, the server 30's work unit 32 displays the delivery information for the package associated with the invoice number from the information stored in the storage unit 33 in the display field 151 (Figure 8B).

[0035] Specifically, the "Delivery Status" column in display field 151 shows the delivery status of the package, such as "Package Received" (=Package Collection Completed), "In Delivery," or "Delivered," while the "Date and Time" column shows the date and time the package reached that status. The "Center" column displays the name of the reception center or delivery center to which the worker who brought the package to the above delivery status belongs. As described above, this information is updated when the worker scans the one-dimensional code 71 or two-dimensional code 72 on the shipping label attached to the package using the application program on the information processing terminals 2-4. For example, in the example shown in Figure 8B, at 4:40 PM on November 24, 2023, a worker belonging to the Nagoya Delivery Center selected the "Delivery Complete" button 93 shown in Figure 5 using their portable information processing terminals 3 and 4, and scanned the one-dimensional code 71 or two-dimensional code 72 on the shipping label using the camera function, thereby updating the delivery completion information. In this way, shippers and recipients can obtain delivery information for their packages.

[0036] Furthermore, if a delivery person, such as a reception center or a worker at a delivery center, wants to obtain delivery information for a package, they use their own information processing terminals 2-4 to access the website for delivery persons, as shown in Figure 9, which is set up on the internet by the server 30. They then enter the search criteria for the package in the search setting form 160 and select the search button 160a. As a result, the search results display area 161 on the website displays information about packages that match the search criteria from the package information stored in the storage unit 33 of the server 30. If the delivery status confirmation button 161a on the right of the search results display area 161 is selected, the user is redirected to the website shown in Figure 8B, which pertains to the selected package. This allows the delivery person to view the package delivery information in the same way as the shipper or recipient.

[0037] In this embodiment, the system was described in which workers at the reception center and delivery center transmit information from information processing terminals 2-4 to update the delivery information of the packages stored in the storage unit 33 of the server 30 when collecting packages, when taking packages from the delivery sensor, and when delivery is completed. However, the timing of updating the delivery information of packages is not limited to this. For example, the system may update the delivery information when workers at the reception center take the packages, or it may update the delivery information more frequently than in this embodiment.

[0038] Next, we will describe the configuration and operation of the delivery management system 10 when multiple delivery drivers use it.

[0039] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of the delivery management system 10 when delivery person A and delivery person B, who is different from delivery person A, use the delivery management system 10. In Figure 10 and the following description, symbols ending in "A" indicate components used by delivery person A or the consignor who requested delivery of goods from delivery person A or the recipient of those goods, while symbols ending in "B" indicate components used by delivery person B or the consignor who requested delivery of goods from delivery person B or the recipient of those goods. For example, information processing terminal 3A refers to information processing terminal 3 installed at delivery person A's delivery center or carried by a worker at the said delivery center. Note that delivery person B (second delivery person), who is different from delivery person A (first delivery person), does not mean another person belonging to the same organization as delivery person A, but rather a delivery person from another company or organization or individual.

[0040] As shown in Figure 10, delivery companies A and B each have their own reception centers and delivery centers, and receive individual delivery requests from shippers. Therefore, delivery company A has information processing terminals 2A to 4A, shippers requesting delivery from delivery company A have information processing terminal 1A, and recipients of those packages have information processing terminals 5A and 6A. Similarly, delivery company B has information processing terminals 2B to 4B, shippers requesting delivery from delivery company B have information processing terminal 1B, and recipients of those packages have information processing terminals 6A and 6B.

[0041] Furthermore, the communication unit 31 and the work unit 32 (control means) in the server 30 for delivery person A and delivery person B are shared, while the storage unit 33 is provided separately for delivery person A and delivery person B. In other words, the storage unit 33A (first storage means) shown in Figure 10 is for use by delivery person A, and access from delivery person B's information processing terminals 2B to 4B is restricted. Similarly, the storage unit 33B (second storage means) is for use by delivery person B, and access from delivery person A's information processing terminals 2A to 4A is restricted. Access restrictions can be implemented, for example, by requiring a login ID and password to access storage units 33A and 33B. However, information can be sent and received between storage unit 33A and storage unit 33B via the system bus 34. A system administrator with administrator privileges for the delivery management system 10 can freely access both storage units 33A and 30B via the communication network N from an information processing terminal (not shown), such as a personal computer or smartphone, to read and write information.

[0042] As shown in Figure 11, instead of sharing server 30 between delivery persons A and B, the servers 30A and 30B of delivery persons A and B may be connected via a communication network N, enabling the transmission and reception of information between their storage units 33A and 33B. In this case, the control means consists of a work unit 32A (first control means) and a work unit 32B (second control means). Furthermore, the communication network N connecting servers 30A and 30B may use wired cables.

[0043] Next, we will explain how the delivery management system 10 works when a delivery partner agreement is concluded between delivery companies A and B. A delivery partner agreement, in this context, is an agreement that allows one of two different delivery companies, A and B, to request the other to deliver packages from a specified shipper to a specified area. Below, we will explain the operation of the delivery management system 10 assuming that delivery company A has concluded an agreement with delivery company B that allows delivery company A to request delivery of packages from company X, whose recipient address is within Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture.

[0044] First, once a delivery partner agreement is concluded, delivery partners A and B notify the system administrator of the details of the agreement via email or other means. Upon receiving the notification, the system administrator configures memory units 33A and 33B to share information about packages where the recipient's address is in Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture, and the consignor is Company X. As a result, the work unit 32 of server 30 identifies packages from the package information stored in memory unit 33A where the consignor's name or company name is Company X and the recipient's address is in Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture, and stores all information related to these identified packages, including consignor information, recipient information, delivery information, sorting information, and invoice number, in memory unit 33B as well. Similarly, the work unit 32 identifies packages from the package information stored in memory unit 33B where the consignor's name or company name is Company X and the recipient's address is in Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture, and stores all information related to these identified packages, including consignor information, recipient information, delivery information, sorting information, and invoice number, in memory unit 33A as well. Furthermore, if the information stored in either the memory unit 33A or memory unit 33B is updated, the work unit 32 will also store this updated information in the other memory units 33A and 33B. Note that the sharing of some information may be restricted to protect security and trade secrets.

[0045] In this embodiment, the work unit 32 of the server 30 identifies package information to be shared between the two storage units 33A and 33B by identifying the recipient's address using a JIS code or postal code, and by determining whether the consignor's name or company name text data matches. In other words, in this example, the work unit 32 of the server 30 shares package information between the storage units 33A and 33B of the server 30 for packages where the postal code and JIS code corresponding to the recipient's address correspond to the JIS code and postal code corresponding to Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture, and the consignor's name matches that of Company X. However, the method for identifying package information to be shared between the two storage units 33A and 33B is not limited to this, and other methods may be used to identify the shared package information, as long as at least regional information related to the area where the recipient will receive the package and consignor information such as the consignor's name and address are used.

[0046] Figure 12 is a flowchart showing the flow of sharing package information between memory units 33A and 33B. As shown in Figure 12, once a delivery partner agreement is concluded between delivery persons A and B, the work unit 32 of the server 30 stores the package information sharing conditions in memory units 33A and 33B according to the sharing settings made by the system administrator in accordance with the contract (S1). In this example, the work unit 32 stores the following conditions as sharing conditions in memory units 33A and 33B: "Package information where the postal code and JIS code corresponding to the recipient's address are the JIS code and postal code corresponding to Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture, and the name of the consignor matches X Corporation."

[0047] Next, when the consignor requests delivery of a package from the delivery person A via the information processing terminal 1, the work unit 32 stores the information received from the information processing terminal 1, the invoice number, etc., as package information in the storage unit 33A of the delivery person A (S2). In this example, it is assumed that the consignor, Company X, has requested delivery of a package to the delivery person A via the information processing terminal 1, for a recipient's address in Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture. Subsequently, the work unit 32 determines whether the package information stored in the storage unit 33A satisfies the shared conditions that were stored in the storage unit 33A in step S1 (S3).

[0048] Next, if the package information satisfies the sharing conditions, the work unit 32 shares the package information between the storage units 33A and 33B (S4). That is, the work unit 32 stores the package information stored in storage unit 33A in step S2 in storage unit 33B as well. In this example, the information of the above package requested by company X to delivery person A satisfies the sharing conditions, so the work unit 32 stores the package information in storage unit 33B as well.

[0049] Next, the work unit 32 refers to the memory units 33A and 33B and determines whether the shared package information has been updated (S5). If it determines that the package information has been updated, it shares the package information again between the memory units 33A and 33B (S6). For example, suppose a package is requested by delivery person A to delivery person B, the consignor is company X and the recipient's address is in Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture. When a worker at delivery person B's delivery center picks up the package, they activate the camera function using the pick-up button 92 shown in Figure 5 on the application program of the information processing terminal 3B and scan the two-dimensional code 72 on the shipping label. In this case, the delivery information for that package stored in the memory unit 33B of delivery person B's server 30 is updated. Then the work unit 32 stores the updated package information in the memory unit 33B in delivery person A's memory unit 33A as well. As a result, the delivery information for that package is updated not only in delivery person B's memory unit 33B but also in delivery person A's memory unit 33A. Subsequently, the work unit 32 refers to the delivery information of the package stored in the memory units 33A and 33B and determines whether or not the delivery of the package has been completed (S7). Then, steps S5 to S7 are repeatedly executed until the delivery of the package is completed.

[0050] This system configuration allows delivery person A to freely obtain information about packages entrusted to delivery person B at any time. Specifically, delivery person A can use information processing terminals 2A to 4A to set search conditions in the search setting form 160 on the website shown in Figure 9 so that the package can be found, and the package's information will be displayed in the search results display area 161 on the website, allowing delivery information to be viewed. Therefore, delivery person A can easily obtain the delivery status of packages entrusted to delivery person B.

[0051] Furthermore, the consignor who requested the delivery of the package and the recipient of the package can obtain the delivery information of the package as follows. Specifically, the consignor and recipient use their information processing terminals 1, 5, and 6 to enter the invoice number into the input field 150 on the website of delivery person A shown in Figure 8A and select the search icon 150a. This sends the invoice number information and a request for delivery information to the server 30. Upon receiving this, the work unit 32 of the server 30 displays the delivery information of the package associated with the invoice number from the information stored in the storage unit 33A in the display field 151, as shown in Figure 8B. In this way, the consignor and the recipient of the package can freely obtain information about packages that have been requested to be delivered by the consignor to delivery person A and by delivery person A to delivery person B.

[0052] As described above, with the delivery management system 10 of this embodiment, when a delivery person who has been requested by a shipper to deliver a package requests delivery of the package to another delivery person, the requester, shipper, and recipient can easily obtain information about the package's delivery. In particular, by making it a condition for sharing package information that the recipient's address is within a predetermined area, delivery persons can more easily accept delivery requests for packages whose destination is outside their delivery service area and then request delivery of the accepted package to another delivery person who is capable of delivering to that destination. In other words, it becomes possible to easily cooperate with other delivery persons through the platform of the delivery management system 10. As a result, delivery persons who do not have a large-scale logistics network can reduce customer loss. In addition, shippers can request delivery of packages to various destinations from a single delivery person without having to request delivery from multiple delivery persons, thus reducing the effort required for shippers to make delivery requests.

[0053] Furthermore, if there are duplicate sorting codes among the sorting codes set by delivery persons A and B, where the first two digits associated with the delivery center are the same, it could lead to confusion as the sorting destinations of collected packages will be duplicated. Therefore, it is desirable for delivery persons A and B to adjust their sorting codes so that the first two digits do not overlap, and to change the sorting code lists stored in memory units 33A and 33B accordingly. In addition, as mentioned above, shipping label numbers are issued to avoid duplication for each package requested for delivery, and the first three digits are individually assigned to each delivery person, so that unique numbers are always issued without the need for adjustments between delivery persons A and B.

[0054] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the condition for sharing package information between the storage units 33A and 33B of delivery persons A and B is that information regarding the consignor and information regarding the area where the recipient will receive the package match. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and other sharing conditions may be used. That is, for example, the system may be configured to share package information between the storage units 33A and 33B of delivery persons A and B using only information regarding the area where the recipient will receive the package as the sharing condition, without specifying information regarding the consignor. Also, if it is considered more convenient to request delivery person B to deliver all packages from a certain consignor who has requested delivery from delivery person A, regardless of the delivery area, the system may be configured to share package information between the storage units 33A and 33B of delivery persons A and B using only information regarding the consignor as the sharing condition. Moreover, the matching of other information may also be used as a condition for sharing packages. However, if the sharing conditions are made too loose, package information stored in delivery person B's storage unit 33B, where delivery requests have not been made from delivery person A to delivery person B, may be easily disclosed to delivery person A, leading to the leakage of trade secrets such as customer information. Therefore, it is preferable to set sharing conditions that allow for smooth delivery requests between delivery persons A and B, while protecting their trade secrets as much as possible.

[0055] Furthermore, in this embodiment, in steps S3 to S6 shown in Figure 12, the work unit 32 has been configured to share package information stored in the storage unit 33A or storage unit 33B between the storage units 33A and 33B when the package information stored in the storage unit 33A or storage unit 33B satisfies the sharing conditions or when package information that satisfies the sharing conditions is updated. However, the present invention is not limited to this. That is, in steps S3 to S6 shown in Figure 12, the work unit 32 may be configured to transmit the package information stored in the storage unit 33A to the information processing terminals 2B to 4B in response to a request from the information processing terminals 2B to 4B of the delivery person B when the package information stored in the storage unit 33A satisfies the sharing conditions or when package information that satisfies the sharing conditions is updated. Similarly, in steps S3 to S6 shown in Figure 12, the work unit 32 may be configured to transmit the package information stored in the storage unit 33B to the information processing terminals 2A to 4A in response to a request from the information processing terminals 2A to 4A of the delivery person A when the package information stored in the storage unit 33B satisfies the sharing conditions or when package information that satisfies the sharing conditions is updated. The same effect as described above can be obtained with this configuration as well.

[0056] Furthermore, although this embodiment describes an example in which two delivery persons A and B enter into a delivery partner agreement and share package information between them in the delivery management system 10, the present invention is not limited to this. That is, a delivery person C, who is different from delivery persons A and B, may enter into a delivery partner agreement with delivery persons A and B and share package information in the delivery management system 10. As the number of delivery persons who enter into such delivery partner agreements increases, the area in which packages can be delivered when a shipper requests a package from a single delivery person expands, and the delivery management system 10 becomes more effectively utilized. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0057] 10…Delivery management system, 32…Work unit (control means), 32A…Work unit (first control means), 32B…Work unit (second control means), 33A…Storage unit (first storage means), 33B…Storage unit (second storage means), A…Delivery person (first delivery person), B…Delivery person (second delivery person)

Claims

1. A delivery management system for managing the delivery of packages, The first information processing terminal owned by the first delivery person who delivers goods at the request of the consignor, A first storage means for storing information about packages transmitted from the first information processing terminal via a communication network, A second information processing terminal owned by a second delivery person, who is different from the first delivery person, and who delivers packages, A second storage means for storing information about packages transmitted from the second information processing terminal via the communication network, the second storage means configured to enable sending and receiving information with the first storage means, Control means for controlling the first storage means and the second storage means, which is capable of transmitting information about a package, including package delivery information stored in the first storage means, to the first information processing terminal via the communication network in response to a request from the first information processing terminal, and is capable of transmitting information about a package, including package delivery information stored in the second storage means, to the second information processing terminal via the communication network in response to a request from the second information processing terminal, Includes, The delivery management system is characterized in that the control means causes the first storage means or the second storage means to share information about packages that satisfy predetermined sharing conditions, which are stored in the first storage means or the second storage means.

2. The delivery management system according to claim 1, characterized in that the information relating to a package that satisfies the predetermined sharing conditions is information relating to a package whose recipient's address is within a predetermined area.

3. The delivery management system according to claim 2, characterized in that the control means determines whether the address of the recipient of the package is within a predetermined area based on at least one of a JIS code or a postal code.

4. The delivery management system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the information relating to a package that satisfies the predetermined sharing conditions is information relating to a package whose shipper's name or designation is a predetermined name or designation.

5. The delivery management system according to claim 4, characterized in that the control means determines whether the name or designation of the consignor matches a predetermined name or designation based on text data.

6. The delivery management system according to claim 1, characterized in that the control means includes a first control means capable of transmitting information relating to packages stored in the first storage means to the first information processing terminal via the communication network in response to a request from the first information processing terminal, and a second control means configured to transmit and receive information between the first control means and the communication network, and capable of transmitting information relating to packages stored in the second storage means to the second information processing terminal via the communication network in response to a request from the second information processing terminal.

7. A delivery management system for managing the delivery of packages, The first information processing terminal owned by the first delivery person who delivers goods at the request of the consignor, A first storage means for storing information about packages transmitted from the first information processing terminal via a communication network, A second information processing terminal owned by a second delivery person, who is different from the first delivery person, and who delivers packages, A second storage means for storing information about packages transmitted from the second information processing terminal via the communication network, Control means for controlling the first storage means and the second storage means, which is capable of transmitting information about a package, including package delivery information stored in the first storage means, to the first information processing terminal via the communication network in response to a request from the first information processing terminal, and is capable of transmitting information about a package, including package delivery information stored in the second storage means, to the second information processing terminal via the communication network in response to a request from the second information processing terminal, Includes, The delivery management system is characterized in that the control means transmits to the first information processing terminal, in response to a request from the first information processing terminal, information about packages that satisfy predetermined sharing conditions, which is stored in the second storage means.

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